Ask Bea

Bea's Biography

Bea began her career in financial services in August 2001, as an underwriter for Chelsea Building Society. In January 2004 she joined Clydesdale Bank as a Mortgage Adviser, and then joined John Charcol in January 2007 as a mortgage consultant. John Charcol, the sister company of Charcol, provides independent mortgage advice.

Bea’s has been chosen as our mortgage expert due to her excellent reputation both within John Charcol and with her clients through exceptional customer service and management, and first class broking skills. Bea typifies the standards clients can expect from John Charcol. In the words of one of her clients, “Bea has arranged our transaction and has explained what is happening at every stage of the process. I am very pleased and impressed with both her approachable, common sense attitude and ability to obtain the best deal on both my properties, securing mortgages that were far better than what I was used to paying. At every point of contact Bea has been professional and extremely helpful, going above and beyond what would normally be expected.”

Outside of work Bea lives in Richmond with her husband and enjoys reading, painting, good food and great wine.

If you would like to discuss your specific situation in more detail, or would like further advice, please call and speak to one of our qualified mortgage consultants now on: 0845 034 2100

STOP PRESS - Due to a techncial fault beyond our control, we have just found out that we have lost a number of questions submitted over the last month or so. We are extremely sorry about this and apologise to those that are still waiting for a response. If you could re-submit yout question we will endeavour to answer it as soon as possible.

Please be aware that these answers can only be generic and no personal recommendations can be made.

How should I raise £80,000 for an investment property in Italy?

Posted on 19 November 2007

We bought an old property in Italy in 2003, renovated and added a new extension. Its currently valued at 250,000 Euros but no mortgage, and we would like to repeat the process with another property. We have the contacts and...

Category: Buying abroad, Foreign Currency or foreign tracking rate mortgages

My friend is here on a 5 year work permit, should I consider buying a flat with her?

Posted on 17 November 2007

My friend and I want to buy a flat together. We found a flat for £173,000 and are looking for a mortgage. The only problem is that she is here on a work permit(5 years) - she has completed 1.5 years with 3.5 years left - kindly...

Category: Special circumstances

I own a stake in a shared property, can I afford to buy out a minority stakeholder?

Posted on 15 November 2007

I recently bought a flat with my partner and now just 4 months down the line we have split. I own 50% of the property, my partner 41% and his sister 8.85%. This is because we were required to put down a 15% deposit and I had only...

Category: Separation or Divorce

Can we afford a mortage with our current joint income and credit?

Posted on 12 November 2007

My partner and I are looking at houses as first time buyers we have seen one at 199,950 that has already been reduced and we know that the seller is desparate to sell so we are hoping to reduce the price as much as possible. I...

Category: 100%+ borrowing, First-time buyer

After a split, is it possible to pass a joint mortgage over to just one of the parties?

Posted on 10 November 2007

A friend of mine has just split up with her boyfriend and they are going to sell the property. They have just bought a new mortgage deal and are tied in for a fixed period. He would like to continue the mortgage by buying a new...

Category: Separation or Divorce

I would like to buy a pub but have no savings and poor credit ratings?

Posted on 8 November 2007

Hi katie, I would like to buy a pub, but don't know the best way to go around it. The tenant at the moment would like £25,000 and there is 7 years left on the lease. I live in private rented accommodation,and my credit rating is...

Category: Bad credit, First-time buyer, The application process explained

Should I keep my split mortgage as it is or increase the interest only to maximise the overpayment on the repayment?

Posted on 7 November 2007

We have a joint mortgage on a 10 year term, £80,000 interest only & £53,000 on repayment total £133,000. The house is currently valued at £300,000. Our current tracker ends in Jan 2008 so we are looking to remortgage now. In July...

Category: Interest only vs repayment, Overpayments, Payment Holdays, underpayments, Borrowback, Remortgaging

Should I extend the lease or sell the flat I am renting out?

Posted on 5 November 2007

Hi Katie, Almost a year ago I bought a two-bed flat and started renting out the one-bed flat I had owned and lived in for six years. It just about breaks even - the rent I receive covers mortgage payments (interest-only) and the...

Category: Buy-to-let, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property

Can I get a mortgage secured on the property I am letting out?

Posted on 5 November 2007

I own a property (Let at £650 per month) worth approx £190,000 with outstanding interest only mortgage of £48,000. I would like to purchase another property worth approximately £140,000 which I would let to my son with his rent...

Category: Buy-to-let, Second properties

Answers provided in response to Ask Bea are based on the information provided and do not constitute advice under the Financial Services & Markets Act. They reflect the personal views of the authors and do not neccessarily represent the views, positions, strategies or opinions of Charcol Limited. All comments are made in good faith, and neither Charcol Limited nor Bea will accept liability for them.

We recommend you seek professional advice with regard to any of these topics where appropriate.