Like you say, you can do your research online but a good MA/FA might just be able to point you in a better direction offer you the best deal that has the highest proc fee for them……..
FTFY
PS Market is stagnant at the moment. Interest rates predicted to stay low for next 3 to 4 years. Fixed rates are now being priced the same as trackers. Cost of money to purchase money for mortgages remaining static, hence pricing is steady.
PPS all high street lenders cutting cost of deals at the momemnt to ramp up market share, they are taking a hit on their margin as the government not happy with current volume of gross lending. Look at nationwide, halifax and HSBC – you wont go far wrong with them at the moment.