Buying

Who To Trust When Buying a House?

Estate agents work for the seller, banks protect their own profits, and that leaves buyers without anyone truly on their side. A mortgage broker is the only one focused on your best interests, helping you navigate offers, avoid conflicts of interest, and keep the process moving. If you are buying a home, especially as a first-time buyer, having an expert in your corner makes the difference between overpaying and buying with confidence.

Will Sharman

Aug 26, 2025

Who Do You Trust When Buying a House?

Buying a home is likely the biggest financial step you will ever take. When you are stepping into the property market, it is easy to assume everyone you meet is there to help you. The truth is that some people are not working in your best interest.

So who is really in your corner when you are buying a house?

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The Estate Agent: Not On Your Side

Estate agents might seem friendly, but it is vital to remember who pays their bills, the seller. Their role is to secure the best price and terms for the seller, not for you as the buyer.

That means:

  • They will negotiate hard for the seller.
  • They may push you towards their “in-house” mortgage broker, solicitor, or insurance.
  • Those extras create conflicts of interest because the agent benefits from them.

Put simply, estate agents do not work for you. They work for the person selling the home.

“Estate agents and banks both have their own interests at heart. A mortgage broker is the only one paid to stand in your corner.” – Will Sharman

The Bank: Protecting Their Own Interests

Banks lend you the money, but they are looking after themselves first. Their job is to make sure the loan is profitable and secure, not to give you the best deal.

That is why relying only on your bank can be limiting. You may miss out on better rates, different terms, or specialist mortgages that suit your situation. This is where an independent mortgage broker makes a difference.

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Mortgage Brokers: Different Levels of Support

Not all mortgage brokers are equal. Some only arrange the mortgage and leave you to figure out the rest. Others, like us at Mortgage Brokers Near Me, take a bigger role and guide you through the whole buying process.

That means we do not just recommend a loan. We:

  • Help you deal with estate agents.
  • Keep solicitors moving when paperwork drags.
  • Spot problems before they delay your purchase.
  • Make sure you do not fall for estate agents’ in-house offers.

Why This Matters Most for First-Time Buyers

If you are a first-time buyer, the process can be overwhelming. You might not know who to trust, what a fair mortgage looks like, or how long each step should take. This is when buyers often lean too heavily on estate agents or banks, without realising those sides are not working for them.

We recently helped a young couple in Guildford who were first-time buyers. The estate agent tried to pressure them into using their in-house broker. That broker offered a rate that looked fine on paper but would have cost them around £150 more per month. By working with us, they secured a mortgage from a different lender, saving thousands over the term of the loan.

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Why You Need Someone in Your Corner

Buying a house often feels like a fight. Estate agents fight for the seller’s price. Banks fight for their profits. Who fights for you?

Think of us as your “corner man” in a boxing match. We are there to give you honest advice, calm the nerves, and guide your decisions. From deposit checks to mortgage approvals to making sure searches do not drag on, our loyalty is always to you, not the seller.

The Bottom Line

Do not make the mistake of thinking the estate agent is on your side. They are not. If you want someone truly committed to protecting your interests, work with a mortgage broker who sees the bigger picture and stands in your corner every step of the way.

At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we have helped hundreds of buyers avoid estate agent traps, keep their purchase on track, and secure the right mortgage for their future.

👉 Before you make an offer, speak to us today. We will show you what you can really afford, protect you from estate agent tactics, and make sure you buy with confidence.

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“Buying a house is not just about finding the right property, it is about having the right support so you do not overpay or get misled.” – Will Sharman

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a House

How long does it take to buy a house?
On average, buying a house in the UK takes between 12 and 16 weeks from offer to completion. Delays often come from legal checks, mortgage approvals, or chains. Working with a proactive broker and solicitor can help speed this up.

How to buy a house?
The steps are:

  1. Work out your budget and deposit.
  2. Get a mortgage agreement in principle.
  3. Find a property and make an offer.
  4. Arrange a survey and start conveyancing searches.
  5. Secure your mortgage offer.
  6. Exchange contracts.
  7. Complete and collect the keys.

A broker helps at every stage to keep things moving.

How long do searches take when buying a house?
Local authority searches usually take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the council. In busy areas, they can take longer. Chasing solicitors and staying on top of paperwork avoids unnecessary delays.

How to calculate buying someone out of a house UK?
To buy someone out, start with the current property value. Subtract the outstanding mortgage, then divide the equity by two if ownership is split equally. You would pay your partner’s share and take on the remaining mortgage. A broker can help check affordability and secure the right deal.

Can you buy a house from a housing association?
Yes. Many housing associations sell homes under shared ownership schemes or through Right to Buy or Right to Acquire. You will need to meet eligibility rules and secure a mortgage for your share.

What is the process of buying a house?
The process starts with saving a deposit and getting a mortgage in principle. Then you make an offer, go through conveyancing checks and searches, secure a mortgage offer, exchange contracts, and finally complete. The process involves several parties, which is why having someone in your corner makes a huge difference.

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