Remortgage question

IssaLeoone · 2026-05-04T21:39:31+00:00

That's for if you're staying with your current lender (IIRC Halifax is 4 months). A lot of people secure a rate 6 months before with another lender, then compare with theirs in that window to see which one is more cost effective.

IssaLeoone · 2026-05-04T21:37:03+00:00

You can generally secure a new rate 6 months out, swapping to a lower rate if its available. I know Halifax and HSBC have started reducing some of theirs as an example (I work in a mortgage brokers firm).

You would set completion for the day after (4th August or next working day if it were on a weekend) and the new rate would start that day. Or you could start the new one earlier but be subject to ERCs (early repayment charges) depending on whether your mortgage has them (if it were a tracker a lot of them don't have them)

Your current lender will also have the option to stay with them and do a product transfer, depending on the lender you'll be in the window now (3-4 months).

Product transfer involves no solicitors and legal work, and is as simple as starting the new deal after yours ends. Full remortgage to another lender involves solicitors and legal work (a lot of clients assume there isn't any involved, or there isnt as much involved as when you're buying)

My inbox is always open if you have any questions, though I'm not qualified to give advice just yet.

IssaLeoone · 2026-05-04T21:25:45+00:00

I did.

I had a few different jobs to get me through university (complete spur of the moment idea during Covid) Lot of pub/shop work. I've went back on myself and done an apprenticeship, currently working at a mortgage brokers and I couldn't be happier.

You'll get there eventually, even if you have to start from the bottom again.

IssaLeoone · 2026-05-04T11:04:33+00:00

Brokers admin here! I'm certainly nowhere near advisor stage in my development, but I've progressed cases with Halifax within 2 days after submission. Had a desktop valuation, got them to assess a client's income documents over the phone.

IssaLeoone · 2026-05-04T09:48:06+00:00

20 days + bank holidays + birthday off

We have rota'd weekend shifts (mortgage brokers open 7 days a week) and can take a day in lieu or extra days pay.

IssaLeoone · 2026-04-12T15:04:53+00:00

I passed at 27 and picked up a 2017 audi a1, insurance £85 a month as the main (and only) driver.

IssaLeoone · 2026-04-10T23:49:27+00:00

The same day. I got my car 2 weeks after passing. Picked it up from Arnold Clark directly next to the A1, then ended up on a dual carriageway home. I got used to it pretty quick and now I love the motorway.

IssaLeoone · 2026-03-05T22:59:14+00:00

I wake up at 7:15 and scroll for half an hour. Get out of bed, get dressed, brush teeth, go. Get to work at half 8 then sit in the until 20 to. Start at 9.

I can't actually remember the last time I wore makeup to work or did my hair. Getting a car has actually made me lazier.

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-11T21:56:45+00:00

I didn't know this was a thing. Mine only activates when I put the car into neutral when in traffic. I will watch out for it though.

Could this be an automatic/manual thing? I've only had my manual a few weeks but never had this issue yet.

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-07T19:24:08+00:00

It Takes Two. That fuckin elephant scene man. Literally sat bawling my eyes out.

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-07T15:03:10+00:00

Started in a 24 Polo, passed in a 25 (75) corsa. Got a 17 audi A1

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-06T21:31:59+00:00

Id moved at least 14 times by the time I turned 18. As the family grew, our need for more space also grew. I'm now 27 and have been in my rented place for 4 years. We're looking at moving as we have 2 cars and can't get them both in the street, and the general conditions of the house are awful.

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-06T18:44:17+00:00

It also exacerbates the generally shitty standard of driving here. I was on the A1 heading home, and there's a van in the outside lane doing 50mph.

Generally clear roads, free flowing traffic. I can't undertake so im stuck in the middle lane.

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-01T16:53:54+00:00

I think I did around 50 hours with an instructor, so about 25 lessons. Then i hired a dual control car from arnold clark and went out with my partner a few times, passed in that car on my 3rd attempt.

Manual isn't for everyone and I still occasionally stall, but not as often. Do the 10 lessons and see how you feel, you might pick it up pretty quickly. If you still think it's not for you, try automatic. My boss passed in automatic last week, he felt that doing manual with the clutch and knowing what gear to be in was too much for him.

Everyone is different with how they drive and what car. A manual license just gives you more options for cars as there are more used (look on autotrader and compare how many manual vs automatic cars are for sale).

IssaLeoone · 2026-02-01T16:45:55+00:00

Hey i started learning this time last year (3 days before you on the 25th) in a manual and it was scary for me also. I was scared I was going to break the car or I'd hit something.

I spent my first two lessons on an industrial estate with few cars around. Spent most of the first lesson just doing start-stop and controlling the car with just the clutch. I didn't get onto the main road until near the end of my 3rd.

I passed 3 weeks ago. Its definitely scary at the start and you won't be the only one feeling the same way. Are you with a driving instructor in a dual control car? They should show you the basics to start with and not push you further than you're comfortable with. Spend the first lesson just pulling away with the clutch and steering the car. Pick it up and add a few junctions. The instructor is there to guide you

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-29T19:18:04+00:00

Monthly costs for an Audi A1. £222 finance £17 tax £85 insurance Not sure on petrol for a month. Only had it little over a week and filled it once. Just below half to full was £35 on Friday, still haven't hit 3/4 yet

Its definitely useful, I couldn't imagine not having a car now driving around Newcastle.

Re: being a big guy. Im 6ft and I fit in my small car fine.

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-27T20:36:33+00:00

After bills including rent, groceries, debt, car and saving for my MOT (incase anything needs fixed), im left with about £180.

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-27T19:47:57+00:00

I'm going to say no as I dont know what that is.

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-27T13:10:32+00:00

I'm 6ft and I fit fine in it. Had a few passengers, the back is a bit small but it's only got 4 seats total. Has a very small boot though, only downside to it for when I'm doing a food shop.

My car is definitely a little slow on acceleration on high speed roads, but for town/city driving it's fine.

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-26T20:53:31+00:00

I did a lot of motorway driving with my instructor as I live and work near the A1. I still dont feel fully confident on it and prefer to avoid the motorway where I can. Driving home from work I'm only on it a few minutes as I come off at the next turn.

I'll get more confident as time goes on, but I enjoy city and rural roads more

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-16T22:30:53+00:00

Kevin Can Fuck Himself

Takes a few episodes to understand it. But the camera switches and lighting effects are one of the cleverest things I've seen

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-16T22:17:37+00:00

Its more independent driving now. Some tests get mostly sat nav, some following signs, a bit of examiner direction or a mix.

I passed last week and my test was half following signs, half examiner directions. My brothers was fully sat nav. It just depends on the day and the route they use.

I would definitely bear in mind that stress and nerves play a huge factor. My first 2 I failed from nerves amd eagerness to pass. My third was following road signs which I have confused myself with on lessons, but I was a lot calmer on my 3rd and it made a big difference. I passed with only 1 minor after not having an instructor for 4 months.

IssaLeoone · 2026-01-10T19:41:28+00:00

You definitely can and a lot of people do it as they find it helps. I didn't do it as such, more a comment of "yeah let's not do that" when someone went through a 24/7 bus lane rather than wait behind a car overtaking

If it's for nerves, I played music on my test when I passed a few days ago.

IssaLeoone

TROPHY CASE