If you need additional funds to secure a property, then you’ll need an experienced mortgage broker to help you through the process.
And what more could you ask for when you have the best mortgage brokers in Cork at your disposal? In this article, we’ll tell you which ones offer the most bang for your buck, as well as other essential information you need to know.
You may be wondering if hiring a mortgage broker entails additional costs. So, let’s talk about that first.
How much do mortgage brokers charge?
As a general rule, mortgage brokers earn a certain percentage from the total cost of the loan. This is a prearranged agreement between the broker and the lender, and this normally ranges between 0.5% to 1%.
Under Irish law, brokers are also required to give their commission back to the lender within a certain period should the client withdraw their mortgage.
Some brokers also charge their clients for mortgage processing or when simply asked for advice. This may come in the form of a flat fee or a percentage of the mortgage amount.
As this isn’t always the case, it’s best to ask your broker about their rates beforehand to avoid hidden charges.
| MORTGAGE BROKER | APPLICATION FEES | COMMISSION |
| Moneytree Finance | €250 | Up to 1% |
| Financial Innovations | – Free (Existing Mortgage Advice/Re-mortgage/ Switching) – €500 (Mortgages Less Than €150,000) – €500 (Residential Investment Property Mortgage Application) | Up to 1% |
| The Mortgage Architect | Contact for more Information | Contact for More Information |
| Mortgage Search | Free | Contact for More Information |
| MyMortgages.ie | Contact for More Information | Up to 1% |
The Best Mortgage Brokers in Cork
One more thing before we reveal our picks—here’s a quick overview of our criteria in the selection process:
- Industry experience, which shows that they have the technical knowledge involved in processing mortgages successfully
- Customer experience, as it reflects the consistency of the quality of their work
- Accessibility, which should allow you to see or contact them conveniently
- Scope of service, to make sure that they can accommodate whatever mortgage request you need
- Transparency, to make sure that you don’t have to worry about hidden fees
If you’re ready, let’s head over to our selection of the top mortgage brokers in Cork.
1. Moneysherpa
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| APPOINTMENT SETTING | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| OPERATING HOURS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| RESPONSE TIME | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| RELIABILITY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) |
| NETWORK OF LENDERS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
If you need additional funds to secure a property or are thinking about switching, then you’ll need an experienced mortgage broker to help you through the process.
Established in 2016, moneysherpa specialise in delivering the maximum savings for their clients.
moneysherpa switchers save an average of €25,000 across their mortgage term. They also have one of the highest approval rates in the market with over 99% of applicants being successful.
moneysherpa specialise in mortgages for switchers and first time buyers.
One of their key strengths is that they have access to all of the lenders on the market, so will find you the best possible deal. This includes Avant Money, ICS and Finance Ireland who are exclusively available to brokers, as well as all of the Irish banks.
They are free to use as they get paid for by the lenders and their advisors, known as mortgage sherpas, use their tech platform to manage the whole mortgage journey remotely.
With the slickest process on the market moneysherpa is able to get you your savings faster, with an average time to switch of 3 months or less. The best in the industry.
They offer a free 15 minute mortgage check up over a video call to all customers. Slots start at 8.00am and finish at 6.30pm on weekdays, they also include lunch time slots to allow customers to call from work.
You can pick your free slot with one of their mortgage advisors on their website by clicking here.
Pros
- Free to Use
- Specialise in switching and First Time Buyers
- Highest approval rate
- Fastest time to complete
- All 7 lenders
- Flexibility in setting your online meetings
- Online approval journey
Cons
- No face to face meetings
- Don’t do buy to let, self build or foreign exchange mortgages
Customer Reviews
Check out some of their reviews below:
“Angie was amazing! Looked after us so well. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking a mortgage” — David O’Hanlon, New Home Buyer
“The moneysherpa interface for uploading and approving documents is really straightforward and intuitive. The whole process was timely, clear and Daire was great with advice and knowledge. No complaints at all – 5 star rating!”- Fiona Nulty, Switcher
“Excellent communication from Petrina, prompt responses to all my queries and good advice. Great service, thank-you.” – Sorcha Coleman, Switcher
2. The Mortgage Architect
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| APPOINTMENT SETTING | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| OPERATING HOURS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| RESPONSE TIME | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| RELIABILITY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| NETWORK OF LENDERS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
Navigating the complexities of mortgages can be daunting, but The Mortgage Architect simplifies this process with their dedicated team of mortgage planners. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to move, or considering switching providers, they promise a streamlined and enjoyable experience.
We like that The Mortgage Architect offers tailored advice on multiple mortgage options, ensuring you find the best fit for your needs. This personalized take on mortgage services ensure that clients can not only stay up-to-date with their mortgage loans but also get the opportunity to get sound and practical advice from their mortgage experts for more informed decisions moving forward.
Furthermore, they save you time by handling application screening and project management, keeping you informed at every step. This can help assure clients that their money and loans are secure and can easily be accessible should they have any concerns.
In conclusion, The Mortgage Architect stands out for their commitment to making mortgages simple and accessible. With state-of-the-art technology and a fee-free service, they prioritize client satisfaction and aim to provide the lowest interest rates available. Whether you’re embarking on your first home purchase or refinancing, their expertise and customer-focused approach make them a reliable choice.
Pros
- Expert advice on multiple mortgage options
- Efficient handling of applications and project management
- State-of-the-art FinTech software for a paperless mortgage journey
- Fee-free service for clients
Cons
- Busy during peak seasons
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“We were absolutely thrilled to recently get our mortgage sorted through Chris at the Mortgage Architect. We had struggled to get a mortgage for about 3 years and in just a few months Chris has sorted all of that out. My only complaint is not coming to Chris and Rob sooner for help. Both Chris and Rob are extremely genuine and so quick to respond to any of our queries, no matter how big or small. Throughout the whole process nothing was too much to ask, and they truly made the whole process so much easier by going above and beyond on our behalf. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the team at the Mortgage Architect to anyone looking to get a mortgage.”
“We recently got the keys to our first home after brilliant support from Mark and Rob in the Mortgage Architect to get our mortgage. Mark was our main point of contact and went above and beyond to help us and give us guidance not only on the mortgage process but also some questions we had around the whole process. Rob stepped in any time Mark was unavailable, and the response times were exceptional, we never waited more than a few hours for replies to any query! Overall the service was excellent, and I would highly recommend anyone thinking of getting a mortgage to contact the
guys.”
3. Which Mortgage
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| APPOINTMENT SETTING | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| OPERATING HOURS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| RESPONSE TIME | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| RELIABILITY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| NETWORK OF LENDERS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
Which Mortgage is a company that offers clients comprehensive and accredited mortgage services such as house moves, switching residences, and home improvements among others.
Past clients who have experienced working with them have commended them for their well-managed service procedures and efficient take on the paperwork involved to ensure that clients will have a hassle-free experience altogether.
Aside from this, they also provide clients with excellent website features such as mortgage calculators and online appointment booking pages to better assist clients in acquiring their services.
Note though that rates of their services aren’t readily available on their website and interested clients may need to inquire further for more information on this matter.
Overall, with their highly accredited mortgage packages, excellent customer service, and highly integrated website, we strongly recommend clients looking for such services to check them out.
Pros
- Convenient application process
- Wide array of mortgage loans accommodated
- Communicative customer service
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Which Mortgage has made our mortgage journey painless from start to finish. The team have been so helpful, efficient and friendly. We cannot recommend them enough and are extremely happy that we did our mortgage application with them.”
“Anyone looking for help with mortgage can expect a great service from these guys!”
4. Moneytree Finance
Moneytree Finance is an independent mortgage broker serving Cork City and West Cork. Whether you’re buying a home for the first time or are looking to diversify your portfolio, rest assured that they can guide you from start to finish.
We like the fact that they’re connected to multiple lenders including the Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, KBC, and Permanent TSB. This allows them to shop around to find the lowest rates possible for you.
Of course, that also means that they’ll deal with the bank directly so you don’t have to.
From what we’ve seen, they’ve done a pretty good job in helping clients land their dream home during the pandemic. Their location may not be centrally located, but they’ve been incredibly responsive to their clients—be it through email or phone calls.
Most mortgage brokering fees are already covered by the commission of the sale. Moneytree Finance receives a commission of up to 1% per sale, plus they charge clients a one-time flat fee of €250.
While this fee may be a minor drawback to some, we still appreciate that their fees are transparent online—no hidden fees to worry about!
Pros
- Large network of lenders
- Customer praise on responsiveness
- No hidden fees
- Free mortgage calculator online
Cons
- Charges an application fee
- Relatively far location
Customer Reviews
Helpful and couldn’t do enough for us
“We were blessed to come across Moneytree Finance. We were referred by a friend and it’s one of the best referrals we ever received. Veronica was so helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. She was always there to answer any questions and made sure everything was right. We are very grateful. Also when dealing with Con in relation to insurance etc he was so professional and friendly and made sure we understood everything. Thank you so much Veronica, Con and team.” —Siouxsie Lynch, Google Reviews
Made the process so much easier
“I honestly couldn’t recommend Veronica any more! From the start of our journey to the finish line, she was there for all of our questions and queries, which were always cheerfully answered. Veronica really made the process of buying our forever home so much easier than dealing with any of the banks directly, I would recommend Veronica and her team 100% to anybody who is starting their home buying journey. A million thanks again Veronica!” —Karen O Mahoney, Google Reviews
5. Financial Innovations
Financial Innovations may be based in Cork, but they actually have clients all over Ireland. More than a mortgage broker, this firm offers a broad range of financial advice services.
Whether you need advice on investment planning or pension preparation, their team of financial experts will give you the most suitable solutions based on your needs.
Their brand of service is simple, really. They aim to foster long-term relationships with their clients by offering highly personalised services.
This means meeting or talking to you in a location that you find most convenient, even if their location is centrally located. And we can see that they hold true to this promise—we’ve heard plenty of positive feedback about them.
Another thing we like about them is that their fee structure is transparent online. They’ll only receive a commission from the lender once the mortgage application is successful.
What this means for you is that you also get to have free mortgage advice whenever you need it, and that’s a plus in our book!
However, this isn’t always the case. In some instances, they charge clients an application fee for mortgages less than €150,000, for example.
They’re relatively higher compared to others that we’ve seen though, which can be a downside for some. You can check out an overview of their fees here.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Large network of lenders
- Free mortgage advice (terms apply)
- Central location
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Some mortgage applications require fees
- Relatively expensive application fees
Customer Reviews
Brilliant from start to finish
“I switched mortgage recently to a new provider and used Financial Innovations as a broker. They were absolutely brilliant to deal with from start to finish. Any questions I had were dealt with effectively, professionally and timely. Both John and Becca guided me through the entire process easily and . I would highly recommend them.” —Kevin O Connell, Google Reviews
Professional and efficient
“Brid was my financial advisor and was extremely helpful throughout the process of buying my home. I’m a first time buyer and I found her professional, efficient and great to advise each step of the way. Can’t recommend her enough!” —Elaine Rockett, Google Reviews
6. Mortgage Search
If you want a no-frills mortgage brokerage firm, then Mortgage Search is a good option. At this firm, you have the option to choose among common mortgage products including first-time buyers, moving homes, switching, among others.
Their team of mortgage brokers have been in the industry for many years now—a giveaway that they know what they’re doing.
We recommend maximising their obligation-free initial consultation services to know if they’re the right fit for you.
From what we’ve seen, they’ve earned a reputation for being professional and efficient, which is why we weren’t surprised to see that they’ve branched out to Dublin and Limerick, actually.
Pros
- No hidden fees
- Free initial consultation
- Large team of brokers
- Branches available in Dublin and Limerick
Cons
- Relatively far location
Customer Reviews
Went above and beyond
“Amy from Mortgage Search helped me through every step from mortgage application to closure. Amy is amazing at her job. She is always on the other side of the phone to ask any question, big or small. She talked me through every step of the process. Towards the closure of my sale, Amy went above and beyond to ensure it got over the line. Highly would recommend anybody thinking of getting a mortgage to use Mortgage Search to ease the process!” —John Brouwer, Google Reviews
Highly efficient and very helpful
“I contacted Farzaneh Moeini at Mortgage Search on the basis of a referral. I was not disappointed. Aside from being extremely pleasant to deal with, Farzaneh was highly efficient, very helpful, and always seemed to be one step ahead to minimize any potential delays. I will definitely be passing on my recommendations to friends and family for future requirements. Thank you for an excellent and stress-free experience!” —Lisa M, Google Reviews
7. MyMortgages.ie
MyMortgages.ie is another broker you can consider. This one has over 20 years of experience in the industry, servicing homeowners nationwide, not just in Cork.
They provided practical mortgage advice to literally thousands of people who are embarking on a mortgage, from first time owners to those who are switching mortgages.
What makes them different from our other entries, though, is that they actually specialise in helping expats secure a mortgage in Ireland.
Purchasing a property in Ireland from overseas can be a complex process. But we’re glad to see that they already have a readily available list of requirements for the benefit of homebuyers worldwide.
Apart from mortgage services, you can also find the convenience of purchasing mortgage protection insurance with this broker. To date, they have about 7 lenders you can choose from, which exclude certain major banks like Bank of Ireland.
While this can be a minor setback, rest assured that they’ll still do their best to get you the most competitive rates.
Whatever your needs are, you can schedule a free consultation with them to know your options moving forward.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Ideal for expats
- Free consultation
- Central location
Cons
- Operating hours not listed
- Limited list of lenders
Customer Reviews
All very professional
“I never give 5 star reviews normally but had to this time. I had been trying to get my mortgage refinanced for a few years. Not even a reply to my queries – even from people I knew. I contacted mymortages 8 months ago and was contacted straight away. It was 8 months of torture (due to banks) and every time mymorgages were there. I have dealt with numerous different people there – all very professional. Spoke to Joey a few times and he obviously knows his stuff. IF YOU WANT A MORTGAGE GO HERE.” —Gearoid Kennedy, Google Reviews
Always available, very responsive
“I got the keys for my place less than a couple of weeks ago, and after the conclusion I have to say I am very happy with MyMortgages. I had a first meeting with Joey, where he helped me understand what my options were, and suggesting the most suited lender and mortgage for my case, and after that it was just a matter of getting all the documents to them before having an application ready. The truth is that the process that followed was a long and frustrating one at times, for so many reasons, but Marianne was always available, being very responsive, and following up with any information that may have been needed, always pushing the right people to move forward! I also admire her patience, with all my questions and requests! Very happy with our collaboration! Could I have done this on my own without going through MyMortgages? Possibly, yes. But, had I done so, would I be confident that I understand everything about the product of my choice and feel sure that everything is under control? I highly doubt it. And that’s why I would happily recommend the team!” —Dimitris Kyritsis, Google Reviews