Spotlight: Melissa Shuttleworth

I actually got into the industry in a slightly unconventional way. I happened to bump into my mortgage broker, who asked what I was doing for work at the time. I told her I was still in the same role but was considering a change. I was even thinking about becoming an air hostess.

A couple of weeks later, she reached out to say her firm was looking for an administrator and thought of me. I’ve always believed that when opportunity knocks, you should open the door, so I did, and that decision led me into the industry nearly 10 years ago.

What sets MS Mortgages apart is the level of care and support I provide throughout the entire process. I don’t just arrange mortgages, I guide my clients every step of the way, making what can often feel like a stressful experience much smoother and easier to understand.

I pride myself on going above and beyond, keeping clients informed, answering questions at any stage, and genuinely “holding their hand” from start to finish. For many of my clients, this is one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make, so it’s important to me that they feel confident and supported throughout.

A lot of my business comes from referrals and positive feedback, which really reflects the relationships I build and the service I provide.

Mortgage Intelligence has had a huge impact on my career. I genuinely don’t believe I would have been able to start my own business without their support. I originally completed my CMAP training with a couple of their staff members many moons ago, which gave me a strong foundation to build on.

Over time, I’ve developed great relationships with many people within the network, and it’s been invaluable to still have those connections today. The ongoing support, guidance, and resources they provide have played a key role in helping me grow and develop my business with confidence.

I’m incredibly grateful to Mortgage Intelligence for the part they’ve played in my journey and for the continued support they offer.

Navigating the mortgage market can feel overwhelming, especially as it’s constantly evolving, so my biggest tip is to make sure you’re getting the right advice tailored to your individual circumstances rather than trying to navigate it alone.

Preparation is key, understanding your budget, keeping your credit profile in good shape, and having your documents ready can make a huge difference. I’d also say communication is really important, staying in regular contact with your broker ensures you’re aware of any changes that could impact your options.

The market can move quickly, with rates and criteria changing frequently, so it’s important to stay informed but not panic. Having someone there to guide you through those changes and explain your options clearly can take a lot of the stress away.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions, no question is too small, and understanding the process will help you feel more confident in your decisions.

My message to new members of Mortgage Intelligence would be to take full advantage of the support and resources available, they’re genuinely invaluable. The network gave me the confidence and training I needed to start my own business, and the relationships I built along the way continue to be a huge source of guidance and inspiration.

Be open to learning, ask questions, and make the most of the experience. The ongoing support, encouragement, and expertise within MI can really help you grow and succeed, just as it did for me.