Switching to a First Direct SmartMortgage (First Direct)

Member Name: kjprice

Product:	First Direct
Date:	04/06/02 (362 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Straightforward, Efficient, Competitive

Disadvantages: None

I have recently switched to a First Direct SmartMortgage in order to escape from the rather punitive interest rates of another mortgage provider. First Direct were the first place I looked. I have banked with them for many years and they have been consistently helpful and reliable. I wanted one of the new style mortgages which are linked with a current account and/or savings account in order to reduce the amount of interest payable. This is exactly what SmartMortgage is. The interest rate is a low 4.75% and I effectively receive this on my savings and on any money lying around is my bank account too. The rate is linked to the Bank of England's base rate so you now that it's not going to suddenly become uncompetitive. Interest is also charged on a daily basis which means that you can make additional payments at any time and reap the benefits immediately.

First Direct carried out the remortgage smoothly and efficiently, as I would expect. They dealt with everything themselves. I did not need a solicitor and I did not need to deal with my previous mortgage provider even to inform them that I was leaving them. The new mortgage actually went through before I had received written confirmation of the completion date. The first i knew of it was when I checked my bank statements online and found that SmartMortgage was up and running. Written confirmation came a couple of days later. I was impressed with the service. There was no 'hard sell' just good advice and the usual clear written product information. There was a £195 application fee to pay but this I felt this was a small price to pay for peace of mind.

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