BDC

Search
BDC Magazine

September 21, 2021

ghththw df

CACI REVEALS TOP 20 BTR LOCATIONS IN THE UK

CACI, the consumer and location intelligence specialist, has revealed the top 20 areas best to invest in for build-to-rent (BTR) schemes across the UK. The research highlights developments are proving increasingly popular with residents, as more and more consumers are attracted to BTR schemes because of the ease and convenience

Read More »

Contractor prosecuted after spot check reveals multiple breaches

A construction contractor has been fined after multiple health and safety issues were identified during a proactive Covid spot check at a site in Manchester. Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that on 9 July 2020, a HSE inspector performed a proactive Covid-19 spot check at a construction site in the city.

Read More »

Offsite Solutions Wins Contract for Residential Scheme

Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has been awarded its second contract for Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord. This latest project is to manufacture 567 steel-framed bathroom and shower pods for Exchange Square in Birmingham which is under construction by main contractor McAleer & Rushe.

Read More »

Why Mortgage Brokers Are More Popular Than Ever

You’ve probably heard about the shortage of homes that the younger generation is having to deal with. It’s not just about the lack of homes, but the price they now come with. If there is more demand than supply, you know the rest. The home prices will skyrocket and hence,

Read More »

Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

September 21, 2021

Knight Property Group secures planning consent for £50 million Belgrave Logistics Park

All systems go for new 245,000 sq ft logistics facility in Bellshill Knight Property Group has just secured full planning consent from North Lanarkshire Council to develop a brand new £50 million logistics park at Bellshill Industrial Estate, on the site of the former Devro manufacturing facility. The application was approved at last week’s full committee meeting. The 14-acre site will be transformed into Belgrave Logistics Park, a brand new speculative 245,000 sq ft logistics facility, with five high-quality units of 28,940 sq ft, 18,940 sq ft, 33,945 sq ft, 47,940 sq ft and 125,665 sq ft respectively. Each unit will have an EPC rating of A and further green credentials include electric car charging points, solar photovoltaics panels to the roof, all electric heat recovery / air conditioning to offices and water management flow restriction to conserve water. The site was acquired by Knight at the end of January this year, with the planning application submitted in May. James Barrack, Founder and Chairman of Knight Property Group said: “Achieving full planning consent is a significant milestone for this high-quality and well-located development.   “Interest from potential occupiers has already been strong and confirms our confidence to develop speculatively in this sector and location. When complete, it will provide much-needed logistics space and has the potential to bring new business and employment opportunities to the area. “The demolition and site clearance works are now complete and we are currently in the midst of detailed discussions with several parties to select a main contractor for the development, which we hope to conclude shortly.” Marc Giles, Planning Partner at Ryden, who advised Knight, added: “The planning process was a real team effort and permission was granted well within the statutory four months determination period. We were delighted by the cooperative and positive approach from the planning officers at North Lanarkshire Council on this application. This development will bring significant economic benefit to the local area.” Belgrave Logistics Park will be situated within the popular Bellshill Industrial Estate with excellent transport links and quick access to the A725 dual carriageway which provides direct access to the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and also the M74 which is Scotland’s main road link south. Glasgow international airport is only 25 minutes drive west via the M8 motorway and Edinburgh International airport is only 40 minutes drive east. Ryden is the letting agent for Knight Property Group at Belgrave Logistics Park.  Further information on can be found at: https://knightpropertygroup.co.uk/development/belgrave-logistics-park/

Read More »

The built environment industry join forces to improve air quality and reduce GHG emissions across the UK

The Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) is leading the way for the UK’s built environment to drastically reduce onsite emissions to air that are harmful to human health and the planet, such that they will reach net zero by 2040 and contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11 and 13. The Plant Commitment Charter was developed by the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Plant Group to encapsulate and communicate this approach. Each organisation signatory pledges to work toward five commitments, including: minimum standards in procurement, engagement, awareness raising & education, measurement & reporting, and innovation. The result: they contribute to a cleaner working environment. Kier and Cheetham Hill Construction are the latest signatories to the Plant Commitment Charter. They join nineteen other organisations publicly dedicated to actively reducing their emissions from the plant and equipment they buy, hire and use. Jade Hunt, Group Environment Manager, Kier, said“Kier have been active for a long time in reducing the impacts of its business, across all sustainability issues. Signing the School’s Plant Commitment Charter is an outward confirmation of our determined intent, and we want our suppliers and subcontractors to match our ambition.” Howard Chamberlain, Managing Director and Owner, Cheetham Hill Construction, said: “CHC has signed the School’s Plant Commitment Charter as a clear statement that we take the impacts of our business seriously, taking action to reduce them where possible, as far as possible.” Signatories to the Charter come from across the value chain and commit to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse emissions and any negative impact caused from their construction plant and equipment (CPE). Direct action on reducing tailpipe emissions can only lead to better local air quality for workers and neighbours, resulting in less impact on the global climate. Chris Matthew, Strategic Manager, Flannery Plant Hire, said: “Flannery signed the Charter in June 2020, the first to do so, because we saw value in making a public declaration of our strategy to reduce emissions across our fleet and the service we provide to our clients. We are glad to see others joining the same declaration.” Lara Young, Group Climate Change Director, Costain, said: “Costain were one of the first signatories of the Plant Commitment Charter in August 2020. As an early adopter of low emission plant and having introduced several Groupwide low emission plant standards since 2017, joining the Charter was an evident next step in our journey to net zero. Tackling one of our greatest whole life cycle emissions sources and providing a clear signal to our clients, supply chain partners and Plant OEMs to know of the importance we place on taking tangible action, reducing emissions from plant and machinery. I am delighted that more organisations are following suit.” Signing the Plant Commitment Charter is free and voluntary. Visit the Supply Chain Sustainability School to find out more.

Read More »

Countryside Properties Phase 3 of South Oxhey Central reaches highest point

Countryside and Home Group have marked reaching the highest point of Phase 3 of South Oxhey Central, their £218m town centre development in Hertfordshire, with a topping out ceremony that was attended on 8th September by the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Sarah Nelmes. Delivered in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, Phase 3 is delivering 345 new homes, a 18,800 sq ft Lidl supermarket, and 6,500 sq ft of further retail space, as well as enhanced landscaping and landscaped podiums for residents. With construction progressing at pace, the first homes are expected to be ready in autumn 2022 with the new Lidl foodstore following in late 2022. The new homes in Phase 3 are due to be launched for sale at the end of September by Countryside, with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments going onto the market, as well as two- and three-bedroom duplexes for the first time at the development. With 90% now sold, the last remaining homes in Phase 2 are currently on sale, with one- and two-bedroom apartments available and prices starting from £277,500. Following the completion of Phase 2 of the development earlier this year, all of the new retailers have now opened alongside a new market square, while 174 homes have been handed over to residents – making a total of 314 homes now completed at the development. When fully complete, South Oxhey Central will consist of a total of 659 new homes and in excess of 55,000 sq ft of commercial space, set across two acres of landscaped public spaces. Daniel King, Managing Director, West London and Thames Valley, Countryside, said: “Following the successful completion of Phase 2 earlier this year, we’re delighted with our swift progress on Phase 3, which will complement the existing community and retail scene with a varied mix of homes, additional retail space and Lidl supermarket. The topping out ceremony signifies the contribution to the local area that South Oxhey Central is making, and we can’t wait to welcome the new residents next year.” Joe Cook, Executive Director of Development at Home Group, said: “We’ve worked hard, alongside our partners Countryside and Three Rivers District Council, to create this fantastic new development – and that hard work continues into Phase 3 of the project. South Oxhey Central will make a huge difference to the surrounding community and we’re excited to see things progress over the next year.” Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, added: “The importance that local communities play in all our lives has come into sharp focus over the past 18 months. In this respect, the transformation of South Oxhey Central has already had a hugely positive impact on the community, offering a mixture of housing for social rent, shared and private ownership with new shops, convenient local facilities and a place to meet. I’m thrilled that this latest phase is now nearing completion and want to pass on my thanks and congratulations to everyone involved for making it possible.” To find out more about the new homes available at South Oxhey Central, please speak to our sales team on southoxheycentral@cpplc.com or 020 3944 4166.

Read More »

Academic’s new building insulation invention to be brought to market through new Government-funded partnership

Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions in a partnership, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. They will work together to create and bring to market new building insulation products – starting with the Retrofit Eaves Insulator – invented and patented by lead academic, Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat. Through the two-year programme, academic experts at Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) and Leeds Business School will support ARC in setting up a specialised new product development department within the business to invent and bring new products to both the retrofit and new-build housing markets. The pilot project will be the Retrofit Eaves Insulator (REI), invented and patented by Dr Brooke-Peat and co-inventor Professor Christopher Gorse, which will allow homeowners to make their dwellings more energy efficient and cost effective. Dr Brooke-Peat, Architectural Technology Course Director at Leeds Beckett, explained: “A problem area for insulating existing buildings is at the eaves – the junction between the external walls and roof – which can result in high rates of heat loss. We have seen this in research projects in the LSI and have needed to find a solution to this energy efficiency problem for a long time. “A large market opening up currently is the retrofit market – thermally upgrading a building; which could be just the loft or the full house, including the walls. The eaves need to be insulated as part of this process – and, where the roof covering is already fitted, this is a tight space. We needed to invent an insulation product that could resolve the problem and be fitted easily in a confined space with restricted access.” The patent has now been licensed by Leeds Beckett University to ARC – with funding of £161,000 through the Government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme to support the development of the REI and a whole new product development department for ARC. Neil Weeks, Managing Director of ARC, said: “ARC has worked in tandem with Leeds Beckett University for a number of years, using expert knowledge and skills to identify heat loss and carbon reduction in the new build sector. “The refurbishment sector is a vast market and existing homeowners of properties pre-2005 are in a unique position – to be able to reduce their carbon impact whist also reducing monthly heating bills. “ARC is keen to identify key opportunities for products that can positively influence carbon reduction are key to the long-term growth strategy of ARC as a business.” The KTP will begin with the recruitment of a full-time KTP Associate, who will be an experienced graduate. They will work with ARC and the academic team in establishing the processes and infrastructure needed to set up the new in-house product development department. The academic team will be led by principal inventor, Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat, providing the technical expertise relating to the invention and the construction industry; alongside the team at Leeds Business School, led by Paul Rhodes, Lecturer in strategic marketing and new product development – bringing expertise in finance, management and marketing. Dr Brooke-Peat said: “It is exciting to see an idea borne out of research coming to fruition as a marketable product, which will then be in use for a positive effect. It’s about implementing energy efficiency, which reduces carbon emissions – and in existing buildings.” “If we are going to stand a chance of meeting our targets for carbon emissions, we need to be looking at the existing building stock, which will still be around in 2050 when we are aiming to reach our zero-carbon target. This invention will help move us towards that. It is exciting to contribute to something so important that could go into many retrofit roof insulation projects going forward. The scale of its potential is vast.” Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

Read More »

Premier Modular Achieves BOPAS Accreditation for its Modular Apartments Following Expansion into Residential

Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading offsite specialists, has achieved BOPAS accreditation for its modular living solutions, following its expansion into the residential sector. Established in 1956 and with a long track record in offsite construction, Premier has five factories at its production centre in East Yorkshire. It has capacity to produce 100,000sqm of living space per year, with the opportunity to increase output to meet demand. BOPAS – the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme – is the industry benchmark to give funders, principal mortgage lenders, valuers, and purchasers the confidence that homes built using offsite construction will have a life of at least 60 years. It also demonstrates the integrity of the offsite system, consistent delivery, and long-term performance to specification. Premier specialises in the offsite construction of affordable, sustainable and fast-track apartments, studios and multi-occupancy buildings for social housing, build-to-rent, schemes to address homelessness, hotels, and student accommodation. It works as a partner to local authorities, housing providers, developers, and contractors. Commenting on the new accreditation, Jeff Maxted of BOPAS and a Director of BLP Technical Services (UK), said, “It is fantastic to see Premier’s expansion into the residential sector, building on their vast experience in other areas. BOPAS is an independent, standards-led benchmark for modular housing, providing long-term assurance to lenders and valuers that homes built using non-traditional methods of construction offer longevity and reliability.” Dan Allison, Director of Premier Modular, said, “We are immensely proud to receive this industry accreditation which reinforces our expansion into the residential sector. BOPAS provides our local authority and developer clients as well as funders and mortgage lenders with complete reassurance of best practice and that our modular apartment solutions meet or exceed the required standards.” “We have ambitious plans to bring innovation and sustainability to the UK housing market. We already have a number of residential projects on site and nearing completion and are receiving a high level of enquiries for new schemes. We anticipate the demand for offsite construction will continue to increase to help address the housing crisis and the drive for net zero.” “We offer a range of modular solutions for low to mid-rise apartment developments, and the speed of offsite manufacturing will help to reduce housing waiting lists. We have also successfully demonstrated the structural stability of our building system beyond 15 storeys, giving our customers even greater confidence in our design and construction capabilities.” “The residential sector is facing considerable challenges – from the shortage of skilled labour to the need for increased productivity and improved quality in housebuilding to meet the rising demand for new homes. By moving the construction of new apartment schemes offsite and into a more controllable factory environment, we can produce energy-efficient homes with less impact on the environment, to reduced programmes, and significantly enhanced quality.” Premier has been awarded full BOPAS accreditation for design, manufacturing and construction. A rigorous assessment was carried out by BOPAS, which audited all aspects of Premier’s operations, including quality control systems, health and safety, project management, and interfaces, from design through to offsite manufacture, construction, and handover. BOPAS was established by the industry body Buildoffsite, BLP Insurance, the RICS and Lloyd’s Register. For further information, visit www.premiermodular.co.uk, call 0800 316 0888 or email info@premiermodular.co.uk.

Read More »
ghththw df

CACI REVEALS TOP 20 BTR LOCATIONS IN THE UK

CACI, the consumer and location intelligence specialist, has revealed the top 20 areas best to invest in for build-to-rent (BTR) schemes across the UK. The research highlights developments are proving increasingly popular with residents, as more and more consumers are attracted to BTR schemes because of the ease and convenience they provide. CACI’s data has unearthed significant opportunities outside London, with both Coventry in the West Midlands and Central Bedfordshire in the East of England achieving total ranking scores of 71% each for BTR investment potential.  The complete top 20 is: 1 Coventry 11 Cardiff 2 Central Bedfordshire 12 Maidstone 3 Aylesbury Vale 13 Arun 4 South Gloucestershire 14 West Lothian 5 Colchester 15 Barking and Dagenham 6 Milton Keynes 16 Manchester 7 Swale 17 Wealden 8 Sandwell 18 Peterborough 9 Ashford 19 Sheffield 10 Leeds 20 County Durham In London itself, Barking and Dagenham are the highest-ranking boroughs, largely driven by the rental income and quantity of potential customers.  The data also reveals there is a geographical pattern in London, with the biggest opportunity for BTR in the capital to the east and north of the city, largely driven by the underlying demographic of the area. More than £1.2 billion was invested into the UK’s BTR market in Q1 2021, the highest first quarter on record*.  To reflect the growing popularity of the sector, CACI’s BTR index has reviewed factors including rents, affordability, yields, volume of potential customers and population growth to create the ranking. Commenting on the research, Tolgar Necar, Managing Consultant at CACI said: “It’s clear from our ranking that the UK BTR market has established itself in a wide range of locations. The market is growing rapidly and destinations within the London commuter belt are becoming more appealing than ever for this younger generation looking for convenience and high-end schemes to live in. For more and more of these consumers, it is all about the ability to socialise as opposed to the size of the property, kerb appeal and having a garden are less important, which is reflective of their life-stage.” Managed services and facilities contribute hugely to the attractiveness of the schemes to prospective tenants, allowing developers to stand-out from the competition and achieve premium rental values, creating a win-win for developers seeking higher yields and renters happy to pay for these features.  Such premiums tend to gear developments towards higher-earning groups, often falling within CACI’s ‘rising prosperity’ Acorn segments, with aspirational ‘starting out’ groups also attracted by the ease and convenience that these managed schemes provide. CACI’s research has also identified the factors most relevant to such consumers when choosing a BTR location: proximity to friends, proximity to work, transport links, proximity to green space, the quality of local amenities (shops and F&B); and access to high-speed internet.  BTR schemes also typically offer high-spec units, with managed amenities and services – the best of which are highly targeted to the needs, wants and lifestyles of specific user groups and audiences. This latest index from CACI follows their latest research revealing the scale of demand for staycations in the UK this summer. * https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/312837-0

Read More »

Contractor prosecuted after spot check reveals multiple breaches

A construction contractor has been fined after multiple health and safety issues were identified during a proactive Covid spot check at a site in Manchester. Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that on 9 July 2020, a HSE inspector performed a proactive Covid-19 spot check at a construction site in the city. During the inspection, a host of safety issues were identified including working at height, welfare, Covid-19, site security, and electricity. The principal contractor was served with a Prohibition Notice and two Improvement Notices. A return inspection was made on the 17 August 2020, after very little communication from the principal contractor. Little or no improvements had been made regarding the issues and additional enforcement action was required, including a further Prohibition Notice regarding an unsupported excavation. It was subsequently established that the contractor had failed to comply with any of the Improvement Notices HSE had served. Principal contractor Umar Akram Khatab, now resident in Hollingwood Lane, Bradford, pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 21 of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order. He was also ordered to pay £3,000 towards costs and a victim surcharge of £95. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Rebecca Vaudrey said: “HSE prides itself on being a proportionate and evidence-based regulator. Since the beginning of the pandemic HSE has carried out more than 316,000 Covid spot checks, with the priority to urgently make workplaces safe from transmission risks, rather than heavy-handed enforcement. “These checks have demonstrated that the majority of employers want to do the right thing to ensure their workers go home safe and well. “This is the first prosecution to arise from the Spot Check programme. We’ve repeatedly stressed that prosecution is a last resort, but this case clearly illustrates that where there is consistent disregard to Covid or other risks to employees’ health and safety, HSE will use its powers to take action.”

Read More »

Offsite Solutions Wins Contract for Residential Scheme

Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has been awarded its second contract for Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord. This latest project is to manufacture 567 steel-framed bathroom and shower pods for Exchange Square in Birmingham which is under construction by main contractor McAleer & Rushe. The pod deliveries to site will begin towards the end of 2021 and will be completed by summer 2022 as the building’s structure is constructed. Exchange Square is developed by Nikal for Grainger plc and will provide 375 homes for rent in a landmark 37-storey tower. Designed by Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio, the £68m scheme occupies a prominent location opposite HS2 Curzon Birmingham. Completion is scheduled for summer 2023. The bathroom pods for Exchange Square will have dark grey, large format porcelain wall and floor tiles with staggered ‘brick bond’ tile joints to the walls. The bathrooms will be fully fitted in the factory with a three-door mirrored cabinet, a solid surface vanity shelf, semi-pedestal wall hung basin, bath with glass hinged shower screen, heated ladder towel rail, and floor mounted toilet. The shower rooms will have a two-door mirrored wall cabinet and a sliding shower door. “We fully support the use of offsite manufacturing and for the bathrooms, it gives us the unique opportunity to check the pods in the factory before going into full production. This allows us to review the design detailing and make any minor changes, which is just not possible on site,” said Helena Tsiantes Jansson, Senior Forward Fund Development Manager at Grainger plc. “Following our recent visit to Offsite Solutions’ factory, we were very impressed with the quality of the finishes, particularly the grouting and tiling. The quality was spot on and will result in a better quality product for our residents. Fitting out the bathrooms in a factory which has much more space and light than on site, definitely impacts positively on quality. It is also much easier for us to deal with a single supplier for the bathrooms.” Offsite Solutions is also manufacturing pods for Enigma Square in Milton Keynes – another Grainger build-to-rent scheme which is under construction by Bowmer and Kirkland. Steel-framed bathroom pods give developers and contractors the opportunity to have a premium aesthetic which includes porcelain tiling, with all the speed and quality benefits of offsite manufacture for large-scale residential schemes, hotels and student accommodation. These pods have a lightweight steel-framed construction with a fully tanked wet area to the walls and floor, and a composite ceiling panel for long-term durability and an enhanced appearance. Offsite Solutions offers the UK’s largest range of pods to suit many different building types and applications. Options include steel-framed bathroom pods with porcelain-tiled finishes for high-end apartments, PRS, student residences and hotels; robust and low maintenance GRP composite shower pods for student accommodation, build-to-rent, care homes, social housing and healthcare; hybrid pods for specialist projects, and award-winning demountable GRP pods for ease of installation in refurbishment schemes. Offsite Solutions has also developed steel-framed utility pods for apartments or studios for build-to-rent or build-to-sell schemes.

Read More »

ENERGY CRISIS EXPERT COMMENT – Mike Foster CEO of Energy Utilities Alliance

Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “The current energy crisis around gas supply and demand was entirely avoidable but that doesn’t help solve the problem now. In the short term, the tools available to help are limited and expensive but may be necessary to keep fuel poverty levels in check; to keep the lights on whilst still keeping an eye on our emissions. “In the longer term much more can be done and should be. This crisis should act as a wake-up call to get on with improving the energy efficiency of buildings; of ramping up of zero carbon power generation, that’s nuclear, wind as well as gas with CCS; but most of all seizing the opportunity to massively invest in hydrogen production, so we are no longer dependent of geology for our energy. “Above all, this crisis should put pay to the notion that we should electrify all domestic heating in the UK. We simply cannot load high seasonal heating demand onto a system that cannot cope. It would be reckless and irresponsible to do so.”

Read More »

Why Mortgage Brokers Are More Popular Than Ever

You’ve probably heard about the shortage of homes that the younger generation is having to deal with. It’s not just about the lack of homes, but the price they now come with. If there is more demand than supply, you know the rest. The home prices will skyrocket and hence, fewer and fewer people will find it easy to afford a home. This is perhaps why mortgage brokers are back on the rise as this service is being seen as a way to go around the home prices to find better deals. Brokers have insider knowledge of the mortgage industry, are familiar with baffling mortgage acronyms, what kinds of rates are working, and what different institutions are offering. Let’s take a look at why you may find the mortgage brokerage service right for you. Their advice is second to none One of the reasons mortgage brokers are seen as great hopes for the younger generation of home buyers is, they offer unparalleled advice. They know the housing market and the mortgage markets like no other. Banks and estate agents can only give you partial advice, but the broker will be in the midst of the trends, patterns, data and future plans of the mortgage industry. Lending is always popular but as the well dries up of potential clients, banks and other institutions will be less and less likely to offer common packages and instead opt for per-customer approaches.  Able to find deals The Broker has knowledge of the mortgage industry. Some newer banks and institutions that lend may have better deals than those banks that have been around for a long time. For example, speak with a specialist company like Avail Mortgages where you can work with brokers that can find you the best deals for your income, age, interest rate, family size, home size and plans for the future. Brokers will seek to work with banks and lenders who can offer you deals that you are most likely to accept. Most importantly, they will find lenders will to be flexible and cater to your situation as it changes.  Fee and fee-free Some brokers don’t charge you anything. No seriously, they work with banks and lenders to find clients and therefore, when you agree to a mortgage they help find and set up, they get a fee from the lender. However, there are some who will charge you a fee if you do land a mortgage you like. Sometimes they may also charge you a fee for looking, despite not finding a mortgage you like. However, it saves you the time of having to look at yourself and needing to know the terminology, regulations and lender terms and conditions.  Mortgage brokers offer a unique window into the industry, and they can find you mortgages that can fit your specific needs and requirements. You just need to know what their fee is, if they can find you a lender at all and if their advice is sound. 

Read More »