HI Tom. We had the same problem a few weeks ago we wern't given any advice from our agent or solicitors in regards to mortgages. We read some of the messages on this board and were given good advice from some of the other purchasers. We had offers from a broker and we got the details of the builders mortgage off Virginia at cajamurcia. We compared both and we asked the broker about the deal from cajamurcia and they were honest and said it was a good deal and they couldn't do any better taking in consideration the savings on taxes of around 3000 euros. The only way they could compete is to offer an interest only for a longer period or the full length of the mortgage. We've decided to take the offer of the builders mortgage which is 0.75 above eurobir 1% set up fee, in comparison it's a good deal you can also have interest only for the 2-3 years. You can reduce the rate 0.45% with 0% set up fee if you take insurances out, a pension and investment plan with cajamurcia. We've decided against this and plumped for the first deal. We've just sent our documnets off and hopefully it will be sorted in 3-4 weeks because there is no valuation unless you want to borrow more and need a new valuation. Virginia's details are on the board and she's worth speaking to.
We opened bank account with Banko Halifax it was easy enough and for 25 euros per year you have access to a helpline which will arrange all sorts of services for you from plumbing to ordering flowers or a taxi 24/7. However they did make a cock up when we transfered some money from Halifax in England, the money was lost for a 2 wekks in the system. Apparently the account that you are offered by cajamurcia is very good you can pay everything by internet banking and there is no charge for recieving payments.
Hope this helps? Steve & Helen Wensley