The Pros and Cons of Using a Mortgage Broker in Durham

There are many reasons why you should use a Mortgage Broker in Durham. It can be helpful if you are taking that first step into the mortgage world, or going through the process the second time as you come towards the end of your fixed term as the process can be daunting sometimes.

With many options available for homeowners and home buyers, you ideally want to get it right first time, even with a lot of money involved.

Obviously, we believe that our tailored service as a Mortgage Broker in Durham would be helpful during the mortgage journey, in particular, First Time Buyers in Durham.

Even though we are experts in assisting customers through the process, it’s also understandable that the service is not for everyone and some may still wonder how we can help.

With this in mind, we have created a helpful guide about why approaching a Mortgage Broker in Durham could benefit you in your situation and why some people decide to go direct to the mortgage lender instead.

What are the pros & cons of using a mortgage broker in Durham?

Cost-Effectiveness

Deciding to go direct with the mortgage lender and finding your own mortgage deal can save you more money than approaching a Mortgage Broker in Durham. However, mortgage brokers may charge a fee but can be based on circumstances.

Being experienced in going through the process, having an easy case and lengthy knowledge may mean that it’s best and cheaper to go through the process yourself. This can be an issue if you have a more complicated case and people who don’t understand the lender criteria.

Going through the mortgage process with little to no knowledge could either result in you being on the wrong deal or ending up unsuccessful when applying for a mortgage deal. Either circumstance could mean spending more money than you have to, or damage your credit score which could negatively effect your chances of applying for a mortgage further down the line.

A dedicated Mortgage Advisor in Durham strives in getting your recommendation right the first time by finding you the best and cheapest deal on offer. As much as this service comes with a fee, you could find that you save a lot of money in the end.

Local Bank Branch Relationships

One of the reasons why many older customers decide to approach a bank is due to how the mortgage process was previously run. Prior to the introduction of online banking apps and modern technology, as a loyal customer, you may approach your local branch a lot where you would speak to the same people.

If you were looking to get a mortgage, you would go through the bank manager and speak to them. They had extensive knowledge of your finances and would be the ones to approve a mortgage for you. Now, many things are done digital including credit scoring.

Because of advanced technology within these banks, it means that the bank manager would not personally go through your case. It would be carried out through an online system which will determine if you are eligible for a mortgage or not. Regardless of what bank you are with, everyone is treated fairly.

Exclusive Mortgage Products

Following on from the previous point, there is an assumption amongst people that going direct would mean they are open to the best and exclusive deals. This is true to an extent, however, they will offer the best deal from their own company.

Not every mortgage lender is a bank and there is a large variety of options to choose from. Therefore, the most suitable deal your bank can offer, might not be the best one for you outside that bank.

This is another reason why taking out tailored Mortgage Advice in Durham can be a huge benefit to you. With an expert advisor by your side, they will be able to go through your case and find you the deal amongst our large panel of lenders that is perfect for your circumstance.

On the topic of exclusivity, approaching a Mortgage Broker in Durham can give you access to deals that you can’t find anywhere else. If you are a first time buyer, looking to remortgage in Durham or have a specialist case, there are many options available to you through an expert mortgage broker.

Changes to Regulation & Consumer Protection

After the 2007-08 credit crunch, the mortgage market needed to change. The 2014 Mortgage Market Review, stated that lenders could not sell mortgages to their customers without regulated advice.

This policy meant you couldn’t just approach a bank to tell them you want a mortgage and be accepted without the important checks. Furthermore, it meant that you couldn’t be granted a mortgage by any member of the bank, which was a regular occurrence, regardless of if they were qualified to do so or not.

Along with these new policies, consumer protection was introduced which was initially not provided to you by the bank. This means that you, as the customer, as the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman if you feel misadvised in any way. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is also available to you to make a claim.

Having this in place can assure customers who approach both mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders that they are in safe hands and are receiving professional and regulated advice.

Booking an Appointment with a Mortgage Advisor in Durham

One factor which can be a disadvantage to mortgage lenders but is beneficial to mortgage broker is that it can sometimes take months to try and speak to an individual at a bank. Whereas, getting in touch with a Mortgage Broker in Durham, like ourselves, can provide you with a more quick and responsive service that keeps you updated constantly about your mortgage process.

We are proud to offer a tailored service where a member of our team will contact you at a time that is best for you and your lifestyle. From morning, until late, 7 days a week, our expert Mortgage Advisors are here to help. This can sometimes include bank holidays!

Depending on availability, you may be able to book yourself in and have the appointment on the same day! However, it’s up to you if you want to speak to someone today or in a few days time.

As a part of our tailored service, our advisors have flexible availability. This means you can book yourself in around your 9-5 or around any other commitments. Our quick and simple book online system is great if you are on the move and need to book an appointment.

Responsiveness is an important part of Durhammoneyman. Whatever mortgage process you are going through, our friendly team will keep you in the loop. Your advisor will let you know of any changes that could arise.

The public’s views on mortgage brokers has changed due to Mortgage Brokers in Durham, like ourselves, providing an open and honest service to all customers looking to start their mortgage journey.

Handling Complex Scenarios

Through our time providing Mortgage Advice in Durham, we sometimes speak to customers who have a more complex situation than your average case. Below are just a few common situations we have encountered over the years;

• Mixed Deposit (Savings & Gift) – This means auditing two different sources.
• Applicants, who are on zero hour contracts – Will there be a consistent income?
• Making a Second Purchase – Can they afford to make that additional purchase?
• Self-Employed with No Fixed Income – A common challenge for Self-Employed applicants.
• Poor Credit History – A lender will not look favourably upon an applicant who has mismanaged payments in the past.
• Affordability – Can they afford a mortgage full stop?

In previous years, mortgage lenders could easily offer you deal that was better than any other lenders. Now, it’s not all about which deal you go with, it’s if you match the criteria or not.

Even if you find a deal that is reasonable, it doesn’t mean you match the criteria for it. In order to determine this, the lender will perform either a hard search (resulting in a footprint on your credit file? or soft search (leaves less of a footprint on your credit file).

One thing that could damage your credit file is being declined for an agreement in principle when applying for a mortgage. On top of that, if you are declined, it’s very unlikely that you will be given a reason for this which can be frustrating.

If you do speak to a Mortgage Broker in Durham like Durhammoneyman, we will be able to go through your case before, so you are prepared and in a position where you have a better chance of being accepted.

Here at Durhammoneyman, we have a large panel of lenders who offer a range of mortgage products. We will be able to match you up with deals and look to get you an agreement in principle. If you get your agreement in principle through Durhammoneyman, it will usually take no more than 24 hours after your free mortgage appointment.

Remember, having an agreement in principle doesn’t always mean you’re guaranteed to be agreed, nor does it guarantee a mortgage in the end, but it does provide safety for your credit file to have an expert go through your file beforehand. As a Mortgage Advisor in Durham, we always aim to get your recommendation right the first time.

In Conclusion; Should I use a Mortgage Broker in Durham?

At the end of the day, it’s your decision. As mentioned, there many advantages and disadvantages of going with a Mortgage Broker in Durham. On the other hand, there is many pros and cons to going direct as well. It all depends on how quick you want your service to be, and how secure you want to be.

Through our time as a Mortgage Broker in Durham, we have built up a positive reputation and strong relationship with many customers looking to begin their mortgage journey. If you are a first time buyer in Durham, coming to the end of your fixed term, looking to remortgage in Durham, we have done it all!

Here at Durhammoneyman, we offer fast & friendly advice that is FCA regulated. Simply book online or get in touch to book yourself for a free mortgage appointment or remortgage review with one of our brilliant advisors. Our goal is to fulfil your mortgage needs, by providing you with advice, at a time that best suits you, subject to availability.

For more information about our service, check out our fantastic customer reviews. You can have a customer insight on how our service has helped many individuals on their mortgage journey. We also offer free financial education through our YouTube Channel, MoneymanTV.

Why isn’t it easier to get a Mortgage in Durham? | Mortgage Advice in Durham

Getting a Mortgage in Durham

Durhammoneyman has had more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage business. In this time, our heaps of experience and knowledge through the years have allowed us to help many different and unique customers get through difficult mortgage obstacles.

Therefore, no matter what personal situation you are in, we have probably encountered a similar one before. A few of our services include first-time buyers, remortgage, and self-employed mortgage advice in Durham.

Getting a mortgage can become complex if you are unsure of what you are doing. The reason for this is that there are thousands of different lenders with their own individual lending criteria, and it can be difficult to find the right one.

You’ll find that by instead opting to speak with a mortgage broker in Derby, you’ll be opened up to a wider variety of mortgage options, with criteria that your dedicated advisor will be able to match you up to.

Going to a lender for a Mortgage in Durham

Sometimes, you will find you can pass a lenders credit scoring system easier than you would from another, it all just depends on the lender. There are parts of the market that different lenders love to focus on, specific niche markets.

It’s common to find that the stricter the lending criteria are, the lower the supply rates are. The criteria can be stricter to match than others. Therefore, don’t feel disheartened if you are struggling to find a lender that will accept you.

It can be hard to qualify with lenders who have strict criteria. When a competitive deal has been offered to you, it will always have a tight margin. This is due to the fact that the lender needs to know the customer will be able to afford the mortgage and lenders want to make a profit off this and not lose money.

Lenders with Low Rates

When it comes to high street lenders offering the cheapest rates, you will find they will always increase their earnings from their borrowers. As soon as a mortgage has been accepted, they will gain more profit by selling you more of their products. Some of the products include bank accounts, unsecured loans, credit cards, and Insurance.

A common occurrence that you may find with mortgages, is the lowest rate of interest often comes with expensive set-up costs. This is why people often stay away from these products. When a lender grants you a mortgage, the main thought they have will be about their profit.

On the contrary, a Mortgage Broker in Durham will always have your best interest. Our knowledgeable and caring team knows all the secrets to save both your time and your money. We will work hard to find the best deal available that fits your circumstances.

Difficulties When Looking to Remortgage in Durham

In some cases, not everyone can just remortgage somewhere else and this is due to many reasons:

• Breakup with a partner
• Your household income may be less than it was at the start of the application
• Since taking out a mortgage, the applicant has had a default or CCJ
• There has been an decrease in value of the home since it was bought

Lending Criteria and the Economy

Matching lenders’ criteria, depending on the current performance of the economy, can affect how easy or hard it is to get accepted a mortgage. If the economy is suffering, lenders will tighten the margins and vice versa when the economy is doing well. Depending on when you are applying, it can sometimes be hard to obtain a mortgage, yet previously, mid-2000’s, it was too easy. This was prior to the credit crunch where lenders were granting ridiculous mortgages to people who couldn’t afford one at all.

As well as matching the lender’s criteria, the current state of the economy is another factor that can affect your chances of being accepted for a mortgage. If the state of the economy isn’t doing well, lenders will tighten the margin and vice versa when the economy is performing well.

There are times when obtaining a mortgage can be difficult. It just depends on when you have applied for it, whereas, in the mid-2000s, it was too easy. Before the credit crunch, lenders were granting ridiculous mortgages to people who couldn’t afford one at all.

Lenders took a completely different view and tightened their criteria after the credit crunch. The requirements included a 25% deposit which meant getting on the property ladder was unattainable. This tempted customers into renting due to the brisk increase in interest rates.

Mortgage Broker in Durham

We have become knowledgeable about what lenders are looking for in mortgage applicants through our valuable experience. Credit scoring is something many high street lenders now do to try and save time and money. Furthermore, this method gives the lender confidence in their ability to lend. 

Speaking to a Mortgage Broker might be the best option if you are struggling to match the lender’s criteria. As a Mortgage Broker in Durham, we can provide you with options that we know will increase your chances of your mortgage application being successful.

With a range of simple ways to achieve this, giving us a call could bring up a step closer to securing a mortgage deal. Get in touch and speak to an experienced Mortgage Advisor in Durham and potentially start your journey on the property ladder. 

Lending Criteria Mortgage Advice in Durham

What is a 95% Mortgage?

A 95% mortgage is as simple as the name would suggest; you are borrowing against 95% of the price of a property, and then you are covering the remaining 5% with your deposit. An example of this is if you looked at buying a property that was worth £150,000 with a 95% mortgage, you would be putting down £7,500 as your deposit and borrow the remaining £142,500 from the lender. 

95% Mortgage Advice in Durham

Off the back of the March 2021 Budget, Boris Johnson announced a Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for mortgage lenders, making 95% mortgages more readily available from the bigger high street banks.   

This is fantastic news for First-Time Buyers and Home Movers alike, as this scheme will continue running until December 2022. Certain terms and conditions will apply though, which is something your Mortgage Advisor in Durham will be able to look at, to see if you qualify.    

All our customers who opt to Get in Touch will receive a free, no-obligation mortgage consultation where one of our dedicated mortgage advisors will be able to make a recommendation on the best possible route for you to take.

Can I get a 95% mortgage?

95% mortgages are usually accessible by both First-Time Buyers in Durham & those who are Moving Home in Durham. Whilst saving for a 5% deposit sounds like a pretty straightforward concept, you’ll still need to have an acceptable credit score and prove that you are able to afford your monthly mortgage repayments, in order to access a 95% mortgage.

Improving your credit score

A good credit score is essential in the process of obtaining any mortgage, especially a 95% mortgage. Things like paying any current credit commitments on time, ensuring your addresses are updated and checking that you’re on the voters roll, can all help with your credit score.

Affordability 

Affordability is another one that is important to take note of. By giving the lender details of your income and monthly outgoings (things like your bank statements will be necessary for this) and any pre-existing credit commitments, your lender will be able to get a general overview of whether or not you are able to afford this type of mortgage.

Can my family help me get a 95% mortgage?

Nowadays we see lots of family members helping each other get onto the property ladder, especially parents looking to further their children’s lives. The way this usually happens is by gifting the person looking to find their home, the deposit required. Known through the industry as the “Bank of Mum & Dad, Gifted Deposits are only intended to be a gift, and not as a loan. The lender will need proof that this has been agreed, before it can be used towards your mortgage. 

How do I choose the right 95% mortgage?

When looking for a 95% mortgage, you want to make sure you have the right type of mortgage. Each mortgage type works differently, with that choice allowing you to find one that is most appropriate for your personal and financial situation. 

Some homeowners and home buyers prefer Fixed Rate or Tracker Mortgages, mortgage types which mean you either keep interest rates at a set amount for the term given or have your interest rates tracking the Bank of England base rates.

Alternatively, you might find that Interest-Only or a Repayment Mortgages are more your style. Interest-Only allows cheaper payments until you need to pay a lump sum at the end (mostly now used for Buy-to-Lets), whereas a Repayment mortgage (a normal mortgage if you’d like) means you’ll be paying interest and capital combined per month.

How can a bigger deposit help with my mortgage? 

Seeing as a mortgage is such a large financial outgoing, you need to be prepared and need to be aware. You might find things like higher interest rates, remortgaging difficulties due to less equity and then negative equity all cropping up if you’re not. 

There is no need to worry though, as all these can be avoided if you’re savvy enough with your process to begin with. The more deposit you put down for a property, the less risk the lender will see you as. 

A larger deposit, of say 10-15%, would not only reduce the rates of interest by a noticeable amount, but would also give the property more equity and reduce the risk of negative equity, thanks in part to you borrowing less against the property. 

So, whilst the risks may seem intimidating, planning ahead and saving for a bigger deposit to access something like a 90% or even an 85% mortgage will be a massive help in your mortgage journey and something you’ll be able to reap the rewards from in the future. 

Mortgage Payment Holidays | Mortgage Advice in Durham

Mortgage Payment Holiday

At the start of the Covid pandemic, the Government promised that all borrowers would be allowed a three-month mortgage payment holiday if they needed it. Most lenders followed the Government’s guidelines and did their best to help their borrowers during these hard few months.

We feel that it is best to create a summary of what mortgage payment holidays are, what lenders are doing and who can provide you with help and guidance through the coming months.

On that note, we feel like this is a good time to talk about what mortgage holiday payments are and how they can help you with your mortgage payments.

What is a Mortgage Payment Holiday?

They are quite simple. A mortgage payment holiday is a set-period, agreed upon between you and your lender, bank or building society, where your mortgage payments are deferred. In this situation, the set period should be around three months.

You will still have to pay back these payments. Over the period, you will receive interest which will be added onto your loan at the end of the payment holiday whilst your capital balance will not decrease. So, your overall mortgage loan will slightly increase. So you save money in the short term but in the long term, it may prove expensive.

Once you feel like you are ready to start paying back your monthly mortgage payments, either your monthly mortgage payments will be recalculated at a higher level or your mortgage term could be increased. Lenders prefer to not increase your mortgage term as it could put you past their standard retirement ages.

You may even be allowed to pay off a lump sum later on in the year to get your monthly mortgage payments back on track to how they were prior to your payment holiday.

Mortgage payment holidays are available for borrowers with both residential or Buy to Let Mortgages in Durham. This really helps out landlords as they now have help if rental payments are affected.

The Government’s Proposal

Here is the Government’s proposal following the COVID-19 outbreak:

• Mortgage lenders will offer an automatic three-month mortgage payments holiday for borrowers who have been impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19
• The mortgage payment holiday will apply to customers who are up to date on their payments, not in arrears, and wanting to self-certify that they are impacted by COVID-19
• This means that lenders will not complete an income and expenditure assessment, or an assessment of alternate payment options as ordinarily required under MCOB
• This proposal will allow lenders to be more responsive to customer needs and offer forbearance in a simple way to customers in an environment where the operation of collections teams made be also impacted by COVID-19
• Customers will be made aware that interest will accrue in the holiday period and they will need to make up deferred payments in the future
• Customers who wish to undertake a full assessment of their ability to pay or financial difficulty may still do so.

How do I apply for a Mortgage Payment Holiday

Even if you had a mortgage payment holiday before, we always recommend speaking to your Mortgage Advisor in Durham. They will sort out everything out for you and work out whether you actually need to take a mortgage payment holiday. You can also go directly to your mortgage lender and enquire about taking one but this may not benefit you as you may not even need one. The main thing is not to panic and explore all of your options before rushing into anything.

Here are the steps you need to take if you won’t meet/aren’t meeting your monthly mortgage payments and have been directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak:

• The customer would contact the lender and inform them that they are being impacted
  by COVID-19
• The lender would accept these details from the customer and offer an automatic
  three-month mortgage payment holiday
• No evidence is needed for the lender
• The lender makes the customer aware that interest will accrue and will be contacted at the end of the three months to complete an assessment of the customer’s circumstances
• At the end of three months, an arrangement to pay will be agreed with the customer according to their circumstances to recover any shortfall, also ensuring that the mortgage remains affordable and sustainable
• The lender notifies the customer that if they wished to complete a full assessment now, there may be other forbearance options more suitable to the customer.

For more useful information on how the coronavirus could affect your mortgage click here.

Will a Mortgage Payment Holiday impact my Credit Score?

In most cases yes, they can give a negative effect to your credit score. However, you are taking one because of a virus so lenders shouldn’t let it damage your score.

To ensure that this is the case, before taking out a mortgage payment holiday, you must contact them. You need to record their answer as well as the date, time and the name of the person that you spoke with. This will avoid any confusion down the line if anything changes. It all depends on your lender, there is no guarantee that every lender will say the same thing.

Will I still be able to Remortgage or take a Product Transfer with my lender?

You would’ve thought that everything would continue as normal, however, all lenders are now avoiding all remortgages and product transfers during a mortgage payment holiday.

This will affect borrowers approaching the end of their existing product as they may be forced to move on to a higher lenders variable rate. This could mean that borrowers who act too early and jump into a mortgage payment holiday deal straight away could end up accruing interest on a costly variable rate.

This is another reason why we say don’t rush into anything! Take it slow and evaluate your options with an expert Mortgage Advisor in Durham first, they will make sure that you actually need to take out a payment holiday first before diving in headfirst. There are lots of mortgage options out there so have a look first with your mortgage Broker in Durham.

What are my other options?

Some lenders could offer you a temporary switch over to interest-only in order to reduce your monthly payments but not to add any more to the loan amount by still servicing the interest payments each month.

You don’t need to put all of your mortgages onto interest-only, but doing so could help you out financially.

If you have savings, remortgaging onto an offset basis could really help you out, you will be cutting down on monthly payments massively. For example, if you have a £250,000 loan and £50,000 in your savings, you would only pay interest on £200,000.

This may all may seem a bit stressful and it this may have come around faster than expected, however, you should try to take it slow and calm down. As your Mortgage Broker in Durham, we are still here to help and relieve you of all of that stress. Remember, we are still open as usual operating 7 days a week. Receive a free mortgage consultation with a Mortgage Advisor in Durham today, we hope that we can help you out!

Mortgage Advice in Durham

How to Improve your Credit Score in Durham

Mortgage Advice in Durham

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a tool that lenders use to measure an applicants ability to afford a mortgage. The higher your score, the more likely it is that you’ll be accepted for a mortgage. Which means that if you have a lower score, your chances of being accepted decrease.

Even though having a good credit score may look good on the outside, you must know that each lender has their own individual lending criteria and it’s more than likely that you won’t meet all of them. So sometimes it’s also down to your circumstances and not just your score.

Matching lender’s criteria

Most lenders’ criteria are completely different from one another, lenders have almost developed their own niche market. You could end up matching to a handful of them or maybe only a couple. As long as you end up securing a great mortgage deal that is all that matter though and it’s your advisor’s job to help you do that.

Whether you go with your bank’s in-house advisor or a Mortgage Broker in Durham, your personal and financial situation will be evaluated and then compared with lenders’ and their mortgage products.

We would always recommend approaching a Mortgage Broker in Durham before going straight to your bank’s in-house advisor and this is because your bank can only offer you their own products. If you choose a broker like us, we are able to access thousands of different mortgage deals through our large panel of lender’s. Once we have your details, we will try our hardest to match you to a lenders’ criteria.

If you are struggling to match a lenders’ criteria, it could be down to numerous different things. The most common reason why people don’t meet lenders’ criteria and get declined for a mortgage is because of their low credit score. If this is the case, then you need to try and improve it.

Improving your credit score

Avoid unnecessary credit searches

Having unnecessary credit searches on your file could have a negative effect on your credit score. Lenders’ don’t like seeing that you are repeatedly checking your score, they may think that there is a reason for it and they could even start asking you questions about it during your application process. Even using price comparison websites could damage your score.

On a side note, if you are applying for a mortgage, we strongly recommend that you avoid applying for any form of extra credit in the meantime. Paying back owed credit before your application will look good on your application, however, borrowing/paying back credit during your application will have a reverse effect. If you borrow credit, some lenders’ could think that you cannot afford the deposit and are relying on the credit to help you.

Are you registered on the Voter’s Roll?

A great way to improve your credit score is to register onto the Electoral Roll, it indicates stability and lenders really like that. It’s really easy to get yourself registered and the fact that it can increase your credit score, you’re missing out if you don’t take the opportunity.

If you are already registered, you should check that all of your information is correct as lenders will easily spot misspellings and an incorrect address.

Don’t run too close to your maximum limit

Maxing out your card each month will negatively impact your credit score. If you are using a credit card, a lender would much rather that you pay off the balance in full each month as it shows that you are good at managing your money. If you are exceeding your credit limits or overdrafts, your lender won’t think that you take your finances seriously. This could massively impact your credit score, especially if you get declined by a lender due to this reason.

Check that your address is up to date

When people move home, especially from their parent’s house, people often forget to update all of their address’. When you forget to update your address with a previous credit provider, it can appear that you live in two different properties at the same time. This can hurt your credit score once lenders see this so make sure that you are keeping on top of what address’ are linked with each of your accounts.

Close down your unused credit accounts

Do you have any store/credit cards that are no longer in use? If you do, then you should contact the provider and get them to fully close your account(s). Having these accounts open could be doing your credit score more harm than good. However, this could also still have a negative effect on your credit score as the credit reference can’t really tell if it’s you closing the account or the provider. Don’t worry though, it’s a good thing to check up on as if you have lost a card and didn’t realise then fall victim for fraud, you could end up having a worse effect on your score.

Remove your financial link to others

If you are financially linked to a family member or ex-partner your credit score could be affected without you even knowing. However, if the account is still live, you cannot remove your link just yet. If you want to remove any of these links, then you should get in touch with the credit reference agencies and make a request.

Summary

More often than not, applicants see credit scoring as an unfair way of determining the success of a mortgage application. For example, you may have a low score due to personal circumstances, which applicants think is unfair. As a Mortgage Broker in Durham, we mostly see that it’s people that are Moving Home or Self Employed struggle with their credit score. However, if this isn’t your mortgage situation and you still need help with improving your credit score, you know to get in touch with.

Sending an up-to-date credit report to your expert Mortgage Broker in Durham could prove extremely beneficial to your mortgage journey. A great tool that we always recommend to our customers is checkymyfile.com.

The more your advisor knows about your finances the better. Also, there are still some lenders that prefer to operate the old-fashioned way and will manually assess your application. They will still have rules that they stick by about the number of defaults and CCJ’s that they will allow.

A Mortgage Broker in Durham, like us, likes to do things the new way and will always aim to deliver you the same Fast and Friendly Mortgage Advice service that you are all used to. We hope to hear from you soon.

Getting Prepared for a Mortgage in Durham

Moving Home Mortgage Advice in Durham

After saving for years and months, you’ve finally reached the point where you are ready to make a deposit on a property. Whether you have had some help from “the bank of Mum and Dad” or have entirely relied on your own funds, it’s time to get the ball rolling!

This may be your first experience as a First Time Buyer or your second as a Home Mover in Durham, either way, we are here to give you some top tips on how to get prepare for a mortgage:

Know where you stand

As a Mortgage Broker in Durham, we always recommend in getting Mortgage Advice as early on in the process as possible. This way you will know how much you can borrow for a mortgage and how much it will all cost. There is nothing better than having a professional Mortgage Advisor in Durham by your side to help guide you through the whole process.

Obtaining an up to date credit report should also be at the top of your list, you want to know exactly where you stand in terms of your credit score. You don’t want anything holding you back from buying a home. Taking the above two steps will give you a good insight into how possible this is going to be and what your budget is.

Getting organised

Your Mortgage Broker in Durham, like us, will be able to obtain a fully credit-checked agreement in principle on your behalf. In order to get this, you will have to provide some proof of who you are to us, this includes your name, where you live and how much you earn. There is a lot of paperwork for you to get together so it’s a good idea to open a file for yourself and start collecting everything in advance.

Proof of ID

In terms of proving who you are you’ll need to produce some photo ID such as a Driving license or passport.

Proof of address

In addition to the above, you’ll need to prove where you live. You’ll need to produce a utility bill or original bank statement dated within the last 3 months.

Last three months’ bank statements

The analysis of your spending habits is one of the most important determining factors in whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage or not. Lenders need to ensure that you’re going to be able to meet your mortgage payments every month. Your bank statements should evidence your income and monthly expenditures. Lenders will not be too happy to see gambling transactions on your account, neither will they like it if you go over an agreed overdraft limit or if your direct debits bounce regularly.

Proof of deposit

You will have to provide evidence that you have the funds in place for the deposit, this is also for anti-money laundering purposes. Try not to move monies around your various accounts too much as it will make evidencing the audit trail much more difficult. All lenders will like to see that your savings account has been built up over time in order to afford the deposit. It shows you are taking this seriously and managing your money well.

Gifted deposits are becoming increasingly more popular, we are seeing that most of our applicant’s 5% deposit is made up of these. These gifted deposits are often gifted by family members or friends. These funds can’t just be handed over, they need to be evidenced; meaning the “donor” will need to sign a letter to confirm that this is a gift and not a loan.

Proof of income

In terms of affordability, the most important thing is to be able to prove your income. If you are employed this tends to be by way of your last 3 months’ payslips and most recent P60. Lenders can take into account regular overtime, commission, shift allowance and bonus. If you are Self Employed then you’ll need your accountant’s help. This will be to request your tax year overview.

A list of your expected outgoings

It’s always a good idea to do some research and make a note of an estimate of your anticipated outgoings after you move house. You can work out an idea of how much the council tax and utility bills will be. In addition to that, you can work out your regular expenditures, such as food and drink. This will demonstrate how much disposable income you have available to pay your mortgage from.

When applying for a mortgage, things can get slightly complicated if you are doing everything by yourself. This is why having a Mortgage Advisor in Durham by your side could prove extremely beneficial. You want to do your best to impress your lender and show them that you have done all you can within your power to get everything ready for your mortgage application. Durhammoneyman can help you with this and depending on your circumstances, we could have everything arranged within 24 hours of your free mortgage consultation. Get in touch today, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Mortgage Advice in Durham

How Could The Coronavirus Affect My Mortgage in Durham?

Mortgage Advice in Durham

We know that everyone is stressed in the UK. We are here to help with some of that and help you with anything mortgage-related. In Durham, we are still here to provide the same amazing mortgage advice service that you know us for!

We are not trying to scare you, we just want to help you. A lot of problems have come up because of the coronavirus and you are most likely questioning where it may leave you financially. Here is what we are going to talk about in this article:

• Receiving Mortgage Advice in Durham over the phone
• Progressing with your mortgage application
• The Bank of England rate reduction and how this may affect you
• Your concerns about not being able to pay for your existing mortgage
• The mortgage industries reaction to the coronavirus
• Should you pull out of your purchase?
• What to do if your Remortgage is due

Mortgage Advice in Durham over the phone

Here at Durhamoneyman, everything is exactly the same. We still have Mortgage Advisors in Durham waiting to take your phone call 7 days a week. Give us a call and receive a free initial mortgage consultation. Our excellent service isn’t changing.

Processing your mortgage application

We are still continuing at the same pace we always do working hard to deliver you fast and friendly Mortgage Advice in Durham. We are determined to keep everything the same as it was prior to the outbreak.

Bank of England rate reduction

Now that the Bank of England has reduced its rates, lenders have followed their actions and decreased their standard variable rates too. On the light side, this is really helpful for First-Time Buyers in Durham as the low rates allow you to get onto the property ladder much easier.

Concerned about your existing mortgage

The outbreak of coronavirus could potentially impact your monthly income, especially if you have to be isolated. This could really affect the Self-employed in Durham and small business’.

If it is getting harder and harder to pay your recurring payments, you may need to contact your lender. Sometimes, they can be understanding and agree on a mortgage payment holiday period to help you out.

Mortgage industry reaction to coronavirus

Now that the interest rates have dropped and lenders are giving no hints of them rising back up, now has never been a better time to get a mortgage. First-Time Buyers, the Self-Employed and Home Movers have never had an opportunity like this in a long time.

Should I pull out of my purchase?

We recommend that you stick with your purchase only if you know that you will be able to afford the payments. For example, if you are worried about losing your job, backing out of the purchase might be your best option. You need to remember, you are not committed to completing your purchase until the contracts are exchanged.

My Remortgage is due | should I switch lender or stay with my current one?

At the moment, nothing has changed at Durhammoneyman. Speak with your Mortgage Broker in Durham and we can advise you on what to do once we have assessed your requirements. We hope to hear from you soon!

Mortgage Broker in Durham | Durhammoneyman

Income Protection Insurance | Mortgage Advice in Durham

Income Protection Explained

Income Protection Insurance is designed to pay out a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or accident. The applicant can decide along with the help of their Advisor how much cover to take out. Also how long they are prepared to wait before they are entitled to put a claim in.

Income Protection insurance can be expensive compared to life cover. As you are far more likely to be unable to work due to illness than die. The monthly benefit continues to be paid out until you return to work unless you have selected the “Budget” version of the policy. This typically only pays out for 24 months but is much cheaper.

The big advantage of Income Protection Insurance is that unlike Critical Illness Cover in Durham it pays out for whatever is preventing you from working. Unlike Critical Illness which is just a list of specified illnesses.

This type of policy is very popular amongst the Self Employed in Durham and also employed applicants who do not benefit from generous Employer sick pay schemes.

Our Income Protection Insurance Advice Service

It’s very important to us that all of our customers are given an equal opportunity to take insurance our through ourselves.  We wouldn’t be doing our job right if we didn’t mention it! 

We offer all of our customers a free, no-obligation protection review where we’ll have a look at any existing policies you have in place and assess their suitability.  We’ll then recommend which products, including critical illness and income protection that meet your needs.  If required, we’ll then tailor the plan to match your available monthly budget. 

Income Protection Advice in Durham

How to Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle?

What is a mortgage agreement in principle?

A mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) is more or less a preliminary confirmation from a mortgage lender, that should everything proceed as planned, they would be happy to grant you a mortgage.

This not only shows you have passed a mortgage lender credit score and are creditworthy, but shows the seller of the property that you are in a better position to proceed than other buyers who perhaps don’t have an AIP, meaning the sale is likely to occur faster. This is enticing for most sellers.

Whilst having an agreement in principle is a very good indication that you will be able to obtain a mortgage, it is important to remember that this is still not guaranteed. A mortgage lender will still have to conduct further background checks at full application stage.

The Value of a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

An agreement in principle is useful for more than just showing estate agents and sellers that you are in a position to proceed. Typically, an estate agent will actually require this before you can make an offer. When it comes to making an offer, it can also help you negotiate on property price.

We would highly suggest getting an agreement in principle as soon as you possibly can in your home buying journey. As a mortgage broker in Durham, we are typically able to obtain a mortgage agreement in principle for you within 24 hours of your initial appointment.

As briefly touched upon, there are a few main reasons why it is beneficial for those who are looking for a first time buyer mortgage in Durham, to get themselves an agreement in principle. These are;

1. Negotiating Power
2. Avoiding Disappointment
3. Knowing Your Limits

Negotiating Power With a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

When you are ready to go ahead and start making offers you are ready to make an offer on a new home, you will need to show the estate agent that you do in fact have the funds to proceed with the purchase.

This will be needed in the form of bank statements and also an agreement in principle certificate that we are able to obtain for you. Once you have shown the estate agent this documentation, typically they will stop marketing the property and place either a sold or sale agreed board outside.

The prospect of going into the process of making offers when a mortgage has already been agreed in principle, is an attractive one to sellers, as it shows you have carefully thought about your plans and know exactly how you plan to make the purchase, as opposed to being spontaneous.

We sometimes find that in these cases, a seller might actually be more willing to accept an offer that is below their asking price, as you are very much ahead of other buyers who haven’t prepared themselves like you, making it a much quicker sale for them.

Avoid Disappointment With a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

Unfortunately with the home buying process, we find that some customers tend to act before they think, making offers on a property without being certain they have the means to proceed financially or if they even can get a mortgage at all.

This can of course lead to customers finding themselves quite disappointed when the mortgage application ends up failing, especially at a point where they may already have had their hearts set on a potential new family home.

The easiest way to avoid that disappointment is to simply get in touch with an expert mortgage broker in Durham ahead of time. Oftentimes there can be little things that are stopping a mortgage from going your way, that with a little time and TLC, can see a mortgage going in your favour.

Common occurrences that we hear of include issues with credit reports, perhaps even some type of phone bill dispute that can easily be fixed in short order. Another one is your electoral register information being either incorrect or non-existent, which again is easily sorted.

In some cases, a first time buyer in Durham may not even be able to get a mortgage at all, but it is definitely better to check with a mortgage advisor in Durham in order to make sure you know where you stand. They will also be able to provide you with tips to improve your credit-worthiness in the future.

Knowing Your Limits With a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

For many budding home buyers, they might think they have got it all figured out. You’ve got a good credit score, have never been declined for credit, all your electoral register information is correct, all your payments have been kept up. So what else could see you struggle?

In truth, approaching 10 different mortgage lenders could give you 10 different outcomes. Each one will have their own specific mortgage lending criteria and you might find yourself being offered a different maximum mortgage amount from each. They all calculate affordability in different ways!

For those who are self employed in Durham specifically, it can become quite confusing, as some mortgage lenders take net profit and salary, whilst others take dividends and salary, some take the latest year, some want to see an average of 2-3 years.

It’s important in any case to understand your borrowing limits, so that you can plan ahead for the future. Getting a mortgage agreement in principle can help outline to you the maximum a mortgage lender is willing to let you borrow, so that you know ahead of time.

A trusted mortgage broker in Durham will also be able to help you determine how much you could be paying back per month on your mortgage repayments, so that you are armed with all the key information you need to take on the next steps of your mortgage journey.

Book a free mortgage appointment today and we will see how we can help.