From nonsensical underwriting questions to bizarre client behaviour, this episode hits hard with real-life examples that show the chaos mortgage professionals deal with daily. Whether you’re a seasoned property investor or someone trying to understand the back-end of financial services, these stories are eye-opening—and sometimes jaw-dropping.
When Common Sense Doesn’t Apply
One underwriter demanded evidence for a rental payment that was literally the first transaction on a clearly labelled bank statement. Another wanted proof a client paid themselves—despite the work being completed and evidenced in full. These aren’t just rare occurrences; they’re painfully common.
And let’s not forget the case where a top UK bank underwriter asked who “Lisa” was on a client’s bank statement—completely unaware that LISA refers to a Lifetime ISA.
The Problem with Surveyors and Solicitors
Surveyors come under fire, too—rightly so. One valued a property at £4 million, despite saying on-site it was worth £6 million, simply because “the lender would prefer it.” Another admitted to fabricating a valuation because they couldn’t access part of the building.
Solicitors aren’t exempt from scrutiny. One tried to delay completion by inventing new requirements after the lender had released funds. Another claimed title splits were “illegal”—a laughable misunderstanding for any professional.
Client Chaos: The Other Side of the Coin
As Ajay and Jordanne make clear, they don’t just deal with industry incompetence. Clients, too, can be difficult. One printed all documents and posted them instead of emailing PDFs, only to send emails later with other documents. Another submitted a passport photo—with a vape in hand.
While these moments often spark laughter, they also reflect how poorly understood the adviser role can be. As Jordanne puts it: “We care more about the deal than some clients do.”
Advisor Fatigue and the Need for Realism
This episode doesn’t just serve up laughs; it addresses real problems. Unrealistic client expectations and a lack of appreciation for the complexity and effort behind securing finance are daily struggles for advisers.
Ajay says it best: “We exist to make a client’s life easier—to simplify the process. But some treat us like we’re nothing in the process.”
Part 2 Coming Soon
This is only the beginning. Part 2 will dive deeper into surveyor overreach, lender red tape, and more unfiltered insights into a broken but still navigable system.
