Ethan Mercer, mortgage and protection adviser in Liverpool
I'm a mortgage and protection adviser who built up five-star reviews before making Liverpool my home. Most of my week is spent helping buyers with what they actually need, whether that's buying their first home, moving house or remortgaging. The rest of it is spent keeping in touch with the people I've already helped.
Where I've come from
I didn't start in mortgages. I started at Aston Martin, where people making a big decision wanted the detail explained properly before they signed anything. In 2022 I became a mortgage and protection adviser within a large estate agency group, and spent two years advising buyers who had often found a house before they'd found out what they could borrow. That's why I'm so keen on a decision in principle before you view. In 2024 I went self-employed under Mortgage Advice Bureau, which is where the reviews on this site were earned, and in 2026 I made Liverpool my home.
How I work
The six aims on the home page are the short version: a reply within one working day, an honest view of affordability from the first call, a decision in principle before you view where possible, a written update every Friday, one point of contact, and the decision always yours.
Two more things. I make sure my clients understand their protection options properly, so they can make an informed decision with all the facts in front of them. And I'm available in the evenings and at weekends by arrangement, because most people can't take a mortgage appointment in the middle of a working day.
After your application goes in
Once your application is in, my administrator works alongside me: chasing the lender, keeping the solicitors moving and answering the “what's happening” questions, while I look after the protection side and anything that needs a decision.
“Since the mortgage was offered we have now dealt with Emma, again she has been amazing, answering any queries promptly as well as sorting out the backwards and forwards of which dept within our solicitors we was meant to communicate with.”
Away from the desk
Away from the desk, I answer to three bosses: Alfie, Beryl and Teddy, my dogs, who make sure no day starts without a proper walk. The rest of my time is split between Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, running and the gym, usually while planning my next trip away. I also play guitar, with considerably more enthusiasm than talent.
Where I work
Liverpool and across Merseyside, by Zoom, WhatsApp call or face to face. If you're anywhere else in the UK, we can do a Zoom or WhatsApp call instead.