
Your mortgage journey with SJR
Buying or refinancing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make.
Our process is designed to give you clarity, confidence and expert guidance at every stage.
We combine over 35 years of experience across mortgages, property and financial protection to ensure every recommendation is tailored to your circumstances and long-term goals.
1. Discovery Call
A short introductory call allowing us to understand the basics of your situation such as your income, deposit, timeframe and overall plans, and determine whether we’re the right fit to help you move forward.
Just as importantly, it gives you the opportunity to understand how we work, ask questions, and decide whether you feel we’re the right advisor for you.
If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule your financial consultation and guide you through the next steps.
✔ Assess the fundamentals of your situation, including income structure, deposit and timeline
✔ Identify any potential lending challenges early (credit profile, income type, affordability)
✔ Explain how the mortgage process works and what to expect at each stage
✔ Clarify our whole-of-market approach and how we source the most suitable lenders
✔ Ensure we are the right advisory partner for your circumstances before progressing
2. Financial Consultation
A comprehensive video meeting where we take the time to understand your full financial situation and what you want to achieve.
During this session we’ll explore:
- Your current financial position
- Your home ownership goals
- Your deposit and savings
- Your employment and income structure
- Your credit profile
- Your lifestyle plans and future ambitions
We’ll also discuss the broader home buying journey, from affordability and costs to timelines and expectations, so you have a clear understanding of the journey.
We’ll also talk about financial protection, ensuring that any mortgage you take on is supported by the right safety net for you and your family.
✔ Build a detailed understanding of your financial position and long-term plans
✔ Analyse your income structure, employment stability and affordability profile
✔ Explore your home ownership goals, timelines and preferred property types
✔ Identify the most suitable borrowing range based on your circumstances
✔ Discuss protection planning to ensure your mortgage is supported by the right financial safety net
3. Research & Mortgage in Principle
Once we understand your circumstances, our team begins the research process.
We work across the whole of market, meaning we have access to all banks and building societies so that we can find the most suitable mortgage provider and product for your situation.
At the same time, our team will request the necessary documentation to support your application.
From here, we’ll secure a Mortgage in Principle, which confirms how much you are likely to be able to borrow. This provides a clear budget and strengthens your position when making offers on a property.
✔ Research mortgage products across the whole market
✔ Assess lender criteria against your specific financial profile
✔ Compare interest rates, affordability models and lending flexibility
✔ Request and review the necessary documentation to support your application
✔ Secure a Mortgage in Principle confirming your likely borrowing amount
4. Property Search
With your Mortgage in Principle in place, you can begin searching for your property with confidence.
Many clients continue to stay in touch with us during this stage, particularly when considering affordability, monthly costs, or how different properties may impact their borrowing.
Once your offer on a property has been accepted, we’ll arrange the next stage of the process, your Mortgage & Protection Recommendation.
✔ Provide guidance on affordability and monthly payment expectations
✔ Help you understand how different property values may affect your mortgage options
✔ Advise on offer strategy and next steps once a property is found
✔ Remain available to answer questions throughout your property search
✔ Prepare to move quickly once your offer has been accepted
5. Mortgage & Protection Recommendation
You receive a tailored recommendation based on your circumstances, financial goals and the property you’re purchasing. We’ll discuss:
- The most appropriate mortgage product
- The lender we believe best fits your needs
- Your expected monthly payments
- Any associated costs or fees
We will also discuss any protection policies that may be appropriate such as life cover or income protection, ensuring that your home and financial security are properly protected.
Everything is explained clearly so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
✔ Prepare a personalised mortgage recommendation tailored to your needs
✔ Compare suitable lenders, rates, and mortgage structures
✔ Explain the full cost of borrowing including fees and long-term implications
✔ Present protection options designed to safeguard your home and income
✔ Ensure you fully understand your options before proceeding
6. Application & Completion Support
Once you’re happy to proceed, we submit the full mortgage application to the lender and manage the process on your behalf.
We liaise with lenders, insurers and other parties involved to keep everything moving smoothly.
When your mortgage offer is issued, we’ll share the documents with you and ensure you fully understand the terms before moving forward.
Our support doesn’t end there. We remain available to help with future remortgages, protection reviews, and any questions that arise as your circumstances evolve.
✔ Prepare and submit your full mortgage application to the lender
✔ Liaise with lenders and insurance providers throughout the underwriting process
✔ Monitor the progress of your application and respond to lender queries
✔ Keep you updated at each stage until your mortgage offer is issued
✔ Provide copies of your mortgage offer and protection documents, explaining the key terms