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Poorna Gunasekara

Poorna

Gunasekara

Qualifications:
CeMAP, BSc, MBA
Gender:
Female

Appointment Options:

 
Face-to-face, Online, Telephone

Location:

Essex

Language(s):

English

Sinhala
Connect Mortgages
Poorna ‘s top skills:
Skilled in processing mortgage applications and meeting lenders’ requirements.
Specialised in residential, BTL, and commercial mortgages
Proficient in credit analysis, portfolio management, and project financing.
Contact Poorna
Book an appointment with Poorna
More about Poorna :

I’m a motivated Mortgage Broker in Romford with a strong foundation in the industry, evidenced by qualifications such as CeMap, an MBA from the UK, CIMA(BA), and a BSc.

My professional journey includes ten years as a relationship manager and Senior Credit Executive, roles that have equipped me with skills in credit analysis, portfolio management, and project financing. My focus areas are residential, buy-to-let (BTL), and commercial mortgages.

The practical experience I’ve gained complements my academic achievements, particularly in case management. This has given me a solid understanding of the mortgage application process and lenders’ requirements.

I’m bilingual in Sinhala and English making me a good choice for clients who value clear communication in their preferred language.

With this background, I’m prepared to address a variety of financial needs, offering advice and strategies tailored to each client. My aim is to facilitate the financial processes for my clients, ensuring their experiences are as smooth and efficient as possible.

Really helpful and thorough. Our advisor, Poorna Gunasekara, was incredibly friendly and patient and answered all our questions and kept us updated throughout the whole process, very reassuring for first time buyers

Amy Inglis

Amazing service from Poorna Gunesekara. Fast and quick, plus always available to assist with last minute queries.

Sami London

Poorna has been very helpful . Other Brokers said No but She managed to get Mortgage offer. Very grateful . Thank you so much

Abdullah Bhatti

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Poorna's service, and I must say, it was exceptional! From the moment I reached out, Poorna was incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs. The level of professionalism displayed was remarkable. Poorna took the time to understand my requirements thoroughly, ensuring that every detail was addressed. The service was not only efficient but also delivered with a personal touch that made me feel valued as a customer. What truly stood out was Poorna's expertise and knowledge in the field. It was evident that she is passionate about what she does, and that enthusiasm translated into the quality of service provided. I was particularly impressed with how she went above and beyond to ensure that I was completely satisfied.

Gunjan Kaur

A big thank you to my mortgage adviser, Poorna, for her exceptional support throughout my mortgage application. Her positivity and expertise gave me confidence, and she handled every challenge with ease. Always available and clear in her explanations, Poorna made the process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend her and Connect Mortgage!

Krishan Jayakody

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Choosing the Right Mortgage Lender: It's More Than Just Interest Rates!
14/01/2025
Finding the best mortgage lender for your unique circumstances takes expertise and careful consideration. It's not like 20 years ago when picking the lowest interest rate was the only factor. Today, things are much more nuanced:

✔️ Borrowing Limits: Different lenders have varying policies on how much you can borrow.
✔️ Specializations: Some focus on specific property types or cater to particular employment situations.
✔️ Credit Scoring Approaches: Lenders assess credit differently, meaning your options can vary widely.

Pro Tip: Work with a professional mortgage advisor to navigate these complexities and get it right the first time. They can save you time, stress, and money!

You can contact me below or book an appointment in my calendar if you’d like advice
Best Credit Report Tip for Mortgage Applications
21/01/2025
Did you know mortgage lenders can assess your creditworthiness using three different credit reference agencies? These are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Monitoring just one agency could leave you unaware of potential issues with the others.

For example, a small credit issue might show up on TransUnion but not on Equifax or Experian—and you might only find out after submitting your mortgage application, potentially causing delays or complications.

Avoid surprises by downloading a multi-agency credit report! This gives you a clear, consolidated view of your credit profile across all three agencies, ensuring you're fully prepared for any lender's assessment.

Stay proactive and take charge of your financial journey!

Call me today for more information – Poorna at 07735522946
Discover Mortgage Opportunities for Foreign Nationals in the UK
25/01/2025
Dreaming of owning a home in the UK but unsure where to begin? Whether you hold a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Visa, Family or Spousal Visa, Pre-Settled or Settled Status, ILR, or PRTR, homeownership is absolutely within your reach! Here’s what you need to know:

Deposit Requirements
Your deposit could be as low as 5%, depending on your income and length of stay in the UK.

Boosting Your Credit Score
New to the UK? Start with a small credit-building step, like a utility bill or phone contract.
Download a multi-agency credit report to track all three credit bureaus.
Stay on top of payments—every timely payment strengthens your score!

Maintaining Address History
Keep your address updated to ensure smooth lender checks.

Register to Vote
This simple action can enhance your credit profile and improve your mortgage eligibility.

Proof of Deposit
If your savings originate from overseas, be ready to provide evidence o
Are you self-employed and need a mortgage?
31/01/2025
Self-Employed? Here’s What You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage!

✅ Key Considerations:

High Street Lenders: Typically require 2 years’ trading history and assess your average income over the last two years.
Specialist Lenders: May accept just 1 year of trading, but often at higher interest rates.
How Your Income is Assessed:

Sole Traders: Income is based on salary + net profit.
Limited Companies: Lenders consider salary + dividends or salary + net profit.
Documents You’ll Need:

SA302 + Tax Year Overview
Recent bank statements
Professionally prepared accounts (for limited companies)

Plan Ahead!
You can’t set up a limited company and secure a mortgage in just three months—preparation is key!

Need expert advice? Get in touch with our mortgage specialists today!
What is Mortgage Insurance?
14/02/2025
Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with a big financial commitment—your mortgage payments. Life is unpredictable, and if something unexpected affects your income, you don’t want to risk losing your home. That’s where mortgage insurance steps in.

👉 Mortgage insurance provides financial security, ensuring you can keep up with your payments even in difficult times. Here are three key types of cover to consider:

✅ Life Insurance – If you pass away, this policy pays off your mortgage, giving your loved ones financial stability and peace of mind.

✅ Income Protection Insurance – If an illness or injury stops you from working, this cover provides a percentage of your income, so you can continue making your mortgage payments.

✅ Critical Illness Cover – If you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, this policy can pay off your mortgage in full, removing financial stress.

🛡️Protect your home and your future—because peace of mind is priceless.
First-Time Mortgage? The Credit Report is Vital!
10/02/2025
Your credit providers—such as banks, credit card companies, utility suppliers, and mobile phone providers—report your payment history to credit agencies every month. Here’s why your credit report is important:

🔴 Missed Payments & Defaults

1 Missed Payment = Marked as “1” on your credit report
2 Missed Payments = “2” (two months in arrears)
6 Months in Arrears = Default (serious impact on credit)
⚠️ Unpaid Defaults Can Escalate

If left unresolved, defaults may lead to a County Court Judgment (CCJ), making borrowing more difficult.
Setting up a repayment plan? A Debt Management Plan (DMP) can help, but it also affects mortgage eligibility.
💡 Insolvency is a Major Red Flag

Bankruptcy, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), and Debt Relief Orders (DROs) are severe credit issues that can significantly impact your ability to secure a mortgage.
🔍 What You Can Do Now
✔ Check a Multi-Agency Credit Report – Review reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.