Ask friends or colleagues for recommendations. You’ve heard it before; it’s not what you know, but who. Find friends who’ve made property purchases recently and get the details of their mortgage broker.

Do your own research via the Internet and telephone. Ask what deals mortgage brokers have on offer and if there are any conditions attached. Remember, this home loan is likely to be part of your life for the next 25 to 30 years so don’t be afraid to ask questions and compare offers.

If a mortgage broker offers you a special deal, ask about the special conditions. You know the old saying ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’. Keep that in mind when assessing deals and weigh up what’s right for you.

Internet mortgage brokers should make their offers in writing. Nothing is solid until it’s in black and white. Print out the pages with the offer and keep them filed for reference

Make written notes of all dates, times, names and offers. Keep it all in one folder in case there is a dispute later and you need evidence to back up your claim. Remember, it’s their word against yours, until someone has a record of it!

Make sure the mortgage broker belongs to an independent complaints scheme in case anything goes wrong. This ensures you have an avenue to follow for any unforeseen disputes.

Check if the mortgage broker has an office. If so, go there to see how busy it is and how professional it appears. Anyone can start a business, but it takes a professional to make it work.

Remember, some lenders don’t have branches and only deal through mortgage brokers. Don’t miss out on some good opportunities by ruling out using a mortgage broker.

Ask your mortgage broker on what basis they make their recommendations. Mortgage brokers are paid commissions to sell loans, so make sure you ask plenty of questions about the commissions they are paid.

Make sure you feel confident about the person who is organizing your mortgage. Go with your gut on this one – if something doesn’t feel right, chances are it is