Services

First-Time Buyers.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s completely normal not to know where to start.

Serving Taunton · Wellington · Bridgwater · Ilminster · Yeovil & across Somerset

★★★★★
Rated 5 stars on Google

How much can you borrow? What deposit do you need? What does the whole process actually look like from start to finish? These are questions we hear every day, and answering them clearly and honestly is exactly what we’re here for.

We work with first-time buyers across Somerset — from Taunton and Wellington to Bridgwater, Ilminster, and Yeovil — guiding you through every stage of the mortgage process, from your initial consultation and mortgage in principle right through to completion. We’ll search the whole of the market to find the right deal for your circumstances, explain everything in plain English, and be on hand throughout so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.

Getting on the property ladder can feel like a long road, but with the right advice and the right mortgage, it’s more achievable than you might think. Whether you’re ready to start viewing properties or just beginning to explore your options, we’re happy to have a conversation with no pressure and no obligation.

How it works

Our Process

Five straightforward steps, from your first phone call through to completion — and beyond.

yyi

Step 01

Get in Touch

Contact us by phone, email, or by booking online through our Calendly link. We aim to respond to every new enquiry within 24 hours and will arrange an initial consultation at a time that suits you — online or face to face.

Step 02

Initial Consultation

This is where we get to know your situation. We'll ask about your income, outgoings, deposit, credit history, and what you're looking to achieve. There's no pressure and no jargon — just an open conversation so we can understand exactly what you need.

Step 03

Your Personal Recommendation

We research the whole market to identify the most suitable option for you based on everything discussed. We'll present this as a clear, formal recommendation — explaining your options in plain English so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Step 04

Application & Approval

Once you're happy to proceed, we submit your application to the lender on your behalf and manage the process from there. We'll keep you updated at every stage and deal with any queries from the lender directly, so you don't have to.

Step 05

Completion & Beyond

Once your mortgage completes, we don't disappear. We'll check in with you and remain your point of contact for any mortgage or property-related questions long after the process is done.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we hear most from buy-to-let landlords. Tap any question to read the answer — and get in touch if yours isn’t here.

How much can I borrow?

Most lenders will offer between 4 and 5 times your annual income, though this varies depending on your circumstances. Factors like your deposit size, credit history, and monthly outgoings all play a part. The best way to get an accurate figure is to speak with us — we can give you a clear picture before you start viewing properties.

How much deposit do I need?

There are now some lenders who offer 0% deposit schemes, though these are limited. Typically, the minimum deposit is 5% of the property’s value, and having 10% or more will give you access to better rates. The larger your deposit, the lower your monthly repayments are likely to be. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic based on your savings and what options are available to you.

What is a mortgage in principle and do I need one before viewing properties?

A mortgage in principle (also called an agreement in principle) is a document from a lender confirming they would be willing to lend you a certain amount, subject to a full application. Most estate agents will ask to see one before accepting an offer, so it’s worth getting one early. We can arrange this for you quickly as part of our initial consultation.

I've never had a credit card — will that count against me?

Not necessarily, but having little or no credit history can make it harder for lenders to assess you. Some lenders are more flexible than others in this area, and we know which ones are best placed to consider applicants with a thin credit file. It’s worth discussing your situation with us before assuming it’ll be a problem.

What's the difference between a fixed and variable rate mortgage?

A fixed rate mortgage locks your interest rate in for a set period — usually 2, 3, or 5 years — so your monthly payments stay the same regardless of what happens to interest rates. A variable rate can go up or down in line with the market, which means your payments could change. Fixed rates offer certainty; variable rates can offer savings if rates fall. We’ll help you weigh up which makes more sense for your situation.

Get started

Ready to take the first step?

Getting in touch is simple. Book a free consultation at a time that suits you, and one of our advisers will be with you from that first conversation all the way through to completion. No jargon, no pressure — just straightforward advice from people who genuinely want to help.

Call
01823 746146

Email
hello@jsc-financial.co.uk