What Questions Brokers Actually Ask
What questions brokers actually ask is often very different from what people expect. Many assume the conversation will feel like an interrogation focused on what might go wrong. In reality, broker questions are designed to build context, understand risk, and plan timing rather than judge or disqualify.
This guide explains the types of questions brokers typically ask, why they matter to lenders, and how those answers shape the mortgage process.
Why Brokers Ask Questions at All
Brokers ask questions to understand how lenders are likely to assess an application.
Mortgage lending is rule-based and evidence-driven. The earlier a broker understands your situation, the more accurately they can explain options, timing, and potential risks.
Questions are about preparation, not commitment.
The First Question Is Usually About Your Goal
Most conversations start with what you are trying to achieve.
Common opening questions
• Are you buying, remortgaging, or planning ahead?
• Is there a specific timeframe?
• Are you exploring options or preparing to apply?
This helps set context. Planning looks very different from an urgent purchase.
Questions About Income (Not Just How Much)
Income questions are rarely just about the number.
Brokers focus on how income is structured and how predictable it is, because this is how lenders assess risk.
Typical income questions
• Are you employed, self-employed, contracting, or a director?
• How long have you been earning this way?
• Is income fixed, variable, or mixed?
• Are there expected changes coming?
These answers determine which lenders may be suitable and when applying makes sense.
Why Brokers Ask About Future Income Changes
Future changes matter as much as current figures.
Brokers often ask about:
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• Job changes
• Moving into self-employment
• Contract renewals
• Pay reviews or bonuses
This is not to delay things unnecessarily, but to avoid applications being undermined by changes mid-process.
Questions About Credit History (Beyond the Score)
Brokers are far less interested in a single credit score than people expect.
They ask questions to understand patterns and timing.
• Any missed payments, defaults, or arrangements?
• How recent were they?
• Are there any current repayment plans?
• Has anything changed recently?
These details matter more than a headline score.
Why “How Recent” Is Asked So Often
Recency is critical in mortgage decisions.
An issue from years ago is viewed very differently from one in the last few months.
Brokers ask about timing to understand whether improvement needs to show for longer before applying.
Questions About Existing Commitments
Brokers ask about commitments to understand affordability pressure.
Typical questions include
• Loans or car finance
• Credit card balances
• Buy now, pay later agreements
• Childcare or maintenance costs
This is not about judgement. It is about how lenders stress-test repayments.
Why Brokers Ask About Spending Habits
Spending questions often surprise people.
Brokers may ask generally about:
• Regular outgoings
• Use of overdrafts
• Savings habits
This is because lenders review bank statements, and brokers want to avoid surprises later.
Questions About Savings and Deposits
Deposit questions go beyond “how much do you have?”.
Common deposit questions
• Where are the funds coming from?
• How long have they been held?
• Are any gifts involved?
• Are funds still building?
Lenders require clear audit trails, so brokers clarify this early.
Why Brokers Ask About Timing Even If You’re Not Ready
Timing questions are central to planning.
Brokers often ask:
• When are you hoping to apply?
• Are there any deadlines?
• What would delay or accelerate plans?
This helps avoid rushed applications that lead to declines.
Questions About Property Plans
Even without a specific property, brokers ask about property intentions.
Examples include
• Purchase price range
• Property type
• New build or existing
• Remortgage with or without borrowing
Property details influence lender choice and criteria.
Why Brokers Ask “Has Anything Changed Recently?”
This is one of the most important questions.
Recent changes often cause late-stage issues if they are not discussed early.
Changes may include:
• New credit
• Employment changes
• Reduced income
• Increased spending
Identifying these early saves time later.
Questions Brokers Rarely Ask (At First)
Early conversations are usually lighter than people expect.
Brokers rarely start by demanding:
• Full document packs
• Exact lender decisions
• Immediate commitments
Those come later, when timing is right.
Why Honest Answers Matter More Than “Good” Answers
Trying to present a perfect picture can backfire.
Brokers ask questions to avoid surprises, not to judge.
Honest answers allow realistic planning. Incomplete answers often lead to avoidable issues later.
How Broker Questions Save Time and Stress
Each question helps reduce uncertainty.
When questions are answered early:
• Fewer applications are declined
• Fewer documents are reworked
• Timelines are clearer
This leads to smoother outcomes.
Why Conversations Feel Easier Than Expected
Many people are surprised by how informal these discussions feel.
The goal is understanding, not pressure.
This is why brokers encourage conversations before finances feel perfect.
What Happens After the Questions
After an initial conversation, outcomes usually include:
• Clarity on readiness
• Suggested timing
• Areas to focus on
• What to avoid doing next
This information is useful even if no application follows immediately.
Common Misunderstandings About Broker Questions
• “They’re looking for reasons to say no”
• “I need all the answers ready”
• “If I’m unsure, I shouldn’t talk yet”
In reality, uncertainty is expected.
When to Expect More Detailed Questions
More detailed questions usually come later.
This happens when:
• An application is being planned
• Documents are being prepared
• A specific lender is identified
Early conversations remain high-level.
Key Takeaways
• What questions brokers actually ask is often simpler than expected
• Questions focus on context, timing, and patterns
• Honest answers support better planning
• Early conversations reduce later problems
If you want personalised advice, speaking to a regulated mortgage adviser may help clarify next steps.
This guide provides general information only. Personalised mortgage advice should always come from a regulated mortgage adviser.
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Important information: Mortgage Bridge provides information only and acts as a mortgage introducer. We do not provide mortgage advice or make lender recommendations. We can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser who can provide personalised mortgage advice.