Getting a mortgage can be stressful and worrying. It’s not a complicated process, however, something as simple as not remembering to register to vote can bring the entire process to a halt. You could be left wondering why you were refused a mortgage when you seem to be such a safe bet for your bank! 

It starts with the right mortgage provider 

Each mortgage provider differs slightly in how they make lending decisions, but all will consider your deposit, income and employment status, credit history, outgoings and debts.    

Credit report 

Go online and take a look at your credit report and make sure all payments, past and present are on time. From your mobile phone contract to car finance, credit cards, overdrafts and any other borrowings. Then check your credit score, if you have always paid on time and your credit score is low, find out why.  

Make sure you are on the electoral role  

This takes two minutes to do online and without it you will not get a mortgage.  

Balance your borrowing and available credit 

If you have a credit card, with a high limit, even if you do not use it, this can dissuade a potential lender from offering you a mortgage because of the potential to run up a lot of debt. Yet it’s also worth remembering not to lower your limit to the balance as this looks like you have used all available credit.  

Equally as important is to have some credit history to show your lender you can pay back debt. As a general rule, the less debts you have - the less outgoings you have, meaning you can borrow more.   

Streamline accounts 

The longer you have banked with your bank the better so don’t close or switch accounts. However, if you have several accounts, you do not use, shut them down. You don’t want the risk of fraud ruining your chances.   

Don’t apply for credit  

If you are applying for a mortgage ideally avoid applying for any other credit beforehand. If you get refused this will show on your credit report.  

Take a look at your spending 

Your lender typically will want to see your last three bank statements so beforehand look at your spending and reduce it where you can.   

Gather your paperwork 

Your most recent payslips and bank statements for the past three months, proof of deposit, ID –passport, and proof of address.  

Mortgage calculator  

At any point you can go online and get a reasonably accurate idea of how much you could borrow using one of the high street bank’s mortgage calculators.   

Agreement in principle  

An agreement in principle, allows you to see if a potential mortgage provider will lend to you and is a soft search of your credit history.  You do not necessarily have to be in a position to buy to get an agreement in principle, although to process your application further following the steps above will help secure a mortgage successfully.    

Are you ready to buy or do you simply need some advice? Browse our properties. 

*TheTimes 

Spring is still a month away and the longer, lighter days of summer breeze are even further in the future. That’s not to say you can’t start giving your home a good spring clean now and get ahead of the seasons. It can be a liberating, therapeutic experience and often quite necessary with Christmas not that far behind us. The odd pine needle that you may find on the floor or carpet is proof that you made the right decision to give your home a spring clean.

Now that you are on top of your cleaning, in fact, your house is an impeccable example of cleanliness. What else do you need to think about at this time of year?

Inspection

Give your home a good overall inspection. When you find anything that needs attention take a picture of it or make a note. Then you can create a list of priorities. This is the first step to sorting whatever you find!

Check your caulking

A good place to start is to check out your bathroom caulking. During the steamy windows of wintry months, this often suffers. The cold winter weather outside means that you have perhaps not opened the windows quite as often as usual.

Windows

Give your windows a good clean. You most likely have a window cleaner to do the outside, get some vinegar, water and elbow grease and tackle the inside.

Gutters

After the windy assaults of winter, it’s always a good idea to check your guttering.  If it's damaged, when it rains again it can cause more damage or flooding which could lead to expensive repairs. Plus, it’s always a good idea to get on top of any repairs because there might be a bit of a wait to get them fixed if you find any.

Roof

Checking your roof is important; a few slate tiles may have become loose or perhaps have blown away. Use a camera or binoculars, just to be on the safe side.

Garden

It might be a bit early to get fully immersed in your garden. However, you can certainly have a tidy-up and start planting a few bulbs for the summer. Why not check the patio for weeds or cracks that may have appeared from the ice? Simply doing these things will make you feel as if spring and summer are well on the way.

Wood

If there are a couple of clear days and you have the time. Reseal your decking or fences, as well as the shed or gates. Now is a great time to get it done.

Concrete and pointing

Any concrete, pointing, tarmac or hard surfaces that may have cracked over the winter or simply become cluttered up with moss or dirt can be cleaned. This will brighten up the appearance of your home and make it feel a bit more spring-like.

The result

Doing all these things will help whether you are staying put, selling, thinking of moving or if you have plans to develop your property in the coming months.

Thinking of moving? Call us today for a valuation to see how we can help.

You want to treat your partner this Valentine’s Day. Perhaps a meal out, a card, flowers and chocolates are more your style. After all, you are both trying to take your first steps on the property ladder; you are trying to save. It’s not easy, sometimes you feel like it’s never going to happen. You don’t want to spend on a property you don’t own. On the other hand, you want to make the most of where you live. The relationship you have with where you live is important. Showing that you care might just help you fall in love with your place. Here are a few tips and things you can do that won't break the bank!

Create the perfect space

It’s all about being comfortable in your surroundings. Functionality is important. The first part of creating a great ambience is decluttering or arranging your room so it is as stress-free as possible. Often less is more but you still want a feeling of space with cosiness.

Lights and candles

Lighting affects your mood. Candles particularly at this time of year are perfect for that romantic evening in. Don’t just use them on Valentine’s Day. Use them after a long day at work and relax in the soft lighting which will soothe you and create a relaxing ambience.

Conversely, simply changing a few bulbs and creating lots of light in the kitchen for example will create a feeling of space. Use LED bulbs and reduce your carbon footprint while saving some money.

Add some personal touches

Flowers, candles, paintings or pictures of a special time or place. Once your rooms are decluttered and clean these items will have a huge impact and help you to relax more quickly. This adds to the quality of your life while adding character and just enough detail to help stimulate your visual senses.

Plants

A few plants here and there reduce stress levels while adding an element of nature to your rooms. Improving the quality of the air in your home and giving you a sense of well-being that combines with the glorious effect of natural aesthetics.

Celebrate outdoor living

A nice space outside with candles or a stove underneath the stars is not only romantic but a great way to add another room to your house. It may be outside but create the right space and it’s as important as any room in the house.

TLC

Keeping everything clean and in good working order is one of the simplest and best ways to show the place where you live how much you care. In return, it might along with some other steps help you fall in love with the special place you live for you and your loved ones to share.

Browse our website today you might just find a property you will love.