YOUR HOME / PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE.
How we work?
Here’s how the process works when you’re supported by Riverside Mortgage Advice — clear, straightforward, and at your pace.
1
Speak to an Adviser
Your first step is always a conversation. This initial appointment is informal and pressure-free, either over the phone or in person. There’s no paperwork needed at this stage.
We’ll talk through your circumstances — your income, outgoings, credit history and deposit — and explain how we work and what support we offer. Using lender affordability calculators, we’ll look at what you could borrow, what monthly payments might look like, and help you establish a realistic budget.
This gives you clarity and confidence before you start viewing properties.
2
Decision in Principle
If you’re happy with the figures, we’ll arrange a Decision in Principle.
This is usually a soft credit check and doesn’t affect your credit score.
It confirms to estate agents that you’re eligible for a mortgage and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. You’ll need this once you make an offer on a property.
3
Submit a Full Application
Once you’ve found the right home, we’ll review the market again to make sure you’re still on the most suitable deal.
We’ll explain everything clearly, answer any questions, and submit your full mortgage application.
At this stage, lenders will need documents such as proof of ID, proof of address, payslips and bank statements. We’ll guide you through exactly what’s required.
4
Valuation and Surveys
Most lenders include a free valuation or basic survey.
This confirms the property is worth the agreed price and checks for any major structural concerns.
You can choose to arrange a more detailed survey for extra reassurance. Some lenders allow you to upgrade their survey for a fee, or you can instruct an independent surveyor yourself. We’ll help you understand the options.
5
Mortgage Offer Issued
Once the lender is satisfied with the valuation and your documents, they’ll issue a mortgage offer.
This confirms they’re happy to lend based on everything reviewed so far.
While this is a major milestone, the legal process can still uncover issues — so it’s not quite the finish line yet.
6
Insurance Arranged
Insurance can be discussed at any point, but it’s often reviewed once the mortgage is applied for or offered.
We’ll talk through the protection options we recommend to safeguard you, your home and your family, should the unexpected happen.
Everything is tailored to your needs and budget, and we’ll only proceed if you’re comfortable.
7
Begin the Legal Process
You can instruct a solicitor or conveyancer at any time.
However, many first time buyers choose to start once the mortgage offer is issued, as an upfront payment is usually required and is non-refundable.
You’ll complete initial paperwork about yourself and the property and make payment directly to your solicitor. The lender will send your mortgage offer to them automatically.
8
Searches
Your solicitor will carry out property searches, including local authority, land registry, environmental and financial checks.
These look for things like planned developments, flood risk or legal issues.
Search results can take a few weeks. If anything arises, both you and the lender will be informed. As long as there are no concerns, the purchase continues.
9
Liaising with the Seller’s Solicitor
Your solicitor will communicate with the seller’s solicitor to gather any additional information needed — such as boiler certificates or details of past work carried out on the property.
This stage ensures everything is legally sound before completion.
10
Completion
Once both buyer and seller are ready, a completion date is agreed.
We’ll make sure your insurance is set to begin, and you’ll exchange contracts and pay your deposit.
On completion day, your solicitor transfers the full purchase amount to the seller’s solicitor. Once received, you can collect your keys — usually from the estate agent or directly from the seller — and your new home is officially yours.
Why choose us?
Trusted local experts
Serving the North East with years of experience.
Friendly and approachable
Jargon-free, real conversations.
End-to-end support
Mortgages, insurance and beyond.
Comprehensive range of products
We help find the right deal for you.
Start your mortgage journey today
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to apply, we’re here to help.
The first appointment is just an initial chat with no obligations, we tell you about us and run through the details we will need to check which mortgages you could be eligible for, we don’t need any documents and no credit checks will be done without your permission. We will chat through your potential options, establish a budget with you and monthly payments, then you are free to come back to us when you are ready to take it further.
What our customers say?
