A family with plans to convert their modest-sized home into a 12-bedroom property and a couple with armed forces links who have lived overseas might seem likely candidates for a mortgage rejection.
However, they are examples of borrowers with very individual needs who were approved for mortgages by a building society which is promoting its support for borrowers in ‘unique circumstances’.
Now Earl Shilton Building Society is looking for other members, especially savers, to step forward and share their stories of how it has helped them achieve their life goals.
The Leicester-based building society recently launched a campaign to promote the values upon which it was founded. It wants more people like Paul and Jeanne Shorland (pictured, above), who created the 12-bedroom home, to share their stories.
Barn renovation
The Shorlands took out a mortgage with esbs to so they could convert the four-bedroom Gloucestershire home into a bigger property for their family by renovating the adjacent barn and stables.
They said there was no ‘computer says no’ approach and the mortgage approval meant they could have extra living space for their close-knit family without feeling like they were living on top of each other.
Returning from overseas
Meanwhile Mark and Becky Eastwood (pictured, left), who have links to the armed forces, had spent many years living abroad when they approached esbs for a mortgage to purchase their first home.
They said: “Many of the big-name lenders that we’d considered simply didn’t want to know and wouldn’t give us the leeway we needed.
“We then heard about esbs through our mortgage adviser and we were delighted to hear that they were willing to consider our application, for which we were extremely grateful.”
Individual approach
Paul Tilley, chief executive of esbs, said: “Whether you want to get a foot on the property ladder, or hope to save for that adventure of a lifetime, we at esbs are here to help.
“Whatever it might be that we can do to assist our members, we are committed to treating each and every person as an individual, which is why we want to encourage more people to step forward to share their unique experiences with us.
“If you think that you could be the next face of esbs, we would love to hear from you!”
Selected members will interviewed for a press release, have a photo-shoot at their home, and their details will be showcased on our website, on in-branch material and on social media.
To be in with a chance of sharing your story, please write an account of up to 500 words explaining how the Society assisted with your individual circumstances and send it via email to enquire@esbs.co.uk or by post to 22 The Hollow, Earl Shilton, Leicester, LE9 7NB.
