With over 3,000 mortgage deals currently on the market, you will need to search thoroughly before possibly making the biggest financial commitment you will ever have to make. You are ready to borrow hundreds of thousands of pounds from a company in order for you to purchase your 1st property, which you will usually live in for a long period of time whether it's with your family or on your own. Obviously, you are going to need this transaction to be secure but you also want to ensure you are getting the best possible deal out there.

There are many factors which will be considered by the mortgage providers which they will use to calculate the best possible mortgage deal for you. These will include; your credit rating, income and the amount you are looking to borrow.

Although the quote you receive will be fully explained in the mortgage document, you will need to budget for the additional costs which are not included in your mortgage quote. These will include lawyer fees, stamp duty and estate agent fees. Do not assume everything is covered under one fee.

Some providers will require you to obtain certain insurances e.g. buildings and contents insurance in order for you to take out the mortgage with them. There are optional policies e.g. payment protection insurance (PPI) but this will depend on your situation. You do not have to purchase these from your main provider; it is recommended that you shop around for the best deal.

Remember that there are hundreds of mortgage providers in the UK offering a variety of mortgages including a number of remortgage deals. You may want to seek professional advice.