| Financial
Services Authority
The
FSA are there to make sure that you
are fully informed and adequately protected when taking out a mortgage.
All lenders and intermediaries registered with the FSA
keep to the guidelines and standards set out. The FSA
ensures compliance through an ongoing programme of inspection and
compliance liaison visits. In addition "mystery shopping"
and consumer research exercises are regularly conducted.
The
FSA is a non-statutory regulator. Its
role is to regulate the supply and provision of mortgage advice
in the UK by ensuring registered firms under the FSA
adhere to the strict standards set out. The Financial Services Authority
also regulates the advertising of UK mortgages.
The
Department of Trade and Industry had created a checklist of key
questions that it is suggested customers should ask when looking
to take out a mortgage.
- How
much can I afford to borrow?
- How
can I tell which mortgage rate is best for me?
- What
is the best type of mortgage for me?
- How
should I repay it?
- Can
I make lump sum payments to reduce the size of loan?
- Are
there any redemption penalties
- Is
compulsory insurance required?
- What
are the other charges that will apply when taking out a mortgage
account?
- What
happens if I can't pay?
The
basis on which the mortgage is calculated should also be known.
For
more information visit FSA
website
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