Director shares his thoughts
In navigating the dynamic landscape of the mortgage industry in 2024, lenders are tasked with staying ahead of the curve and adapting to evolving market trends.
To remain competitive and effectively meet the needs of borrowers and brokers alike, mortgage lenders must embrace innovation, flexibility, and a customer-centric approach.
So, what strategies should mortgage lenders prioritise in the year ahead? Mortgage Introducer reached out to the director of a brokerage for their view.
How can lenders better support brokers?
Extended product update periods
Akhil Mair (pictured), director at Our Mortgage Broker, said in recognising the pivotal role of mortgage brokers in guiding borrowers through the complex array of products and options available, lenders should consider extending the duration between product updates.
“By allowing more time for brokers to familiarise themselves with product offerings and advise clients effectively, lenders can enhance the quality of service and foster stronger relationships with broker partners,” he said.
Broker feedback mechanisms
Effective communication and collaboration between lenders and brokers, Mair said, are essential for understanding borrower preferences and market dynamics.
“Lenders should establish robust feedback mechanisms that enable brokers to share valuable insights and feedback regarding borrower preferences, market trends, and the effectiveness of existing products and processes,” he said.
This collaborative approach, Mair added, not only enhances transparency and communication, but also enables lenders to tailor their offerings to better meet the needs of borrowers and brokers alike.
Streamlined documentation
Simplifying and digitising documentation processes, Mair said, can significantly streamline the mortgage application process, saving time for both borrowers and lenders.
By leveraging technology and automation solutions, he said lenders can reduce administrative burdens, minimise errors, and expedite the processing of mortgage applications.
“This enhanced efficiency not only improves the borrower experience, but also increases operational efficiency and reduces costs for lenders,” Mair said.
Flexible underwriting criteria
In today’s diverse and dynamic housing market, Mair said borrowers come from varied backgrounds and financial circumstances.
As such, he believes lenders should adopt flexible underwriting criteria that accommodates the unique needs and profiles of different borrower segments.
“By offering tailored solutions and personalised underwriting approaches, lenders can better serve a broader range of borrowers and enhance inclusivity and accessibility in mortgage lending,” Mair said.
Enhanced training
Comprehensive training and professional development programs, Mair said, are essential for empowering brokers to navigate complex scenarios and provide expert guidance to borrowers.
“Lenders should invest in robust training resources that cover a wide range of topics, including product knowledge, regulatory compliance, risk management, and customer service skills,” he said.
By equipping brokers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, Mair added that lenders can foster a culture of excellence and drive positive outcomes for borrowers and lenders alike.
Proactive market insights
Providing brokers with timely market analysis, trends, and forecasting, he said, can empower them to make informed decisions and better serve their clients.
“Lenders should proactively share market insights and data-driven analysis to help brokers anticipate market shifts, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks,” Mair said.
By acting as a trusted partner and resource, he believes that lenders can strengthen their relationships with brokers and position themselves as industry leaders in providing valuable market intelligence.
Innovative technology solutions
“Investing in advanced technology solutions is essential for modernising processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving the overall broker experience,” Mair said.
From digital mortgage platforms and automated underwriting systems, to artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, he said, lenders should leverage innovative technologies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver a seamless and intuitive user experience for brokers and borrowers alike.
“By embracing technology-driven solutions, lenders can position themselves at the forefront of innovation and differentiate themselves in a competitive market landscape,” Mair added.
In summary, by prioritising these seven key strategies, Mair believes mortgage lenders can adapt to changing market dynamics, strengthen relationships with brokers, and deliver superior experiences for borrowers.
“Embracing innovation, flexibility, and collaboration will be essential for success in the rapidly evolving mortgage industry landscape of 2024 and beyond,” he said.
Akhil Mair was awarded as the Best Mortgage Brokers in the UK. Read the full winners here.
How best do you believe mortgage lenders can support brokers? Let us know in the comment section below.
