Who’s Who When Buying a Home?

Buying a home can feel like a bit of a maze – and it’s not always obvious who does what. From estate agents to solicitors, mortgage brokers to surveyors, there are quite a few people involved. At J Finance, we make sure you know exactly who’s on your team and what role they play.

Here’s a quick guide to who’s who in the homebuying process.

1. Mortgage Broker

That’s us! A mortgage broker (like J Finance) works with you to understand your goals and find the right mortgage deal for your situation. We search the market, handle the application process, explain everything in plain English, and help you make confident decisions. We’re with you from the first chat to completion.

🧠 We’re your go-to for advice, problem-solving and planning ahead.

2. Estate Agent

The estate agent is usually working on behalf of the seller, not you – even if they’re the ones showing you around the property. Their job is to market the home and get the best possible price for their client.

💡 Top tip: Stay friendly but remember they’re not your adviser – they’re acting in the seller’s interest.

3. Solicitor or Conveyancer

You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal side of the purchase – from reviewing contracts to conducting property searches and arranging the transfer of funds on completion day. They’ll also liaise with the seller’s solicitor throughout the process.

📄 They handle the legal nuts and bolts, so your new home is legally yours.

4. Lender

This is the bank or building society that provides your mortgage. Once approved, they lend you the funds to complete your purchase, and you’ll repay them over time (with interest).

💷 We work with your lender on your behalf to get everything moving smoothly.

5. Surveyor

A surveyor checks the property’s condition and value. Depending on the type of survey you choose (from basic valuation to full structural report), they’ll flag any issues that might need fixing or negotiating before you commit to the purchase.

🏚️ Their report helps you avoid buying a home with hidden problems.

6. Insurance Provider

You’ll need buildings insurance in place from the day you exchange contracts – and we can help you with that. If you’re taking out a mortgage, it’s usually a lender requirement.

🛡️ We also recommend thinking about life cover, income protection or critical illness insurance – so if anything happens to you, your mortgage is still covered.

7. You!

You’re the one making the decisions, asking the questions, and (eventually) holding the keys. It’s your journey – and we’re here to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible.

How J Finance fits in

We act as your guide throughout the process. We don’t just arrange your mortgage – we coordinate with all the other parties, chase what needs chasing, explain what’s going on, and make sure you’re always one step ahead.

Ready to start your homebuying journey?

Let’s chat. At J Finance, we’ll help you make sense of it all – with expert advice, regular updates, and support from first viewing to moving day.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.