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First-time buyers: Boost your mortgage chances

023rd April 201923rd April 2019
By Oakwood Mortgage ServicesIn General

You’ve decided to take the plunge and get onto the property ladder, having swapped fun and frivolity for fastidious frugalness to save the deposit. But what can you do to boost your chances of getting your first mortgage?

Check and correct

The three main credit reference agencies, Equifax, Experian and Callcredit, will all use data to score you differently. Lenders will use one or more of these agencies to decide whether to offer you credit.

The general rule is, the higher your credit score the better, so if after checking you feel your score is low you can do things to improve it. For instance, if there are errors on your file you can write to the credit reference agency and ask them to add a notice of correction to your file. You should also check you’re not linked financially to anyone, eg. an ex-partner or old flatmate. Their credit history could affect yours so make sure you’ve organised a ‘disassociation’ with the credit agency.

Address your address

Make sure all your bank accounts, any credit cards and loans are registered against your correct current address. Contact any financial institutions that hold incorrect information to update the details and take the opportunity to ask them to close any old and unused accounts.

You should also check you’re on the electoral roll as lenders will use this as part of their identity checks on you. You can register for free at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Manage your money

As the proverb goes “look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” and this is particularly true when thinking about applying for a mortgage. Lenders will look at your credit record and spending habits, so in the months leading up to your application make sure you pay all bills on time – set up a direct debit if this makes it easier to manage. Cut back on spending from any current accounts and on any credit cards. Try and stay out of your overdraft and don’t apply for any new credit in the run up to your mortgage application.

Have your paperwork ready

Your lender will ask for a range of documents, including three months’ bank statements and payslips, ID documents, proof of address, proof of bonuses etc. Get these up together in advance to avoid unnecessary delays in the application process.

Arrange an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

AIPs are offered by many lenders as a conditional offer of acceptance. If you have this in place in advance of your purchase it will give confidence to the seller and their estate agent that the sale will complete.

Applying for a mortgage and the admin that comes with it may seem like a stressful process but these few tips can help make the process easier.

To discuss your mortgage needs, please get in touch.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTAGE

 

 

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Oakwood Mortgage Services Ltd
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Sharon Price
Sharon Price
15:30 12 Aug 20
In these current times Stuart has assisted me with a temporary solution to my mortgage issues which went very smoothly. I will be working with Stuart again very soon to change mortgage product completely. Thank you Oak wood Mortgage Services
Ben Brown
Ben Brown
16:38 31 Jul 20
I would like to say a huge thank you to Oakwood Mortgage Services and in particular to Richard Burley who seems capable of working miracles, particularly when dealing with the complicated applications of a sportsman. Richard’s calm manner and problem solving have been brilliant over the years and allowed both Katie and I to stay relaxed and in control during stressful house buying moments, as well as helping us to navigate the the complex buy-to-let market! We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Richard and Oakwood mortgage services ahead of moving house next week, and I would highly recommend their services. In particular I would recommend them to other sports people who have previously struggled with mortgage companies based on our short contracts and the potentially volatile nature of our work. Thanks again Richard. Ben and Katie
Gwenie Ralph
Gwenie Ralph
20:57 06 Jul 20
I gave Stuart at Oakwood Mortgage services a challenge of finding me an impossible mortgage. I knew I wouldn't get exactly what I wanted, but he came up with some nice surprises. He explained everything, not pushy at all, a friendly and professional approach. Thank you
nicky Myers
nicky Myers
19:17 25 May 20
We were first time buyers and dealt with Richard around the mortgage application. He helped us understand each process, explaining everything thoroughly and came to meet us twice where he was very personal and efficient. Dave took us through the building and contents and life insurance process, again coming to meet us in person and took us through the options, step by step. Dave was very communicative and answered any questions we had.Emma was there throughout this process and on hand with any urgent queries we had and was a delight to deal with.They managed to make it all happen, even during lockdown!Highly recommend Richard, Dave, Emma and Oakwood. We are very happy in our new home!
Daniella Castro Gouveia
Daniella Castro Gouveia
11:31 19 May 20
I have worked with a number of the Oakwood team over many years and they are all excellent and totally professional at what they do. Dave came to our family home a few years ago to discuss and advise us in terms of financial insurance. He was very knowledgeable, really easy to talk to. Sometimes discussing financial things can be quite tricky to understand, but I felt at complete ease with Dave. I would highly recommend speaking to him if you need insurance or even need a mortgage as he covers both areas. Thanks for all your support Dave. It's always good to have someone who has your back!
Richard Craven
Richard Craven
19:12 03 May 19
Stuart was excellent, helped me obtain a mortgage quickly and painlessly with minimal effort and was always ready to promptly answer any questions I had.
Andrew South
Andrew South
17:50 26 Mar 19
Stuart was very profession and friendly, He was there to help when something went wrong.Highly recommend!!
Ian L
Ian L
13:45 03 Jan 19
When we started looking for a house, we contacted Stuart based on a work colleague's recommendation. Having not bought a house in the UK before, we had a lot of questions.Stuart guided us through the process and was always available to answers questions and provide advice that was easy to understand.We had a protracted period between initial contact and purchase, in this time Stuart was patient, professional and provided us with a high level of confidence that we were in capable hands.A huge thank you to Stuart and the staff at Oakwood, we would not hesitate to recommend them.Ian and Yoosun
Claire Vince
Claire Vince
22:13 21 Dec 18
Great service. Paul talked us through everything really clearly and made the whole process very smooth and straightforward. We have recommended Oakwood to friends as a result.
Christopher Relph
Christopher Relph
23:27 29 Aug 18
The team is very friendly, professional and knowledgeable on their given subject. My situation was rather unusual and my options were very limited, if i had tried on my own i wouldn't have found the best deal for me. The information provided to me was well presented and insightful, if anything was unclear they made sure that i understood things fully. In the end they found the best deal out there that ticked all the boxes i needed and went above and beyond. To make sure i wasn't put into a position i couldn't afford to be in Stuart would go to an agent and tell them when things weren't possible, even when they were insistent on getting a deal, Stuart had my back in it!I can't recommend them enough, and will be returning to them down the line myself!
Sam Eccles
Sam Eccles
15:35 24 Jul 18
Top notch service. Friendly, prompt and accessible no matter where you are based (I'm in the Highlands). Much better service than that experienced by local face-to-face advisers with a large portfolio of companies that ensure you can get the mortgage to suit your needs. Have happily referred to others in less than usual circumstances, all of whom have come away delighted
Michelle Ames
Michelle Ames
18:20 07 Jul 18
Highly recommend. We were first time buyers and Stuart made the process simple and efficient. We found our property and made an offer on the spot, but the agents needed to speak to Stuart before stopping further viewings, so he dropped everything whilst at a conference and the rest is history. Buying a house is an emotional time, so having the mortgage element handled by a professional, yet down to earth person like Stuart was invaluable to us. Thanks Stuart.
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