Step-by-step through our specialist personal service

John and Brenda Smithurst from Shipley released cash from their home to realise their retirement dreams. Read on to find out how they are now enjoying a relaxed retirement, free from mortgage repayments.

For John and Brenda the first step was getting in touch with Key to arrange a free, no obligation meeting with their local equity release specialist from Key, Les Garbutt. Based in West Yorkshire, Les has helped hundreds of retirees to find the best way to release cash from their homes. He joined the team at Key three and a half years ago with a financial background spanning over twenty years and an in-depth knowledge of customers’ needs.

Home visits

Les, being locally based, visited the Smithursts at their home and discussed their options for finding the extra cash they needed. At these meetings you are given all the facts, looking at both the positive points of equity release but also how it may not be right for you. Then at a further meeting your adviser is able to present a recommendation based solely on your needs. This is very important, “I have often met customers who had made their mind up on the type of plan they wanted," says Les. "But after looking into their circumstances, an alternative plan has been more suitable. That’s why it pays to get all the facts.”

Flexibility

Key can offer flexibility and choice thanks to our independence in the equity release market. We can research every safe and secure plan and make a recommendation based on personal circumstances, rather than being restricted to one or two plans. “We had seen a few options for ways to secure the money we needed,” says Mr Smithurst. “But after speaking to Key we knew they offered the best solution. There was never any pressure and it was always our decision.”

If you decided to proceed, as Mr and Mrs Smithurst did, the customer services team at head office deals with all the finer details of your plan so you don’t have to. Your personal contact there will liaise with your solicitor and plan provider to make sure that you receive your money as soon as possible. “We didn’t have any problems throughout the whole process,” says Mr Smithurst. “It all ran smoothly, but it was reassuring to know that Geoff at head office was there to solve any problems there may have been.”

Committed to our customers

Les works closely with the team at head office, making sure that every customer is well looked-after. “Everyone at Key is committed to ensuring that all our customers receive a first class service.”

And when asked why he enjoys helping customers like Mr and Mrs Smithurst to boost their retirement funds, he answers, “Releasing cash allows people who have worked hard all their lives to enhance their quality of life in retirement, when otherwise it may not have been possible. It is so rewarding to see people I have helped enjoy their new lifestyle.”

A complete service

When the Smithursts’ equity release plan completed, Key’s service didn’t stop there. The couple were put in touch with Key’s estate planning specialists, who helped them to complete their Will quickly and easily. “Our affairs are now all packaged together and our family know what is going on,” says Mr Smithurst. “We can enjoy our retirement in comfort, with complete peace of mind.”

To arrange a meeting with your local equity release adviser from Key, call us free on 0800 915 9116 or we’ll call you back.

Remember, taking a free consultation puts you under no obligation whatsoever to take out a plan.

If you are considering equity release, please read the points to consider.