MortgageMarket is one of the leading mortgage brokers in South Africa. In Johannesburg, they’re also the most- and highest-rated lending intermediary companies.

One of the reasons why many prefer this company is they give out R 5000 cashback to everyone who applies for a loan and gets approved. MortgageMarket claims to have already released over a million cashback, which is impressive.

We love how MortgageMarket makes applying for a house loan easy. All you have to do is fill out their forms online and submit the requested documents. 

They also claim that you can get pre-approved in just two minutes, which is awesome. Also, we like that they have an online loan calculator live on their website, making the process a lot easier for clients.

MortgageMarket also has a strong workforce of qualified and experienced brokers, which is another feature we value about the company. 

On top of that, the company is partnered with several credible banks and financial institutions, including Standard Bank, FNB, Investec, Nedbank, and more.

A wide professional network is a great asset for mortgage brokers as it allows clients to score a great loan deal from several lenders, which is why this is a big plus for us.

We do have a few issues with MortgageMarket’s client servicing, though.

Firstly, we’re told the company’s communication with clients is inconsistent, which isn’t ideal when you’re dealing with a middleman. We prefer brokers who are easy to contact and active in giving updates about the case.

Secondly, there are also some complaints stating that there are cases where brokers leave clients in the middle of processing their loan applications. Clients shared their disappointment with us after being left to sort their applications out for themselves.

Next on our list is BetterBond, another top performer in the field of mortgage and loaning. Their business was established over two decades ago and has been able to expand since then.

The first thing we like about BetterBond is they specialise in assisting first-time home buyers. To date, the company was able to secure over a million homes for South African families.

Betterbond is well-established with more than 20 branches nationwide. They’re also well-staffed with over 500 brilliant brokers employed under their name.

Another of Betterbond’s strongest assets is its strategic connections. The company is partnered with estate agents, developers, lawyers and renowned financial institutions like RMB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Investec.

We like that the application process is easy and accessible online. You can also get pre-approved first to gauge what suits your budget best.

Moreover, we think it’s awesome how Betterbond presents multiple home loan quotes for one application. This allows clients to look at their choices closer and select the best one for them.

Nonetheless, there are a few reports that state that Betterbond poorly represents individuals who are self-employed. 

Many prospective clients feel like they weren’t even given a chance and got auto-rejected just because they are freelancers, which is dispiriting.

Also, there are a handful of grumbles from clients regarding Betterbond’s poor customer communication. We’re disappointed to hear that the company’s representatives are difficult to reach out to for inquiries and requests.

Advanced Home Loans is another popular option for those looking to buy a new home. This company is preferred mostly for its efficiency and dedication to each case.

We love that they’re focused on each of their clients, making sure that one qualified broker is assigned to each case. This way, clients would only need to contact that one person for updates and inquiries, making the process easier.

Advanced Home Loans also acknowledges the challenges clients face trying to maintain active communication with their mortgage broker. 

So, they work hard to bridge that gap and are dedicated to keeping in touch with clients throughout the entire process, which we commend.

We also like that their process is accessible and easy to follow. You can either submit an application for pre-qualification or directly apply for a loan.

There are a few reports about their online application system being faulty, but it was addressed by management immediately and the client was promptly assisted, which is a plus for us.

They also have an online loan calculator, which you can use to help set your budget and expectations.

We included Advanced Home Loans on our list primarily because we’re impressed by their strong reputation and solid track record. The company has a high success rate in securing a home for families, which is one of the things we’re looking for.

Advanced Home Loans also collaborates with several major banks in South Africa that are involved in residential home financing, like ABSA, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank, and many more.

Nonetheless, consider that Advanced Home Loans has a significantly smaller team compared to other companies. Thus, they can only accommodate a number of clients at a time.

Phoenix Bonds is one of Gauteng’s lucky finds in the field of mortgage brokering. Compared to their competitors, they’re a newer business.

They offer a broad range of services, including home loan assistance, support for commercial bonds, and development approval assistance. We like that they have a structured process for each, which clients find convenient and easy to follow.

It’s also a plus for us that Phoenix Bonds is able to lay out multiple home loan quotes with just one application and assist clients in deciding the best choice for them. 

Another thing we love about Phoenix Bonds is they’re dedicated to keeping clients informed and guided. Application guides are downloadable from their website to assist clients in the step-by-step process of getting a loan.

They also have an online loan calculator which clients can use to get an estimate of how much they need to pay monthly. We think these are very helpful for clients, especially first-time buyers.

Another one of Phoenix Bonds’ strongest assets is its strong partnerships with major financial institutions. The company works hand in hand with renowned South African banks like FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and ABSA.

We’re just concerned about minor complaints regarding Phoenix Bonds’ reportedly inconsistent communication with their clients. A few clients told us that there are instances when brokers are difficult to contact, which isn’t ideal.

Thankfully, this doesn’t seem to be a usual recurrence.

Last on our list is Bond Gallery, a small but high-performing mortgage broker company. They’re a popular choice among home buyers as they’re a grounded business with a strong connection with lenders.

Bond Gallery is partnered with South Africa’s major banks and submits your applications directly. This strategy allows a higher chance of getting a steal deal and a much lower interest rate, which we love.

They’re equipped with a team of accredited and experienced brokers, whom clients compliment as professional and approachable. We like that the brokers are passionate about what they do and are dedicated to finding the best loan for their clients.

It’s also a plus for us that their brokers are communicative and reliable, as this is something many mortgage clients have problems with.

Bond Gallery’s application process is very straightforward and can easily be completed online. Their website allows you to file for a pre-approved home loan, a home loan, a full application, and a bridging finance application.

They also feature several online calculators which are useful for prospective clients planning to apply for a loan. 

On Bond Gallery’s website, you can access an affordability calculator, cost calculator, repayment calculator, and amortisation calculator, which you can use even before you submit your pre-approval application.

Unfortunately, their commission rates are not disclosed on their pages. But, it’s a good thing that Bond Gallery’s representatives are active and prompt to respond to any clients’ questions and concerns.