Avoiding Common AI Mistakes: A Guide for Mortgage Brokers
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Mortgage Broker Broadcast. Over the last few episodes, we’ve explored how self-employed mortgage brokers can use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time, reduce stress, and grow their business. In this blog, we’re continuing that mini-series by diving into something crucial: how to avoid the biggest mistakes mortgage brokers make when using AI.
AI is powerful, but only when used well. It can be a game-changer, helping brokers streamline admin, enhance content creation, and manage workflows. But misuse can cost you time, credibility, and even compliance risk. Let’s get into how to do it right.
Why AI Is a Double-Edged Sword
AI is trending everywhere, and for good reason. Used effectively, it’s like hiring a virtual assistant who never sleeps. But used poorly, it can result in generic content, misinformation, or a disconnect with your personal brand.
The goal isn’t for AI to replace you. It’s to take over tasks that slow you down, like:
- Drafting emails and follow-ups
- Generating social media posts
- Creating marketing content
- Summarising documents or guides
With the right approach, you stay present for your clients while AI handles the behind-the-scenes work.
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Brokers Make with AI (And How to Avoid Them)
1.
Using Vague Prompts
The mistake: Typing something like “write a social post” with no context.
Why it’s a problem: You get bland, generic output that lacks value and doesn’t sound like you.
What to do instead: Be specific. Give AI the tone, target audience, platform, and purpose.
Example prompt: “Write a LinkedIn post for a mortgage broker, targeting first-time buyers, explaining what a decision in principle is. Keep it friendly and around 150 words.”
2.
Copying and Pasting Without Editing
The mistake: Using AI output word-for-word without reviewing it.
Why it’s a problem: It can sound robotic, generic, or worse—inaccurate. AI can make factual errors.
What to do instead: Treat AI like a first-draft writer. Review, personalise, and fact-check the content before publishing.
3.
Using AI for Regulated Tasks
The mistake: Letting AI handle compliance-heavy or advice-based communication.
Why it’s a problem: It’s a compliance risk. AI should never be used to give regulated mortgage advice.
What to do instead: Keep human control over advice. Use AI for non-regulated tasks like:
- Admin and process explanations
- Email and message templates
- Marketing content and ideas
4.
Ignoring Your Own Voice
The mistake: Publishing AI content that doesn’t sound like you.
Why it’s a problem: It breaks client trust and weakens your brand.
What to do instead: Feed AI examples of your past writing or define your tone of voice. Use prompts like, “Match the tone of this blog I wrote…”
5.
Thinking AI Will Solve Everything
The mistake: Expecting AI to run your business without effort.
Why it’s a problem: You’ll end up disappointed, frustrated, and possibly making more work for yourself.
What to do instead: Think of AI as a tool to amplify your work, not replace it. Build it into your workflow to save time and increase consistency, but don’t hand over the reins completely.
Quick Recap
To make AI work for you as a mortgage broker:
- Give detailed, clear prompts
- Always review and personalise the output
- Avoid using AI for regulated advice
- Stay consistent with your own voice and brand
- Use AI to enhance, not replace, your efforts
When you get this right, AI becomes a strategic asset: saving you time, improving your communication, and keeping your brand strong.
What’s Coming Next?
In next week’s blog, we’ll go even deeper into how to write better AI prompts that deliver the best results with ChatGPT. Stay tuned if you’re serious about saving time and working smarter in your business.
And don’t forget—on Wednesday, 3rd July at 6pm, I’m co-hosting a free live webinar with Jonathan Needham called Foundations to Freedom, tailored for mortgage brokers thinking about going self-employed. We’ll cover the mindset, systems, and strategies you need to thrive.
You can register via the show notes, send an email, or message me directly.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t going away—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it step-by-step, avoid the common mistakes, and use it to support your business, not run it for you.