He wanted to fill a gap in the market and work directly for the buyer
In a career spanning over a decade within the property sector, David Sharp (pictured) has meticulously navigated his way from a junior negotiator to managing multiple estate agency branches.
His extensive experience in second-hand sales, new home sales, and distressed sales highlighted a significant market gap: the lack of dedicated support for buyers. Identifying this, Sharp pivoted towards mortgage advising, aiming to champion the buyer’s cause.
“I felt there was a huge gap in the market to provide the buyer with the best support, as agents typically work for the seller,” Sharp said. “It made sense to become a mortgage advisor and work directly for the buyer.
“I always had an interest in mortgages, and since my brother was working in this industry at the time, being one of the trainers for a large corporate, I felt there was no better time to get into it!”
This familial connection, combined with his own passion, propelled him to pursue the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) independently. Overcoming the hurdles of a challenging academic past, Sharp’s journey from scepticism to certification underscored his determination and resilience.
Upon obtaining his CeMAP qualification, he embarked on his mortgage career with a local brokerage specialising in complex income and adverse credit scenarios. His role in this brokerage, Sharp shared, not only sharpened his skills but also laid a robust foundation for his future endeavours in the industry.
As his expertise grew, so did his ambitions. Sharp sought out opportunities that allowed him to merge his mortgage advisory role with the flexibility of remote work, while furthering his education in financial advice and equity release. This pursuit led him to Furnley House, a firm he came to love for its holistic approach to financial planning and commitment to employee development.
“In 2023, I joined Furnley House with the intention of expanding my advice profile to offer full holistic financial advice, spanning more than just mortgages,” Sharp said. “I wanted to be in a position to provide the best of both worlds when looking at somebody’s financial wellbeing and planning, encompassing the mortgage - which is typically their biggest debt - versus their investments and how best to approach each.
“One of the reasons I chose Furnley House was their commitment to supporting staff with their personal and professional development. This commitment is evident in their independent financial adviser (IFA) programme, which allows me to learn while I earn and develop competencies as an IFA while maintaining the earning capacity as a mortgage adviser - something not offered elsewhere.”
Furnley House’s ethos of personal and professional development resonated with Sharp, particularly its support for staff undertakings, such as his ambitious 12-month challenge comprising various physical feats. This initiative, coupled with the firm’s provision of passion days, exemplifies the unparalleled commitment to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented culture.
“I believe their commitment to personal improvement cannot be matched by other firms, as the culture is truly bred from the top,” he said.
Specialising in assisting business owners and investors, Sharp has also carved a niche for himself at Furnley House.
“Although I offer advice across the whole mortgage market, my specialisation in the mortgage world is dealing with business owners and investors looking for somebody who ‘thinks outside the box’ for longer-term planning,” stated Sharp, whose journey in the mortgage industry illustrates a relentless pursuit of learning and a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of buyers navigating the complex mortgage landscape.
Are you a mortgage broker who also has a story to tell? Email the author and you might get your story featured here too.
