Mortgage broker website resources can be handy tools. When it comes to first-time buyers, they are likely to want as much useful information as possible, having not purchased a property before, nor applied for a mortgage. Giving them the information they need by way of a well-structured resource area can enhance engagement and trust. So, it can be a very worthwhile exercise.

Let’s take a look at how to create an informative and user-friendly resource area that provides help for first-time buyers, what topics and tools you may want to include, and the benefits to be gained by having a dedicated resource hub.  

Key topics to include in a first-time buyer resource area

It’s important that all the relevant information a first-time buyer may need is included but not an overload that is confusing and overwhelms them. The idea is to guide them through the mortgage application process in a user-friendly way, so they know what to expect.

Step-by-step mortgage process
Explaining the mortgage process step-by-step from application to approval, touch on subjects such as:

• Getting mortgage ready. How they need to make sure they’re registered on the electoral roll and check their credit history, addressing any mistakes as well as doing all they can to make sure it looks favourable to lenders. Note how they need to show they are good at handling their finances – managing a little credit but being careful not to go into their overdraft, and so on.
• Establishing how much they can borrow. Whether that’s completing an online budget planner or seeking the advice of a mortgage broker.
• Offer advice on what documentation they need to prepare. Remember to include paperwork for all types of buyers – employed, self-employed, company directors, for example.
• Choosing the right deal. This is a good opportunity to explain how a professional adviser can help – how you can help them.
• Making the application. Again, you’ll have an opportunity here to explain how you can submit this on their behalf, anticipating and fielding any potential issues.
• Accepting the offer. Guide them through the process until moving day – their end goal.

Deposit and affordability 
Any information on deposit requirements and affordability assessments will help first-time buyers. It will give them a clearer indication on whether they are in a position to make a mortgage application or if they are going to need more time.

Government schemes
Informing them about government schemes that are designed to help them get their foot on the property ladder is bound to be of interest to them. If you share schemes that they otherwise wouldn’t have known about, they are much more likely to stay on your website. This is a great way to show your expertise and build trust. Mention schemes such as Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, Lifetime ISA and the First Homes Scheme.

Mortgage types explained
Point out the more obvious fixed-rate, tracker, variable and discount mortgage types and what they mean, adding information on some of the more specialist types of mortgages too in case they need something a little out of the ordinary.

Common pitfalls
Go into more detail about how they can improve their credit score, avoid mortgage application mistakes and prepare the right financial documents. You’ll be able to share typical pitfalls that they’ll want to avoid, based on your experience.

Stamp duty and legal costs
Give them a breakdown of costs beyond the mortgage itself. Remember to include things like furnishing their new home. As first-time buyers, unless they have been gifted items or they’ve been buying them in advance, they will need everything from furniture to kitchen equipment.

Essential tools and calculators

Providing website tools can be beneficial, both for a first-time buyer and for you. It gives them access to information, even if they’re not ready to go ahead or if they are looking at your website out of business hours and they can’t reach you. These tools can save you time while engaging potential clients. The longer they are on your website, the more likely they are to convert. Consider including the following:

• Mortgage affordability calculator. First-time buyers will be glad of the opportunity to get an initial indication of how much they could potentially borrow. This information is likely to guide their search.
• Stamp duty calculator. Having a clearer idea on additional costs, such as the stamp duty on different properties, will also help them refine their search.
• Monthly repayment estimator. If they need to work out budgeting information, this resource is invaluable.
• Mortgage comparison tools. Of course, no comparison tool is going to come close to the service you provide but it can give buyers some idea of what mortgage products are on the market at that time. And they’re likely to appreciate that. All the while, staying glued to your website.

If you’d like a resource hub on your website and want to get it right first time, ensure your prospects buy into it. Contact the WEBPRO Mortgage specialists for more information.

Best formats for delivering content

To keep things interesting – and your potential clients engaged – mix it up. Use different formats to deliver content. For example:

• Blog posts. Articles that cover common first-time buyer concerns will not only be of use to them and engage them, regular posts mean continually updated content and search engines like this. It’s a great way to get your business ranking higher on search results pages.
• Downloadable guides and checklists. Information that can be printed off and referred to is super helpful. Think home buying checklist or incoming and outgoing expenditure sheets for budgeting purposes. And if it has your logo and company details on it, it’s a great way for you to market your business for little, or no, cost.  
• Mortgage FAQs for first-time buyers section. Answering common mortgage queries shows you care about your clients. That you take the time to explain mortgage-related information. You can always add to your FAQ section should generic questions keep popping up or regulations change. This is another way to refresh your content, and it can be a great way to get some keyphrases in for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) purposes too.
• Video explainers. These work well for more complex topics, where you need to illustrate points clearly.
• Interactive quizzes. These are a good way to help buyers assess their mortgage readiness. Interaction means engagement.

How a resource area benefits mortgage brokers

Having a first-time buyer resource area can be a powerful website tool for mortgage brokers. Just some of the benefits include:

• It positions you as a trusted expert
• Increases website engagement and lead generation
• Can help convert potential buyers into mortgage clients
• With mortgage terminology explained, an FAQ section and so on, common questions are answered, reducing the time you need to spend on basic enquiries
• Improves SEO rankings with valuable long-form content
• Downloadable guides and checklists provide the opportunity for additional marketing

Recap: With so much in it for your mortgage broker business, and your potential clients, it makes perfect sense to have a first-time buyer resource area on your website, with different information they can access as they need. Remember to include snippets of information they may otherwise not know about, including details of specialist mortgages and first-time buyer deposit schemes. Regularly update your content to keep it factually accurate and to help your search engine rankings. And include a call to action to invite visitors to book a consultation after using the resources.  

WEBPRO knows

According to the UK Government, in 2023-2024, there were approximately 975,000 first-time buyers in England – an increase from 617,000 first time buyers in 2013-2014.