Hello, I'm Steve
I'm the founder of Mortgage Owl, and I'm training to become a mortgage adviser. I'm currently studying for CeMAP, the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, which is the industry-standard qualification for mortgage advisers in the UK.
Mortgage Owl is where I share what I'm learning, in plain English, so homeowners and buyers can understand their options before they speak to an adviser.
Qualifications and background
Where I started
My first love was money and how it works. I originally studied business, finance and accountancy, and I've always followed economics and the financial news closely.
Interest rates, house prices and household budgets have never been dry subjects to me. They shape the biggest decisions most of us ever make.
Thirty years somewhere else
Life took me in a different direction. I spent the next 30 years across two careers: policing and the merchant navy. Both taught me things I bring to Mortgage Owl every day.
Getting the facts right
In policing, accuracy and evidence matter. I apply the same standard to every figure and rule on this site.
Explaining things clearly
Many people come to a mortgage decision worried or confused. I've spent a career helping people through stressful moments.
Respecting the rules
Both careers run on regulation and procedure. Mortgages do too, and I take that seriously.
Coming back to my first passion
Now, later in life, I'm returning to what I always wanted to do. Alongside my CeMAP studies I'm using my other passions, training and website design, to build Mortgage Owl into a genuinely useful resource for UK homeowners.
What Mortgage Owl is (and isn't)
Mortgage Owl explains mortgages. It doesn't give personal advice, and I'm not yet a qualified adviser. Mortgage Owl isn't authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and I can't recommend or arrange a mortgage for you.
Every guide is general information to help you understand your options and ask the right questions. You can read how I research and update every guide in our Editorial Policy.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
I hope you find the site useful
Start with the guides, or send me a question if something isn't clear.
