This is an area of advice that has significant impact on potential clients and their families, with emotions playing a significant part in the decisions being made, therefore it is essential that applicants and those considering using Equity Release do so from a position of real knowledge and with the benefit of excellent, impartial advice. This advice is best sought from advisers who are totally independent of the lenders, who have significant experience on the subject and adhere to the highest standards.
The Alliance has been set up to provide a body of advisers that all have the same aims and ideals – to provide the level of quality and service that the subject demands and to ensure that, when in doubt, both clients and their other professional advisers know where to turn to for the highest standards of advice. All IERAA advisers will work to an agreed code of conduct and offer a common charging structure to ensure reasonable fees.
There are plenty of advisers who have passed the relevant qualification to be able to advise on Equity Release, but many of them choose not to. This Alliance aims to bring together those advisers who can demonstrate they are able to provide Equity Release advice at the highest level. IERAA will create an online directory listing so that members of the public, consumer and charity groups, as well as legal professionals are able to choose an experienced adviser in their area.
This will also enable other advisers, who would rather not provide advice in this area, to source and recommend a suitable local adviser.
There has long been a need to promote and publicise the tremendous dedication and quality of Equity Release advice that is given by many advisers. Demographics dictate that Equity Release will need to be at least considered by many people in retirement, and as a specialist area it has become increasingly important to draw to the public’s attention, which advisers have experience in this area.
Independent advisers are uniquely placed to be able to assess the suitability of Equity Release before discussing a suitable product with a client.
A Press Launch of the Alliance will take place on Tuesday 7th July 2009, at the Walton Park Hotel, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7BL. This will run from 9.30am to 1pm with a buffet lunch with a buffet lunch provided. In addition to members of the press, there will also be Equity Release providers, representatives of consumer groups, and Andrea Rozario, Director General of S.H.I.P. (Safe Home Income Plans), in attendance.
Anyone wishing to attend should contact Dennis Perry on 07963 476417 or [email protected]
