As consumers sought to do more than ever on the move, Apps became an increasingly useful tool in their desire to research mortgages, calculate costs, locate a broker and find somewhere to live whilst away from their home or office.
It's a trend that looks certain to continue, and with that in mind Lofthouse selects his ‘Top 10 Apps’ of the last twelve months.
The Mortgage Works App
What it is: An App for intermediaries who use The Mortgage Works
What it does: The Mortgage Works App makes it easy to for intermediaries to access latest products, calculators and criteria on the go. Key Features include a product finder, buy to let affordability calculator and criteria search and Business Development Manager finder.
Works on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices
Available from: Apple Store, Play Store
Cost: Free
UKMortgages
What it is: A consumer facing mortgage search and enquire App
What it does: Promotes brokers and mortgage products to consumers. Searches the UK mortgage market in seconds, features a range of different calculators and uses GPS to locate mortgage brokers.
Works on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8 devices
Available from: Apple Store, Play Store, Windows App Store
Cost: Free
London & Country’s Mortgage Assistant
What it is: An App which helps consumers with many aspects of a mortgage search
What it does: A fast and simple way for consumers to keep on top of their mortgage. Features L&C’s latest best-buy products, mortgage calculators, affordability checks and property articles.
Works on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad.
Available from: Apple Store
Cost: Free
Halifax Home Finder
What it is: An App to help consumers find and buy a new home.
What it does: Available to everyone (not just Halifax customers), this App can help buyers search for, choose and move into their new home. The App allows buyers to look for properties using camera view, and take notes and photos during viewings. It also comes with a built-in repayment estimator.
Works on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices.
Available from: Apple Store, Play Store
Cost: Free
Barclays Homeowner app
What it is: A consumer facing property search and mortgage calculator app.
What it does: Allows consumers to search the sales and rental property markets, filter and save property searches based on personal preferences, use financial tools to estimate costs and mortgage repayment amounts. Also allows users to get direct access to estate agents, Barclays mortgage specialists and independent mortgage advisers.
Works on: iPhone and Android devices.
Available from: Apple Store, Play Store
Cost: Free
iSourceMortgages
What it is: A comprehensive pre-sales mortgage sourcing iPad App for brokers
What it does: In addition to mortgage search and selection, details on prospects can be stored and useful calculators, graphing and analysis tools accessed.
Works on: iPad
Available from: Apple Store
Cost: Free for the first 30 days, then £10 + VAT per month
Intermediary App from Santander
What it is: A mobile friendly version of the Santander Intermediaries website.
What it does: Aimed at brokers, this App from Santander includes features such as latest rates, service information, top news stories and personalised sales and admin contact details.
Works on: iPhone, iPad
Available from: Apple Store
Cost: Free
Nationwide for Intermediaries
What it is: An App for intermediaries to get more out of Nationwide
What it does: This App concentrates on the residential market. Features include a criteria search function, affordability calculator, house price calculator and comparison calculator for different rates and products.
Works on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices
Available from: Apple Store, Play Store
Cost: Free
True Potential
What it is: An App for intermediaries and clients of True Potential
What it does: The App gives True Potential clients a portfolio overview along with historical performance data and real time valuations. It allows brokers to manage client accounts without having to be in the office.
Works on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices
Available from: Apple Store, Play Store
Cost: Free
Dynamic Planner - My Planning ( from Distribution Technology)
What it is: An App that helps advisers to provide portfolio valuation and tracking services.
What it does: Allows advisers to deliver a profitable service that monitors funds, products and portfolios against the advice given and in return, charge an on-going advice fee.
Works on: iPad
Available from: Apple Store
Cost: Free
