Early October 2008 I was contacted on my mobile by a gentleman who introduced himself as being the head of the Mortgage Section at Smith & Ken Real Estate Agency which was newly established at that time.

The only thing I did that day is that I had a look at their Website and it was great: http://www.smithandken.com/services/mortgage.php

He called again and again for few days and offered their great services of securing mortgages from best bank in Dubai and I ended up meeting with him in their stylish offices in Media City where all staff looks just great to say the least.

I gave him all my documents which includes solid bank statement with savings, extra high salary certificate from a mega size entity that I am working in for the last 3 years in a high position and a pre-approval from another local bank which had expired only few days ago for 5 million AED.

He immediately said "If I can not get you a better mortgage then I should not be in this industry at all" and convinced me to give him a 3, 000 AED check that was cashed the same day.

To make a long story short, my story ends by the above… Nothing happened… Nothing at all... No mortgage… They did not even contact any bank... Minimal communications via e-Mails only when I call or send inquiries.

I advise you not to fall for that and do your homework alone if you are looking for a mortgage.

Good Luck