If you've thought about getting a bad credit remortgageto pay off debts, fund home improvements or pay for a special occasionyou should get some specialist advice. It's possible to arrange this type of remortgage yourself, but the market can be complex and you should be absolutely sure that you're choosing the right productand the right advisor.

1. Sound advice

In the UK, mortgage advisors are required by law to be authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This body regulates the majority of the financial services industry, and its members must abide by a strict set of guidelines when they give advice to customers. This means that the advice they give must be fair and impartial and that they must explain clearly why they have recommended a certain product and make clear whether they will receive commission for selling this product or whether they charge a fee to clients. They must also provide a document, called the 'Key Facts Illustration' which sets out the most important elements of the product they are recommending. This enables the customer to compare products from different lenders easily.

2. Expertise

The bad credit remortgage market is a specialist one, although growing, and it is important that your mortgage advisor has experience in this market. This will help them to make the best recommendations for your personal current situation and to explain the product to you. When you approach a mortgage advice company, find out if they have an advisor who is an expert in bad credit remortgage products.

3. Customer service

Customer service is equally, if not more important in the financial services industry than in other sectors. Advising people about their money and future finances is a serious, responsible business and customers should be looked after appropriately and shown that the advisor has their best interests at heart. If you don't feel you're getting the customer service you deserve, try a different advisor; one who keeps you informed, is willing to take the time to understand your situation and who will keep in touch in the long term to make sure that the product is still working for you.