A mortgage broker can often get you a better deal. They’re experts in this marketplace and understand the competitive rate structure being offered by different lenders. You could still choose to go directly to a lender but would not get the benefit of comparing the different rates available on the market.
Some lenders operate on intermediary access only, this means that they do not deal directly with customers and all their applications must come through a mortgage broker. This means that brokers may be able to get customers exclusive deals through these lenders. All mortgage brokers are also regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.