HI, just to say that I used both a broker AND went around myself to various banks, including the ones that don't use brokers (Ulster & NIB). I ended up getting a much better deal from 2 of the banks that use brokers, than anything I got through the broker.
The broker got me 225K, whereas one bank offered me 290 and another 300. I found the banks good to deal with and they asked me questions which added more to my income - stuff I had forgotten to include. Just be organised and have a folder with all your essential documents - they'll photocopy them at the bank and then you can go off to the next bank.