Things I’ve Learned as a Mortgage Adviser (That Have Nothing To Do With Mortgages)

When people hear the words “mortgage adviser,” they often imagine endless spreadsheets, piles of paperwork, and conversations that start and end with interest rates. And yes, I do spend a fair chunk of time dealing with numbers and forms. But what people don’t realise is how much else comes with the job.

Over the years, I’ve learned that being a mortgage adviser has as much to do with people, personalities, and everyday life as it does with financial products. In fact, some of my favourite lessons from this work have nothing to do with mortgages at all.

1. Everyone has a different definition of ‘tidy’. I’ve been welcomed into homes where the owners apologised profusely for the “mess” even though their living room looked ready for a magazine photoshoot. I’ve also stepped carefully through Lego battlefields, unfinished jigsaw puzzles, and the occasional pet enclosure. What I’ve learned is that “messy” is entirely in the eye of the beholder, and nine times out of ten, people apologise when there’s no need.

2. Tea is a serious business. If you ever want to learn more about someone, ask how they take their tea. I’ve met people who want it so strong the spoon stands upright and others who prefer a delicate shade of beige that barely qualifies as tea at all. Don’t even get me started on the biscuit debates: dunkers versus non-dunkers is a hill many are willing to die on. These small rituals are what make meetings memorable, and I’ve learned that tea (and biscuits) are as much about comfort as refreshment.

3. Dogs make the best office colleagues. I’ve never had a bad day when a dog has been part of a meeting. From the overly enthusiastic spaniel who insisted on sitting on my shoes to the Labrador that thought my paperwork was an excellent chew toy, dogs add something special to the process. They break the ice, lighten the mood, and remind everyone that life is bigger than whatever’s on the form in front of us. Suits can be dry cleaned, paw prints are worth it.

4. Moving house is emotional. People often think of moving as a purely practical step, but it’s much more than that. I’ve seen first-time buyers who could hardly sit still with excitement, young families buzzing about gardens and bedrooms, and people downsizing after decades in a beloved home. Behind every transaction is a story, and it’s those stories that make my work so meaningful.

5. Everyone has a hidden story. Some of the most interesting parts of my job have been conversations that had nothing to do with money at all. I’ve spoken to clients who turned out to be amateur historians, marathon runners, world travellers, or talented musicians. Sometimes, a chat about hobbies or life plans is the highlight of the day, and it’s a reminder that there’s always more to people than meets the eye.

6. People are brilliant. At the end of it all, what makes this job so rewarding is the people I meet. Mortgages may be the reason I’m there, but it’s the laughter, the conversations, and the small glimpses into people’s lives that stay with me. From tea debates to Lego landmines, from wagging tails to moving life stories, it all adds colour and meaning to the work.

So yes, I work with mortgages. But the truth is, being a mortgage adviser is about much more than numbers. It is about people. And that is the part of the job I would not trade for anything.