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What is a Shared Ownership Mortgage in Durham?

The Shared Ownership Scheme, a UK government initiative, aims to help individuals in taking their first steps onto the property ladder. Open to permanent UK residents, it caters to both first time buyers in Durham and previous homeowners struggling to acquire a new property.

Your household income must not exceed £80,000, and the property you intend to purchase will be primarily on a leasehold basis, meaning you’ll possess it for a predetermined duration.

Through Shared Ownership in Durham, you can secure your home through a combination of a mortgage and rental payments, often lower than standalone mortgage payments.

What percentage of the property in Durham can I borrow?

Originally, Shared Ownership required a minimum ownership share of 25%, but now, for some properties, this has been reduced to 10%. Homeowners have the option to increase their percentage through staircasing, often done at remortgage or when the mortgage on the owned share is paid off.

Now, shares can be increased in 1% instalments, and charges for increasing shares have been lowered. Additionally, landlords cover maintenance and repair expenses for the first decade.

Rules may vary based on when you took out the mortgage, so it’s advisable to check with our mortgage advisors in Durham for clarity.

How do I apply for a Shared Ownership mortgage in Durham?

Qualifying for the Shared Ownership scheme in Durham involves checking eligibility with an agent. They consider factors like income, budget, location preference, and credit history.

Once eligible, preparation for the mortgage application begins. A mortgage broker in Durham, like us, with access to various lenders, is important for navigating Shared Ownership mortgage options.

Pros & Cons of Shared Ownership in Durham

Shared Ownership in Durham, like other schemes, has its pros and cons.

Pros of Shared Ownership

For first time buyers concerned about a mortgage deposit, Shared Ownership typically requires a deposit for the percentage owned. This can significantly reduce the upfront cost, making homeownership more accessible.

Shared Ownership Mortgages in Durham, available through various lenders, provide stability, and the option to purchase the property in the future may be part of the contract.

Cons of Shared Ownership

While Shared Ownership has advantages, be aware of responsibilities. You are responsible for 100% of ground rent and service charges. Approval is needed for structural alterations, limiting complete ownership freedom.

Can I sell my home if I have a Shared Ownership Mortgage in Durham?

Selling your Shared Ownership property in Durham requires owning 100% shares, usually after the initial 21 years, with the housing association having ‘first refusal’ rights.

Sole applicants and those struggling to save for a deposit often benefit most from Shared Ownership. To determine eligibility, consult our mortgage advisors in Durham.

Is a Shared Ownership Mortgage in Durham right for me?

Shared Ownership is a tailored solution, not for everyone. Qualifying criteria apply, and our team is ready to provide guidance. Reach out to our mortgage advisors in Durham for a stress-free Shared Ownership process through a call or a free online mortgage appointment.

What are the 6 best places to live in Durham?

The best areas to live in Durham

Are you a first time buyer in Durham looking to buy your first home and are undecided on a location? Have your living circumstances changed and you are looking at moving home into a new area in Durham? However, where are you going to move to?

To help sway your decision, we have come up with our top list of places to live in Durham.

1 – Durham’s City Centre

The city center is a captivating blend of history and contemporary living. With its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and the iconic Durham Cathedral, the city center exudes a timeless charm. Residents enjoy easy access to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city’s transport links make it convenient for those working or studying at Durham University, contributing to the vibrant and diverse community.

2 – Nevilles Cross

For those seeking a more tranquil setting while still being close to the city’s amenities, Nevilles Cross is an excellent choice. This residential area boasts tree-lined streets, parks, and excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. With convenient access to the A167, commuting to neighboring cities is straightforward, and the nearby university facilities add an academic touch to the community.

3 – The Viaduct

The Viaduct area offers a picturesque setting along the River Wear, providing residents with stunning waterfront views. The Riverside Walk and Wharton Park are popular spots for outdoor activities, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transport, and the blend of modern housing and natural beauty makes Viaduct a sought-after location for those who appreciate the outdoors.

4 – Framwellgate Moor

Framwellgate Moor is known for its affordable housing options and strong sense of community. With local shops, schools, and parks, residents find everything they need within reach. The community atmosphere is further enhanced by regular events and activities organised by local groups. Proximity to the city center, combined with the affordable housing market, makes Framwellgate Moor an attractive option for many.

5 – Gilesgate

Situated to the east of Durham, Gilesgate has become a popular choice for students due to its close proximity to the university campuses. The area offers a lively atmosphere with diverse amenities, including pubs, cafes, and recreational facilities. While it has a youthful energy, Gilesgate is also home to families and professionals who appreciate the vibrancy of the neighborhood.

Book Your Free Mortgage Appointment Today

As you embark on the journey to find your dream home, consider these seven outstanding locations, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Durham’s diverse and welcoming communities. As your trusted mortgage broker in Durham, we are here to guide first time buyers and home movers in Durham through the process and help you secure the suirable purchase or remortgage deal that fits your needs.

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;

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.

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.

Government Schemes to Help You on to The Property Ladder in Durham

Home Buying Mortgage Advice in Durham

Help to Buy was introduced in the 2010’s, off the back of the UK government’ previous FirstBuy Scheme. With a series of pre-existing and new schemes placed under that banner, it was designed to help first time buyers get onto the property ladder.

Over the years we have seen schemes under this banner disappear, whilst others have carried on without that branding. The most popular and well-known of these was the Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme, which was closed to new applicants towards the end of 2022.

What this means is that first time buyers are no longer able to use a Help to Buy in Durham or anywhere in the UK, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that support for home buyers has ended. There are still a variety of schemes that can help to buy in Durham!

Shared Ownership Scheme

The Shared Ownership scheme was introduced as a means of allowing applicants to purchase a percentage of a property and then pay back the remaining amount as rent.

Shared Ownership Mortgage Advice UK | MoneymanTV

You will usually have to own between 25-75% of the property in question. The remaining percentage will be owned by an outside party, namely the local housing association or council. This share can possibly be increased further down the line, if you happen to find yourself in possession of some more money.

The way that your payments work is that you will be paying back your monthly mortgage payments, but also a monthly rental cost. This basically means you are paying 100% of the ground rent and service charge on your new home. This will still apply, even if your share is the minimum amount.

Forces Help to Buy Scheme

The Forces Help to Buy scheme was introduced in 2014 after the roaring the success of the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme (which is no longer avaliable). This scheme aimed to utilise the same basic concept as the one that came before it, however, this one was focused in on members of the armed forces.

Help to Buy Armed Forces Mortgage Advice | MoneymanTV

If you do fit into the criteria of the scheme, this is something that could provide a real advantage to you when trying to get onto the property ladder. The government has made this an enduring policy and we have high hopes that it stays around, as the scheme is incredibly helpful to existing armed forces members who are in need of the extra help.

Lifetime ISA

The Lifetime ISA is often a scheme that people forget. It’s not everyone’s immediate go-to scheme, however, it’s still useful to have some knowledge of it, as it could be the scheme that helps you secure a property as a first time buyer in Durham.

Lifetime ISA Mortgage Advice UK | MoneymanTV

A Lifetime ISA is more or less a savings account where your money grows, completely free of tax. The government will also provide you with a top-up to your savings with an extra 25%. This means that if you meet the £4,000 maximum amount, you will receive a rather welcomed £1,000 bonus to your savings.

You have to pass specific mortgage criteria in order to gain access to this mortgage scheme. All of these details are readily available on the Lifetime ISA website.

How to Improve your Credit Score in Durham

Mortgage Advice in Durham

Ways to improve your credit score | moneymanTV

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.

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 in Durham or Self Employed applicants who 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.

Try it FREE for 30 days, then £14.99 a month – cancel online anytime.

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.

Mortgages Advice for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT’s)

Newly Qualified Teacher Mortgage Advice in Durham

When you have completed all of the required exams can are now a Newly Qualified Teacher, it’s then time to look at the next step. You can now utilise your skills and find yourself a job with your well-deserved qualification.

Depending on the location you are looking at working, it may be best to start looking into the different options that are on offer for you with moving home in Durham. It could be possible that your new job is too far to commute to daily meaning you will need to relocate.

This is an exciting venture, however, it can be difficult to juggle settling into your new job and homeownership.

Through our experience providing open and honest mortgage advice in Durham, we have helped thousands of customers to obtain a mortgage whether they are looking for their first mortgage, looking to remortgage their current deal or looking to move home. Our team are dedicated to in taking as much stress away from the process as possible.

Newly Qualified Teacher Mortgages

It can be a challenge to search for a mortgage lender who will happy to offer a mortgage to an individual who is a newly qualified teacher.

Obstacles usually occur because there isn’t a sufficient amount of work history they can look at or because they only have a temporary contract.

Despite these being a prominent issue in this case, there are still various options that are suitable for Newly Qualified Teachers who are looking to get a mortgage. Through our experience, we have helped many NQTs fulfil their homeowning dreams of getting a mortgage in Durham.

There are some mortgage lenders out there who have mortgage products that are suited to public sector workers like teachers.

When it comes to finding the best lender to go for, you need to make sure that you are with the one that is appropriate for your situation which is normally the most difficult part of the mortgage process.

If issues like this pop up, our trusted mortgage advice team in Durham will be able to help! Here at Durhammoneyman, we have access to a large panel of lenders meaning we can search through 1000s of deals in the hopes to find you a deal that is perfect for your situation.

What mortgages for NQTs may be available?

Even though a mortgage can be difficult for Newly Qualified Teachers, it doesn’t mean getting a mortgage is completely out of the cards for you. There are still options in the mortgage market that may be suitable for you.

Below are some types of mortgages that our team have come across the most when working the customers who are Newly Qualified Teachers:

How a Mortgage Advisor in Durham May Help

Here at Durhammoneyman, we utilise both our knowledge and experience to help customers in Durham with varying mortgages. We provide a tailored service that has helped many first time buyers in Durham.

There are many benefits of utilising the service of a mortgage broker in Durham. Our team work hard in making the process as simple and straightforward, finding you the mortgage deal that is appropriate for your situation. We also can help you with finding additional services like conveyancing solicitors.

If you are looking for further information as a first time home buyer, get yourself booked in for a free mortgage appointment which can be carried out on a video call or on the phone. In the appointment, we will get to know your situation and support you through the mortgage journey.

How to Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle?

What is an 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.

Durhammoneyman.com & Durhammoneyman are trading styles of UK Moneyman Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312 | Registered Address: 10 Consort Court, Hull, HU9 1PU.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk

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