SME News UK Finance Awards 2023/ 10 For most people their home is their biggest asset, especially with the rise in property prices over the years. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the equity tied up in people’s homes. If someone is over the age of 55 it may be an option to release some of this equity, whilst continuing to live in their home. The equity can be released as a one-off lump sum, if needed for a specific objective, like helping children with a house deposit or immediate home improvements. Alternatively, a drawdown facility may be more suitable. The drawdown option may be useful if you need money now to repay your interest only mortgage, but also require further funds for the future, for things like holidays or a child’s wedding, to name a few. This is where Richard Jones and the team at Smart Equity Release can help, offering approachable, honest, and upfront advice on the topic. There are numerous reasons why a customer may wish to release equity from their home, and to some, this could be a worrying and stressful time, something in which Richard and the team completely understand, which is why they will tailor each meeting to suit the individual needs of each and every customer. Smart Equity Release will search the lifetime mortgage market to find the most suitable product for the customer, and will work with a panel of solicitors that specialise in equity release conveyancing. In everything it does, Smart Equity Release strives to deliver a truly outstanding level of customer service. It provides customers with a fair, simple, and complete explanation of their equity release plan, clearly setting out its benefits and limitations as well as the obligations that come under the terms of its contract. In this, customers will be informed about the cost of setting up the plan, the tax implications, what will happen if they wish to move to another property, and how changes in house values may affect their plan. Smart Equity Release is a member of the Equity Release Council, a voluntary body that aims to ensure that its members act with professionalism, integrity, transparency and with expected service levels. Smart Equity Release does not require clients to pay an upfront advice fee. Instead, it has a fixed advice fee of £995, only payable when and if the lifetime mortgage completes. “We believe everyone should have access to first class independent equity release advice that does not cost the earth,” Richard shares. “Everyone is unique, with different needs and goals, so we tailor our advice to what you want to achieve. We have streamlined the interview process, so you are not spending hours talking about budget planners and more about the things that really matter, and at the same time making a somewhat cumbersome process a more enjoyable experience.” Smart Equity Release understands that deciding to release equity from a home is a big decision and that it should not be rushed into. For this reason, the firm aims to conduct at least two meetings with its clients, providing them with plenty of time to consider its advice and ask questions. These meetings can be conducted face to face, by phone, or through video call as preferred. Furthermore, Smart Equity Release recommends that each customer has an independent representative present during the meetings, whether it is a family member or close friend, to help with their decision-making and to offer support. With the customer and their family at the heart of its work, Smart Equity Release goes above and beyond to make the customer journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Its team members are friendly, professional, and committed to helping customers feel at ease from day one. Based in Wirral, Smart Equity Release is a financial planning firm that specialises in providing clients with independent equity release advice. Here, we speak to Director and Equity Release Adviser Richard Jones to find out more about the company, its mission, and its work. Best Equity Release Specialists - North West England
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjExMTU4Mg==