Mortgage Broker Tools has launched a phone helpdesk, giving brokers access to experts able to help research the best solutions for difficult cases.  

The search criteria platform says its helpdesk team, which collectively has more than 50 years of mortgage experience, are ready to quickly answer calls, “so brokers can avoid the long wait times that are commonly associated with lender call centres”.  

The service is available to platform members for an additional annual fee.  

Mortgage Broker Tools chief executive Tanya Toumadj says: “At Mortgage Broker Tools, we have launched an old-school approach to complement our high-tech MBT affordability platform and provide even more value to our users.  

“The market is changing constantly, adding greater complexity to even straightforward cases. Access to real-time information is more important than ever and platforms like MBT can help brokers navigate the affordability and criteria maze as they carry out their research.  

“Sometimes, however, there’s a tricky case that needs a human touch and, with wait times for lenders often running to many hours, speaking to someone who can help can prove tricky.”  

Toumadj adds that a recent example of the helpdesk working on a hard-to-place case, was when it assisted a broker secure a mortgage for a first-time buyer, who worked as a construction industry scheme contractor, on a concessionary buy-to-let purchase in an environment where products were being withdrawn every day.