Picking a mortgage broker can feel like one more big decision in an already long list. A few practical checks can make it much easier to spot someone who fits your situation.

So, what should you actually look for in a broker? We’ll cover the questions to ask and the warning signs to watch out for, whether you’re buying your first home or remortgaging.

If you're still getting familiar with the home-buying process, it can help to understand how mortgages work before choosing a broker.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

What does a mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker, also called a mortgage adviser, is a qualified expert who looks at deals from a range of lenders, recommends options that may fit your situation, and helps with the application process. They do not decide whether you are approved. That decision always sits with the lender.

People often use a broker when they want help comparing deals, checking eligibility, or handling paperwork. That can be useful for first-time buyers, people remortgaging, anyone moving home, those exploring self-employed mortgage options, and borrowers with past credit issues.

Before you choose a broker, it helps to know what a mortgage broker actually does.

How to choose a mortgage broker in 5 steps

Choosing a broker comes down to five key things you can check before you agree to work with them.

Step 1: Check they're FCA-authorised and qualified

Start by checking the firm on the FCA Financial Services Register. This is the quickest way to confirm the business is authorised and to find its FRN (Firm Reference Number), which is its unique regulatory ID.

Mortgage advisers need to meet FCA training and competence requirements. This will usually involve an appropriate qualification, such as the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP). Advisers who are still working towards competence can give advice where appropriate supervision is in place.

FCA authorisation also matters if problems arise later in the process. It means there is a formal complaint route through the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

If you want a deeper look at the role, you can read more about regulated mortgage advice.

A few quick checks:

• Search the firm name on the register
• Check the FRN matches what the broker gives you
• Confirm the firm is authorised for mortgage advice
• Ask who will actually handle your case and what their role is

Step 2: Check how many lenders they can access

Some brokers can only recommend from one lender or a small panel. Others can search a much wider range of the market.

The basic difference:

Brokers who work with a wide range of lenders can compare deals across many of the UK's mortgage providers, but no single source sees absolutely everything. Some deals are only available directly from lenders or through selected brokers, so it's worth asking whether a broker considers direct-only products as part of their research.

Each model has its place. Want one particular bank? Tied advice may suit you fine. If your situation is less straightforward, or you want a broader comparison, a wide-range broker can be a good fit.

Ask any broker: "Which lenders can you consider for me, and what does that mean in practice?"

And you don't have to stick with the first broker you speak to.

Step 3: Ask about fees and how they get paid

Brokers get paid in different ways. Some charge you directly, some earn commission from the lender, and some do both.

Commission from lenders is standard market practice. Some brokers also charge customer fees, so it’s a good idea to get this clear before you go any further.

Ask these three questions early:

• Do you charge me a fee?
• Are you paid commission by the lender?
• When would I need to pay, and what happens if the mortgage doesn't complete?

Before agreeing to anything, ask for the fees in writing. It makes comparing brokers much easier and helps avoid surprises later.

"Fee-free" can mean different things depending on the broker. Even if the advice itself does not cost you directly, lender fees and other mortgage costs may still apply. For more details, you can read about how much mortgage brokers charge.

Step 4: Look for honest reviews and recommendations

Reviews are most useful when they help you spot consistent patterns in how a broker communicates and handles problems. Start with places like Trustpilot and Google Reviews, then add personal referrals from friends or family who have taken out a mortgage recently.

Patterns matter more than star ratings. A broker with mostly strong feedback and one bad review is not unusual. What matters is whether the same problems come up again and again.

Look closely for comments about:

• Communication during delays
• Whether fees were explained clearly
• How easy the adviser was to reach
• Whether the advice felt tailored or rushed

Personal recommendations can be especially useful because they come with context. You can ask what the broker was like when things got stressful, not just when things were going smoothly.

Red flags in reviews include repeated mentions of poor communication, unexplained fees, or pressure to commit too quickly.

Step 5: Test how they communicate before you commit

An initial conversation tells you a lot about how the rest of the process is likely to go. A good broker should take time to understand your situation, explain trade-offs clearly, and set out the next steps in a way that makes sense.

Good signs include:

• Asking sensible questions about your income, deposit, credit history, and plans
• Explaining the pros and cons, and not just quoting the headline rate
• Being clear about timing and what happens next
• Following up in writing so you have a record

You should feel comfortable asking basic questions without feeling rushed.

If you want ideas for that first call, here are some key questions to ask a mortgage broker.

How to compare mortgage brokers side by side

To compare mortgage brokers side by side, weigh five factors together: FCA authorisation, lender range, fee model, service model, and reviews.

Work through the table as you speak to each broker and tick off each point as you go. It'll make it easier to compare them on the same things.

Use these factors as a checklist, not a ranking. A tied adviser at your own bank might suit a straightforward case, while a broker with access to more lenders could make more sense if your situation is more complicated.

Red flags that should make you walk away

A few warning signs are serious enough that it makes sense to pause and look elsewhere.

• Pressure to commit too early, before all your questions are answered
• Vagueness about fees or commission, or a refusal to put costs in writing
• Recommendations before reviewing your finances properly
• Inability to confirm FCA authorisation or provide an FRN
• Pushing one lender without an explanation of why others were ruled out
• Recommending multiple simultaneous applications without explaining the possible impact on your credit score

If you spot any of these, it's usually time to step back and speak to another broker. There's no obligation to continue with the first one you talk to.

Online or in-person? Why the choice matters less than it used to

The choice matters less than it used to because many brokers now combine digital tools with access to a real adviser. What matters most is whether you get timely support and advice that fits your circumstances.

Online mortgage brokers usually suit people who are comfortable uploading documents digitally and want flexible appointment times. They can be convenient and easier to fit around work or family life.

In-person brokers can suit people who prefer longer face-to-face conversations or feel more comfortable talking through complex details in person. For some borrowers, that extra personal contact still matters a lot.

Hybrid models sit somewhere in the middle. Many modern firms combine an online platform with access to a real adviser by phone or chat when you need one.

What matters is finding a setup that fits how you like to communicate.

One more thing: Be wary of your estate agent's broker recommendation

An estate agent might recommend a particular mortgage broker, but you don't have to use them. Be wary if you're told that an offer, viewing or other service depends on you using the estate agent's preferred broker, this is called conditional selling. You can choose your own broker and compare other options first.

You can read more in Habito's guide to using your estate agent's recommended mortgage broker.

Habito is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 714187).

This article is for general information only and isn't personal financial advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Frequently asked questions

A few of the most common questions people ask when choosing a broker.

Should I use a mortgage broker?

You do not have to use a broker. You can apply directly to a lender if you want to.

Many people still find a broker useful because they can compare options across lenders, check eligibility before a full application, and handle paperwork. Whether that's useful depends on how comfortable you are comparing lenders and handling the application yourself.

Is a mortgage broker the same as a mortgage adviser?

In everyday use, yes. The terms are usually used interchangeably in the UK. "Mortgage adviser" is the more formal regulatory term, while "mortgage broker" is the phrase most people use in normal conversation.

Why use a mortgage broker instead of going straight to a bank?

Most banks' in-branch advisers can only recommend that bank's own mortgage products. A broker can compare deals across a range of lenders, which may surface options you would not see by going direct. The trade-off is that going straight to your own bank may feel simpler if you already meet its criteria and do not want to compare widely.

Is a mortgage broker worth it?

For a very straightforward case, going direct may work fine. In more complex situations, such as self-employment, past credit issues, or wanting to compare lots of options, a broker's experience can save time and reduce guesswork.

Read our full guide: Is a mortgage broker worth it?

How many mortgage brokers should I speak to?

There is no set number. You might choose to speak to more than one broker if you want to compare their fees, lender access or approach before deciding. An initial conversation can also help you work out whether a broker feels like a good fit.

Is a mortgage broker a financial adviser?

A mortgage broker, or mortgage adviser, specialises in giving advice about mortgages. That's different from advisers who give advice on areas such as investments or pensions. Mortgage advisers focus specifically on finding and recommending suitable mortgage options based on your circumstances.