Trade Secrets

Stuart & Leanne Borthwick

Mortgage & insurance advisers How did Dartmoor Financial start?

28 years ago, our families camped together at Cheriton Bishop; Leanne and I always got on well and joked about starting our own business. Fast forward to 2007 and Leanne had the chance to start the business while I barely covered the bills from corporate world. In 2014 we were delighted (and terrified) to be told we were expecting twins. This coincided with the Coop Bank’s troubles and I took voluntary redundancy to allow us to both work from home, sharing our children’s lives more equally.

What services do you offer?

Leanne specialises in all forms of residential and buy to let mortgages. She is also our protection specialist, ensuring our clients and their families are protected from life’s issues, such as job loss, critical illness and unexpected loss of loved ones. I (Stuart) specialise in supporting 55-year-olds upwards to borrow money. Modern forms of equity release are one option but we also consider ‘Term into Retirement’ mortgages (mortgages with a longer end date) and the more recent ‘Retirement Interest Only’ (monthly payment but no set end date). I pride myself on an open, honest approach - if it isn’t right for you, I will tell you! What training is involved in becoming a mortgage or insurance adviser?

A recognised qualification from the CII (chartered insurance institute) or LIBF (the London Institute of Banking and Finance) worked for us. The letters CeMAP and CeRER after our names, show we are qualified to advise on mortgages, protection and equity release.

How can you help people get through the current cost of living crisis?

We always encourage people to borrow responsibly and only if it is right for them. When bills go up it is only natural to look at reducing your outgoings. Reviewing your mortgage and protection costs can save people lots of money. If you are 55 or over then you could also consider a modern form of equity release to release amounts from £10,000 at a fixed rate of interest for the rest of your lives if necessary. You can even pay the money back on a voluntary basis. The money released is secured against your home though so it is important to get great advice and crucially ‘KNOW before saying NO. There may also be other cost-effective ways to help and we can direct you as part of our holistic approach.

What do you mean by ‘the great unretirement’?

We are starting to see people (particularly ladies who would have had their pension at 60) heading back out to work to top up their income till their new state pension age. Due to cost of living increases their older partner’s pension is no longer enough to cover the bills. Modern equity release or other later-life lending solutions could come to the rescue here, but it’s important to talk it through and find out more.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

We both love (and I mean love) helping people through tough times. Leanne loves helping people get their first home, save money, and ensure they are protected. I love coming to the rescue when the bank can’t help because of someone’s age, stopping people being repossessed by their current lender and also… clients sending photos of their adventures post release equity.

Having to choose between eating OR putting on the heating this winter?

 The challenges we face with the cost of living increases are going to be felt by our older people on lower incomes. Many of these will own their own properties with either a small or no mortgage at all.  You should never have to…however, you could be able to release equity from your home to help yourself or your family during this difficult time.  Find out more about equity release and other later life lending options with no pressure to proceed (we charge fees on completion of your loan only). We are a local trusted family firm and want to do what we can so you know all your options.  If together we decide it is not for you, then at least you’ve taken the time to make an informed decision.  Receiving money into your account can take between 8 and 12 weeks (on average), so it’s key to look at your options sooner rather than later.  We are members of the Equity Release Council and based in Tavistock.

Dartmoor Financial LLP Local. Reliable. Fair Call us on 01822 615502

Equity Release is not to be taken lightly, and is not suitable for everyone. These products are for over 55s only, may affect eligibility to benefi ts and can affect the inheritance you may leave. There might be cheaper ways to borrow money, or charities and organisations that can provide support in times of need. Dartmoor Financial LLP is an appointed representative of HL Partnership Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Equity Release includes Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion Schemes. We can advise and arrange Lifetime Mortgages and will refer to an approved specialist for Home Reversion schemes. There may be a fee payable for mortgage advice.