The most obvious example of this is the criteria you need to meet in order to get a mortgage. Although there are certain assumed standards, each lender has its own criteria. As a consumer, that leaves you in a precarious position of shooting in the dark when submitting mortgage applications.

Things don’t get any better when you look at the data surrounding mortgage rates. Although all stats can be twisted to suit a specific agenda, there are times when consumers won’t know what to believe. For example, if you compare the headlines from the Financial Times and UK Finance in May 2019, both had a different take on the current lending status.

Same Data, Different Conclusions

While lobbying group UK Finance focused on approval rates being up by 6% year-on-year and 2% between February and March, the Financial Times had a different spin. For reporter Imogen Tew, the Bank of England’s Money and Credit report stood out because approvals had dropped by 4.5% between February and March. Even comparing just two news stories, you can see how the market is confusing at times.

Fortunately, as it often does, technology is capable of cutting through the unnecessary and picking out the relevant. On a basic level, mortgage calculators are an easy way for prospective borrowers to see how much they can get. However, with these calculators using generic data and broad assumptions, the answers are nothing more than a guide. Building on this technology, mortgage brokers offer sophisticated calculators that help determine the best products for a single user.

Using AI-style technology, free-to-use online mortgage broker Trussle matches borrowers and lenders. Unlike generic calculators, the software compares personal details against 12,000 mortgage deals. From there, daily market comparisons are carried out to ensure the user is given recommendations that are based on the latest market conditions. Indeed, it’s this dynamism that counters the complex and volatile nature of the mortgage industry. While it may not necessarily make mortgages any less complex, using tools like this can help simplify the application process.

Streamlining the Mortgage Business

In conjunction with a desire in recent years to streamline the industry, developers have also adjusted their focus to lender technology. Indeed, as the market has become more competitive, lenders with the most user-friendly systems are likely to win favour with the general public. Latching onto this trend, Fiserv launched Mortgage Momentum in February 2019. Described as an “end-to-end” system, Mortgage Momentum is designed to improve the lending experience.

Part of the software’s appeal is that it makes the lending process easier: by simplifying the overall process, the product is able to make borrowing more attractive. In other words, by making it easier for consumers, the lender has the ability to generate more business. What’s more, the product also uses machine learning to understand the market’s shifting dynamics. Using these insights, lenders can refine their products to meet the latest economic and consumer demands.

Mortgages will never be an easy topic to master. Changing interest rates, market forces and economic stability will always ensure a level of uncertainty. However, with modern technology, things are easier to grasp than they’ve been before. Indeed, thanks to calculators, brokers and advanced lending software, borrowers are shooting at slightly lighter targets than they once were.