In the lead up to our 25th anniversary we chatted to Ian Haughey. Ian is a mortgage advisor who has worked with us since 2011. Over the years he has helped 100s of our clients to access mortgages. Ian took some time out of his busy week to tell us a bit more about what he does.
Tell me about how you came to be involved with HOS?
I first met with Housing Options Scotland in 2011. We were introduced by a third sector partner. I had some experience of dealing with difficult cases and we discussed me taking a look at some mortgage cases for clients at HOS. We did a sample of three clients and one of those managed to get a house. And it just went from there!
Now a huge part of what I do is helping people who are not in receipt of a regular employment income to get a mortgage. So, it might be a disabled person, someone in the military or perhaps someone who is self-employed. Over the years I have built up my business with other third sector organisations and councils too.
How do you work with HOS clients?
The process is very streamlined but I do tweak it as there’s always room for improvement. The process is two-tiered. The first part is reviewing a client’s financial history and assessing mortgage-ability. The second part is getting a formal mortgage offer after they find a property. I charge my clients on success and success is when they get a formal mortgage offer. If they do not get a mortgage offer, for any reason (the client changes their mind, the Bank decide not to lend) I don’t charge a fee and that gives clients great comfort. I try and keep it fair. The fee is at an affordable level and can also be paid in payment parts if a client needs to do that.
Can you help if someone is buying with the Lift Open market scheme?
Yes. I have transacted over 100 cases now but I hadn’t done any cases with it until working with HOS. I think it’s the best of its kind in the UK. Clients out-with Scotland don’t have access to this type of scheme.
A unique point is the lack of monthly payment as its shared equity. And some restrictions have recently been lifted, mainly that you can now make an offer over the valuation which has really helped in buoyant areas like Edinburgh. Thresholds have also increased and there is no restriction on the size of home someone can buy.
What do you think are some of the challenges faced by our clients?
I’m an optimist. I always say when I first speak to people, anyone can buy a house but you need to work with what you’ve got. Benefit income can be low but you can still buy a house. You might need to be realistic about where you can buy a property. Luckily I mostly speak to people who are realistic. And good mortgage rates can be available for HOS clients, even if they are buying using benefits.
What are the current challenges for our client’s today?
The shortage of affordable houses. But that is across the board for everyone.
Describe your favourite home that you’ve lived in
Probably my current home which I feel is my forever home. We’ve made the house a home. It’s close to the city centre. We have a nice garden and family close by. And my mortgage payment is manageable, given the current stresses on the mortgage market that is important.
What makes a house a home for you?
A house close to the family nest. It comes up a lot with HOS clients too, they teach me a lot about what’s important and mostly people want to be close to where their support systems are.
Tell me about some things you get up to outside of work?
I spend time with my family. I spend time with my wife which is precious because we don’t see each other a lot as I do work long hours. We do things like going to a music concert or eating out in a restaurant. I also have an 11 year old son who I spend time with doing things that he likes to do – football and exploring. I have a 23 year old step-daughter and we spend time together – going to the movies or getting something to eat. But we also like spending time at home as a family.
We’re celebrating 25 years of HOS this year. What one thing would you recommend we think about as we move forward into the next 25?
You guys have a great team. Consolidate what you’ve got. I speak to all the team regularly and everyone’s good at their jobs, just consolidate what you’ve got. More of the same please.
How to get help
You can get in touch with us via our Get Help form if you want housing options advice, including help to buy a home: Get Help form
Ian can be contacted by phone on 07881 581 488 or email ianghaughey@outlook.com