Getting a mortgage was a cinch in olden times (the noughties).

Deposit? Pah - 100% mortgages were the norm.

3.5 times income? Pfff -  Borrowing 8 times income was a breeze

You could even self-certify your earnings!

Yeah, I know, it didn't end well, and this laxer lending made the Central Bank more cautious when laying down Ireland's current mortgage lending rules.

But are things changing?

For millennia, philosophers have mused the difference between Life Insurance and Mortgage Protection.

Well, they haven’t, but I’m giving you the answer. 

Is the whole house-buying industry a money-making business? I’ll let you make up your mind but let’s put it this way, buying a home is not cheap.

If you're new to the homeownership game, you might not even be aware of all the little extras that add up quickly.

Don’t worry, I want to get you all caught up, so you don’t get caught out.

Here are the extra money-sucking things you’ll need to plan for if you want to buy a home in Ireland.

There are certain milestones in life that you’ll cling to as proof that you are an actual adult – even though “adult” can feel like a state of mind as your age slowly and not-so-assuredly creeps up.

Meeting the other half who you’re serious enough about that you’re happy to sit in and watch Love Island or whatever sportsball they’re into. Sustaining said relationship, even through wobblers about wet towels and whose turn it is to load the dishwasher. Finding the first few grey hairs. Having very serious discussions with your friends in the pub about mortgages and personal finances and babies.

Very strongly considering applying for a mortgage....

It's time to get down and dirty with mortgage protection.

We all know what a basic mortgage protection plan is, right?

It's a type of life insurance policy that protects your mortgage lender. If you die, your policy will pay a lump sum of cash to pay off your mortgage.

So yeah, it protects your bank, but you pay for it.

Hardly fair, but in Ireland we must do all we can to protect the banks, isn't that right?

What if I told you there's a type of mortgage protection with way more bang for your buck? 

This little gem is called a Convertible Mortgage Protection Plan.

If you think you need life insurance for a mortgage, you're mistaken.

All you need is mortgage protection (no matter what the bank tells you)

It'll save you a few quid...

A little birdie told me that you’re holding back on life insurance because you’re worried about discussing some health issues you have.

That’s awful, but I understand.

First, any insurance broker worth their salt shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable about personal health issues, but I’m sure this won’t quell the fear.

So how about if I told you one of our rather clever insurers now offers an app that means your broker has ZERO access to your medical information.

That’s right.

With Appy, a new medical underwriting app, insurance advisors have less involvement in your medical history.

Next in the firing line is New Ireland’s mortgage protection insurance.

I do love a good review article and you are going to love this one.

OK, love is probably a bit of a strong word choice.

Nobody loves insurance but look if you're getting a mortgage, you need mortgage protection so let's suck it up and get through this.

What is a Mortgage Exemption or Exception?

You know those sneaky little loopholes that make getting a mortgage that little bit easier.

Well, there are a couple of exemptions that may help you get your foot on the property ladder but what are they and how do you even convince a mortgage lender to give you one?

You know what they say.

If you want to walk the walk you have to talk the talk.

But, unless you understand the talk, it’s all just a bunch of gibberish that will melt your brain and have you snoring within seconds.

Buying your first home is a big step. It’s exciting, so celebrate.

However, it doesn’t come with a handbook unless your potential mortgage provider's services book is what you're thinking about.