Tips during the stresses of buying, building, moving or remortgaging

A collaboration with Dr Sthiradeva Hubbard a mindfullness and mediation coach

Moving house, buying a new property, or dealing with remortgaging can be some of the most stressful experiences in life. With countless tasks to juggle and decisions to make, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, incorporating mindfulness techniques into your routine can help you manage stress and find balance during this hectic time. Today, I'm collaborating with Dr Sthiradeva Hubbard, a mindfulness and meditation coach from Miatri Mindfullness, to share practical tips that can help you cope.

Breathing is something we do every day without thinking, yet it holds the key to releasing stress and anxiety. One of my favourite breathing techniques involves using your fingers. Hold one hand out in front of you and use the index finger of your other hand to gently "draw" up and down each finger. Breathe in as you draw up, and breathe out as you draw down. This mindful movement anchors your attention and calms your mind.

When overthinking starts to take over, a great way to regain focus is to engage your senses. Take a moment to pause and do the following: out loud, name five things you can see around you, four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This simple exercise helps shift your attention away from racing thoughts and brings you back to the present moment, creating a sense of calm.

When your mind is racing with thoughts about moving, it can be tough to get a good night’s sleep. If you find yourself worrying or catastrophising at night, try jotting down your concerns before bed. This simple act can help you set aside those thoughts until morning. For an extra sleep aid, run through the alphabet in your mind, thinking of words in a specific category (like fruits or animals) that begin with each letter. This fun distraction can help lull you into a peaceful slumber.

Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. It’s always a good idea to talk through your concerns with someone you trust. Your adviser at GoGreen is there to support you every step of the way, providing guidance and reassurance during this transition.

As you navigate the stresses of moving or remortgaging, be patient and kind to yourself. Acknowledge that your feelings are valid and take time to reflect on them. Utilizing the mindfulness techniques we've discussed can help you better manage your emotions and find peace amid the chaos.

Robert shares an extract from Dr. Ellen Vora’s book, The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body's Fear Response, she writes, “Even when we cut out the coffee and heal the gut, we will still be left with a certain amount of anxiety. This anxiety arises from the inherent fragility of life, but it also offers us the strength of our convictions. When life feels misaligned with your values or capabilities, anxiety can act as a critical indicator that change is needed. Instead of viewing anxiety solely as a negative emotion, consider it a signal urging you to pay attention. This awareness can guide you toward actions that align with your purpose and lead to a more fulfilling life."

As you embark on your journey of buying, building, moving, or remortgaging, remember that mindfulness can be a powerful ally. By incorporating breathing techniques, grounding through your senses, establishing healthy sleep habits, communicating your concerns, and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate this stressful time with greater ease and clarity.

If you found these tips helpful and want to learn more about mindfulness, feel free to reach out to Sthiradeva at Sthiradeva@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

Sarah and Sthiradeva

Understanding Broker Fees: A Friendly Guide

When it comes to securing a mortgage, many potential homeowners often wonder about the fees that brokers charge. It can seem a bit perplexing at first, but understanding the reasons behind these fees can help you appreciate the value that a good mortgage broker brings to the table. Let’s break it down!

Why Do Brokers Charge Fees?

One of the primary reasons brokers charge fees is that they receive a procuration fee from lenders based on the loan amount. If you're taking out a smaller mortgage, the broker may not earn much for their efforts. To keep their business out of the red, brokers need to maintain an average income per case, which means charging fees when necessary.

The Cost of Expertise

Mortgage advisers are required to have specific qualifications, which come with costs as well as training and ongoing professional development (CPD). This ensures they can provide accurate, up-to-date advice tailored to your needs. Like any business, mortgage brokers have overhead costs to cover in order to operate effectively. In this highly regulated market, there are also additional fees paid to regulators just for providing advice.

Comparing Costs

It’s important to put broker fees in perspective. Typically, the fees charged by brokers are much lower than those associated with estate agents, solicitors, and particularly stamp duty, which can be quite hefty. Many brokers provide invaluable support throughout the home-buying process, acting as a guiding hand during what can be an incredibly stressful time.

The Value of Guidance

A good mortgage broker doesn’t just facilitate a loan; they can save you hundreds of pounds every month through their expertise. The fees they charge are often a small price to pay compared to the savings they help you achieve with their careful advice and dedication.

Ongoing Support

Additionally, when it comes to remortgaging, brokers often work hard to ensure you’re on the best deal. If you’re within six months of your mortgage completion, there’s a chance a better deal may arise, and brokers will help navigate this process. However, the lender usually only compensates the broker once upon completion, meaning that much of the work done to find a better deal is unpaid. mortgage brokers quite literally work through the night when markets are tough to save people money and most importantly keep their clients in their homes!

Conclusion

Service comes at a cost, and when you consider the reliability, knowledge, and support that a good mortgage broker provides, it's reasonable to expect a fee. You want to feel secure and confident in your mortgage decisions, and having an expert by your side is invaluable. So, the next time you see a broker fee, remember that it’s not just a cost; it’s an investment in your financial future!

Thank you for reading!

Sarah at GoGreen

Goodbye Green: A Heartfelt Plea for Support

It’s hard for me to write this, but after much thought, I feel like I need to share my experience openly and honestly with you all. Over the past few months, I’ve been on the receiving end of some pretty aggressive letters from another company, demanding I remove the word Green from my website and therefore indirectly, that I change my business name. Why? Because they’ve trademarked the word "Green." Yes, seriously.

For context, I founded my company, GoGreen Financial Services, in 2021. The other company rebranded and changed their name and bought the trademark in 2022.

I’ve spoken to solicitors, and they tell me my case is solid. After all, I’ve been running my business successfully since before they secured their trademark. even with a strong case, I simply don’t have the resources to fight it.

So, despite my pride in what I’ve built - I think I have no choice but to submit to the bullying tactics and change my company’s name. As much as I hate to write this, it feels like my only option, because the alternative could bankrupt me.

I’m devastated. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this business, and more than that, I’ve built something I truly believe in. My goal from day one has been to run a financial services company with a "green" ethos—donating to environmental charities, volunteering, and helping clients make more sustainable financial choices. Changing the name feels like a personal loss, but my mission will never change.

I’m reaching out to you, my community, for help. I need ideas for a new name that will still reflect my values. Some thoughts that have crossed my mind are Sarah Murray Mortgages (so I'm safe from this happening again) or Eco Financial Services, but I’d love to hear what you think.

Keeping the green theme alive is really important to me, and I still want to be associated with sustainable financial advice and giving back to environmental causes.

It’s a daunting place to be—facing a potential court battle that could leave me financially and emotionally drained with no guarantee of success. Because in trademark cases, the loser can end up paying not only their own costs but potentially damages and the other side’s legal fees too.

So, for now, I’m preparing to change the name of my business, but I refuse to let this situation change my passion or my purpose. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for the new name.

Thank you so much for reading and for being part of this journey with me. The name may change, but the mission stays the same. 💚

Sarah xx