Why use a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool

Today we live in an uncertain economic environment. Yet, in a world full of opportunities, therefore we like to be prepared, and when it comes to our finances, there is one thing we all desire: being well informed. 

Are you looking for mortgage advice in Liverpool? 

As a group of experts, we believe that there are some excellent reasons to use a mortgage broker in Liverpool, so here we will talk about both methods’ positives and negatives so that you can make the best well-informed decision. 

We know that there are many mortgages options out there, for example, you can still go directly to the lender, whether via a branch or online. However, we discovered that most people still use a mortgage broker in Liverpool due to the benefits it brings.

Using a Broker instead of a bank

You may not have much experience, but one thing is for sure: We all like to save some money. So, when we think of mortgage advice, one of the options that first comes to mind is to go directly to a Bank or Building Society, so that you won’t have to pay a broker fee. However, that option became unattractive when credit scores came in a few years ago, and people started looking for other alternatives.

Mortgage Products Offered by Lenders

Another of the mortgage products on the market are those offered by lenders that are only available directly. This strategy gets implemented to attract a fair business distribution from consumers and brokers alike. By being exclusive, they can turn on and off these products when they deem it necessary, this method often confuses the market and consumers.

However, from 2014 onwards, lenders were no longer allowed to sell mortgages without professional advice. Many consumers felt that non-advisors had been trying to push solid advice on them, and they weren’t able to benefit from some of the consumer protection. A benefit that accompanies sales conducted by professionally trained mortgage advisors is why most people still use this service.

Because of this, in late 2014, it was not unusual to have to wait more than a month just for an appointment, and it still happens today. Not the best scenario when you’ve just had your offer accepted on the house. So, many began to make their applications through mortgage agents, who assure you professionalism and a mortgage service the same day, like ourselves.

Affordability

Another important point when applying for a mortgage is affordability, no matter how good the deal is if it is not enough money. That is why we believe that a broker is a perfect option. With our mortgage advice in Liverpool.

We can assure you of the best deal and our service when you need it, in a professional and personalized way. When you call us, we try and put you through with a qualified mortgage advisor either immediately or at the very least, within the same day (unless requested otherwise).

We Can Handle Difficult Cases

Applying for a mortgage can sometimes be difficult. Each case is unique, and many reasons can complicate an application. Some examples are:

• Poor credit history.

• Self-employed income.

• Mixed source of deposit (savings/gift).

• Let to Buy (keep your current home and buy another).

• Contract workers / zero-hour contracts.

• Affordability.

In previous years, lenders could stand out from the competition by merely offering a similar deal but better than another lender. In modern times this is very different, with lending criteria being what separates one lender from another.

However, as we mentioned before, when we talk about our well-being and finances, we like to be well informed and consult with experts on the subject. Your situation is unique, and what you need is not a better loan than someone else’s, but a better one for you and one that suits your situation.

We offer a Free Mortgage Consultation

That’s why we think that seeking professional mortgage advice in Liverpool is the best alternative. When you explain your position to an experienced mortgage broker in Liverpool, there is a chance they have come across something a little similar in the past, allowing them to personalize their service and help you through.

With a little luck, professionalism, and much work, your mortgage advisor will be able to recommend the most suitable mortgage for you at the lowest possible rate.

More than that, though, it’s not just about getting the mortgage. Even if the application itself is straightforward, our clients trust our experience and knowledge for more than that. For example, we will discuss how much they will offer for the property they are buying.

Our team of mortgage brokers in Liverpool can recommend other professional services such as solicitors and explain the different types of surveys and protection available to them. 

Responsive service

Another significant advantage of using a mortgage broker is that they tend to be much more responsive than lenders might be. It’s not been unheard of for our team to work late at night, out of hours, working hard on client cases at full speed to ensure service is prompt, but also efficient. Our team is committed to offering our assistance when you need it and how you need it.

Another point that gets overlooked when looking at why clients may prefer a broker is that everyone is very busy. You may be self-employed in Liverpool, a full-time worker, a working mom and you need a mortgage but do not have time to do it, that is where your advisor can take the burden off for you.

Professional applicants especially see the benefits of these as they have clients of their own to charge for their services and appreciate the benefits of having an expert on board.

Personalized service

Technology is taking over, and the future of the mortgage market is no different. Perhaps in the future, we will see lenders who want to compete with the broker’s business. If this happens, they are unlikely to staff-up their branch networks.

Technology is excellent, and it is a service particular for customers who are happy to do business that way, especially for straightforward cases. However, for most people, there is an element of “reality,” a “human touch,” that you can’t get anywhere other than talking to a mortgage counsellor yourself.

The mortgage broker becomes your ally and can provide you with a satisfying experience, a complete service with all the benefits that the client requires and attention that technology cannot offer.

Having said all this, the reasons for hiring a mortgage broker in Liverpool are vast and if you want to ask any questions related to mortgages. Seek or obtain this service from the hand of a professional team adapted to your needs, get in touch, and we’ll put you through with a mortgage advisor in Liverpool as soon as possible.

How To Make An Offer On A Property in Liverpool?

How to make an offer on a property?

When you are at the point of being ready to make an offer on a property, it’s important that you put your circumstances across to the seller or estate agent in such a way that gives you the best chance of having your offer accepted. Whether you are a First Time Buyer or Moving Home in Liverpool, it’s always key that you know how to make an offer on a property.

A cash buyer will always have the advantage, though if you have a mortgage agreement in principle in place you will definitely be in a better position than other potential buyers who have yet to get in touch with a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool and get this sorted.

Buying a property is a negotiation process, and so if the seller rejects your initial offer you will be asked whether you want to increase your offer. So don’t be afraid to offer less in the first instance than you are willing to pay for the property you’re interested in.

If your increased offer is also rejected sometimes it just boils down to whether you are willing to pay the asking price, especially if the property in question has just been placed on the market, or whether you are prepared to walk away and find another property to live in.

As part of our dedicated mortgage advice service, we offer you a free initial mortgage consultation. So, please feel free to give us a call if you want to speak to an expert Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool. They will try their best to attend to all of your mortgage needs.

Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

How to get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle in Liverpool

What is a mortgage agreement in principle?

The purpose of a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) document is to prove that you do have a mortgage in place. To the estate agent, it proves you have good enough credit to proceed, as you have passed the lenders credit scoring system. That being said, getting a mortgage can never be guaranteed, as a full application will still require further background checks.

The value of a mortgage agreement in principle

Now you have your mortgage agreement in principle, what do you do with it? Well, having your mortgage agreed at the outset can help you negotiate on asking price with the owner of the property. It is relatively easy to obtain and is something we can arrange for all of our clients. Almost all lenders offer an Agreement in Principle.

To proceed further with a mortgage application, you will require further background checks to cover things like evidence of income, as well as a satisfactory valuation of the property itself.

Getting one in advance can really put you in a better position for negotiating, can help you avoid disappointment and allows you to figure out your limits.

Negotiating power with a mortgage agreement in principle

When you reach the point of being ready to make a formal offer on a new home, the majority of estate agents will undertake due diligence and ask you to prove that you can in fact afford to complete the purchase. Sufficient evidence of this include bank statements and also an agreement in principle certificate, which our team can provide for you. Once you have provided them with all this documentation, the estate agent will usually cease marketing the property and put a “sold” or “sale agreed” board up to let people know a deal is currently being processed.

If you already have a mortgage agreed before you make an offer, you are instantly more appealing to a seller as this proves you are not making this choice lightly and you’ve thought about how you’re going to afford the purchase. This might persuade a seller to accept an offer you put forward on their property that may be underneath their initial asking price.

Avoid disappointment with a mortgage agreement in principle

When it comes to buying a house some customers go full steam ahead and make an offer on a property without first checking that they have the means to proceed with the purchase. This can understandably leave people feeling very disappointed if this doesn’t quite work out how they’d hoped.

By that point they may have already got their heart set on their new potential family home. By getting in touch with us early on, this disappointment can be avoided. Sometimes there are things that are causing a mortgage to decline that can be overcome over time.

For example, there may be a small issue on your credit report that is proving to be a nuisance, perhaps a disputed mobile phone bill which can be easily fixed. Maybe you thought you were on the voters roll and you’re not, something that over time can be solved. In any case, it’s better than you know ahead of time, rather than mess people about. Our team will be able to tell you what you need to do to improve your credit score for the future.

Knowing your limits with a mortgage agreement in principle

Ok, so you know you’ve got a good credit rating because you’ve never been turned down for credit, you’re registered on the voters roll and you’ve always made your credit card payments on time – so what can go wrong?

Well, you could approach 10 different lenders these days and get 10 different maximum mortgage amounts! They all calculate affordability in their own unique ways. If you’re self-employed it really is a minefield: some lenders take your net profit, others your salary and divided. Some use your latest year, others an average over 3 years.

Knowing your borrowing limits is important as then you know for sure what your price range is. We’ll be able to advise you of the maximum mortgage available to you. Also, more importantly, together we’ll work out how much you can afford to pay back each month.

Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

What do Lenders Look for When Assessing my Bank Statements?

When lenders ask for your bank statements, you can expect them to look for a wide range of things. However, their main goal is to assess whether you are the kind of person who handles money responsibly and is likely to keep up to date with their mortgage payments.

In recent months one question is being asked by applicants speaking with one of our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool: “do gambling transactions look terrible on my bank statements”.

Questions to Consider

What has it got to do with the lender whether I gamble or not?

Whether you have an annual bet on the grand national or regularly use the internet betting sites. Clearly there is nothing illegal about properly licensed gambling.

Many people can see gambling as a mainstream hobby or pastime similar to many others. Still, it shouldn’t get forgotten that even the gambling advertisers urge customers to “please gamble responsibly” and this is the key to bear in mind when applying for a mortgage.

Consequently, whilst it is not a lender’s job to tell you how to live your life, how to spend your money or indeed to moralise on the ethical rights and wrongs of gambling, they do have a duty (underscored by mortgage regulation) to lend responsibly.

Suppose lenders need to prove to the regulators that they are making sensible lending decisions. In that case, it isn’t entirely unfair of them; therefore, to expect the people to whom they lend to adopt a similar approach when it comes to their finances.

Think about it. If you were lending your own money. Would you lend it to the applicant who gambles or the one who doesn’t?

I’ve got gambling transactions on my recent bank statements?

As mentioned above, it is not illegal to gamble so just because you have the odd gambling transaction on your bank statements it doesn’t automatically mean you will get declined for a mortgage.

However, the lender will consider whether these transactions are reasonable and responsible. Thus they will mainly look at the frequency of these transactions, the size of the transactions about the person’s income, and the impact upon the account balance.

If these transactions are infrequent small amounts that make no significant impact on a regular credit bank balance, then they are not likely to be regarded as necessary.

However, if you bet most weeks or you get overdrawn the lender continuously, therefore, expected to see that as being irresponsible and decline your application.

Is there anything else lenders wouldn’t want to see on my bank statements?

As we’ve seen, essentially lenders are looking at your bank statements to show how you manage your money and to help them establish whether this gives them either the confidence that you are financially sensible or the evidence that you are not.

Remember, lenders are financial institutions that, either directly or as part of a wider group, often sell current accounts, overdraft facilities credit cards and personal loans, so understand that these things can all play a considerable role in prudent financial planning.

The key for a mortgage applicant is how these facilities get managed. For example, having an overdraft facility and occasionally using it, is not inherently a bad thing; regularly exceeding the overdraft limit – not so good.

Consequently, lenders will look for excess overdraft fees or returned direct debits because these would generally show that the account is not being well conducted

Other things to look out for include credit transactions from payday loan companies; “undisclosed” loan repayments (i.e. if you said on the application that you have no other loans but there appear to be regular loan payments, this could be a problem).

They would look out for any missed payments; finally, they might also consider how much of a typical month get spent overdrawn – namely if you only go into credit on payday and for the rest of the month are exaggerated, how sustainable is this mortgage?

What can I do to improve things?

The simple answer is – be sensible and, if possible, plan. Typically, a bank would ask for up to three months of your most recent bank statements.

These will show your salary credits and all your regular bill payments. Thus, if you know you’re likely to want to apply for a mortgage in the not-too-distant future. Try to make sure that you avoid any of the above pitfalls.

Take a break from gambling for a short while. Then work on presenting your bank account in the best possible light.

Your mortgage broker can help you as some lenders may ask for fewer bank statements than others. Or indeed some may not even ask for them at all.

However, even these lenders would reserve the right to request bank statements in certain circumstances. So your best bet is to be as prudent as possible in the run-up to any mortgage application.

Remember, if you do gamble, please gamble responsibly!

Specialist Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool

If you are a first-time buyer in Liverpool who doesn’t know a lot about mortgages. You should get some specialist mortgage advice from a Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool.

We can guide you through the whole mortgage process and help you with your application. To get you on track so that lenders will be impressed.

How Much Can I Borrow For My Mortgage In Liverpool?

How much can you borrow?

Are you a budding First Time Buyer in Liverpool? Maybe you haven’t thought about Moving House for quite a while? In either of these cases you are probably asking yourself one of, or both of the following questions; “Can I get a mortgage in my situation?” and “How much can I borrow?”. These are two questions we hear regularly when providing mortgage advice in Liverpool. In this article, we explain the latter, something that over the last 10 years has changed quite a bit.

How much were you used to be able to borrow?

If we look back at the ’80s and ’90s, most mortgage applications were underwritten manually. This means there was lots of “human intervention” in the mortgage application approving process. You’d make an appointment with your local building society manager, and he or she would interview you about your circumstances.

They would encourage you to save with them for a while until you prove yourself to be good enough to handle credit. The manager would then grant you what was the equivalent of today’s Agreement in Principle. Following this you would receive mortgage advice and an estimation of how much they would be able to lend you.

At face value, this sounds very much like a highly personalised process with a common-sense approach. That being said, it could often lead to inconsistent decision-making. The manager had the discretion to interpret the lending manual as they saw fit. What this means is that you could possibly approach the same Building Society in a different town or city and the result would come out different.

To make sure things like this stopped happening and more importantly, to cut costs, lenders moved to automated affordability calculations. “Caps” were applied so they would lend you more than, say, 3 or 4 times your standard household income.

As the 2000s went onwards, lenders were becoming more and more generous in the amount they would lend customers. Some lenders would even offer self-certified mortgages, meaning no background checks were taken so they were taking the applicants word on how much they were earning!

Such practices of course failed, and the market crashed. 2008-2010 were very difficult years if you were trying to get on the property ladder, as the market was in a poor state. Lenders stopped lending for the time being and created a very cautious (over-corrected) lending environment.

How much can I borrow nowadays?

The market eventually (and thankfully) recovered, and in 2014 the regulator launched the Mortgage Market Review (MMR). This was a brand new set of rules for lenders to follow. The old-style income multipliers which took little account of household expenditure were now gone.

Before 2014, two applicants earning the same could borrow roughly the same as each other, regardless of the little details and differences, including how much they spent each month. Then came brand new affordability models. These took a much more forensic view of how mortgage applicants managed their money on a monthly basis.

There is still a “cap” in place (most lenders will not go past 4.75 times your annual income) but your spending habits are also analysed more harshly. So, for example, if you have high childcare costs, lots of credit commitments and a student loan, it is likely you will be offered less than your work-colleague who doesn’t have any of these things to pay for.

We still find ourselves regularly surprised by the large variances lender to lender in how much or little they will lend customers. Some lenders seem to penalise low-earners (they may only want one type of applicant) and some take pension contributions as a fixed outgoing, so would often lend the likes public sector worker with a big pension deduction less than a private sector.

If you need to maximise your borrowing capacity to obtain the home you need to buy then you’ll need the help of a trusted and experienced Mortgage Broker in Liverpool on your side. Our advisors are able to research the market on your behalf to see if anyone will lend you the amount you need.

Before you take out a mortgage you should sit down with a Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool and work out your finances together to ensure that the repayments are to the level you were expecting.

Mortgage Broker in Liverpool

Here at Liverpoolmoneyman, we offer a free initial mortgage consultation for all customers. Contact us and we’ll get you booked in as soon as possible.

Buying a Property with a Friend or Partner in Liverpool

Over the years, the inflation of property prices has far outweighed the increase of wages. In order to afford a property, a lot of people opt to buy with a friend or partner. This is because the combination of income allows for the lender to offer a higher mortgage amount.

You have someone to split your costs with, making it more affordable for both parties. However, this is a Specialist Mortgage and comes with some risk. In this article we will answer some questions we often receive and shed some clarity on buying a property with a friend or partner in Liverpool.

How many people can jointly own a property?

Some lenders will allow up to four people to co-own a property at one time. If one of the co-owners stop contributing to the monthly mortgage repayments, the other owners still have a right by law to stay in the property unless the court states otherwise. It’s with this in mind, that you need to be careful who you choose to buy a property with.

Any plans to increase the mortgage down the line, require consent from all involved. With this in mind, it is also important to discuss long term plans for owning your property.

Joint Tenancy or Tenancy in Common?

Most couples who are married or in a civil partnership, opt for to take up a joint tenancy. If one of the applicants were to unfortunately die, the property would be passed along to the other owner. This is where mortgage life insurance comes in handy, as at that point the mortgage would be repaid.

If you are looking at remortgaging the property down the line, you would also need the consent of the other applicant to proceed.

Tenants in Common is sometimes chosen by the likes of relatives or friends buying a property together. This option allows you to own the property still jointly, but it doesn’t have to be equal shares. If one party is earning more money than the other, this works out well.

You can also act individually if you are a Tenant in Common, so you could realistically sell or give away your share, without the other person losing their stake in the property.

What happens if one party stops making mortgage payments?

All parties involved are liable for the mortgage repayments, whether it’s a joint ownership or they have shares. If one member stops paying, the other(s) covers the payments to prevent any debt from building up.

Any arrears made on a mortgage may stop you from getting one in the future. Think of joint mortgages like this; you don’t each own 50%, you own 100% as a collective.

How do I remove an ex-partner or myself from a mortgage?

It can be really difficult to remove someone from a mortgage. Lenders need to know you can pay the mortgage yourself, without any assistance from the other party.

Nobody ever buys a property with a partner, with the intention of things ending. Taking out a mortgage could be the largest financial commitment you ever make and making any changes can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to assess your personal life before agreeing to something this big.

You may be able to demonstrate to a lender that since your ex moved out, you have been able to keep up your monthly repayments. However, this does not guarantee that a lender will agree to make it a sole name mortgage.

Lenders would much rather there be a second income in the event one person being unable to afford their half. The process of removing someone involves a brand new affordability assessment, much like they would when you first applied for a mortgage.

If your lender declines your request to do so, you should get in touch with your mortgage advisor in Liverpool to see if any other lenders would agree to let you transfer into your own name.

It may also be worth your time seeing if any family members can help you out. They can often gift a lump sum to reduce how much needs to be paid, or even put themselves on the mortgage to help out.

Things to remember when removing yourself from a mortgage

Even if you and your partner split up and you end up moving home in Liverpool, you are still responsible for repayments. Even if you agree with your ex that they will pay the full amount, should there ever be a time when your ex can’t pay, you are liable.

You need to keep an eye on your own credit report if you are sending them money each month. Whilst you may be holding up your end, they might not be and any defaults on their name also affects your credit score.

Being tied to an older mortgage also limits your ability to borrow for any new homes you are looking to buy, as the lender will take your current repayments into account, seeing them as existing credit commitments.

It is always a risk buying a home with someone else, so you always need to go in with open eyes. It is better to both agree on a plan in advance, to avoid difficulty if things ever do go wrong.

The Importance & Benefits of Changing Your Address

Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

Before you apply for a mortgage, it’s always a good idea to check on your credit score to see how it is looking. The higher your credit score is, the more likely it is that you will get accepted for a mortgage, so if it’s low, you may need to look at ways to how you can improve your credit score.

Your overall credit score can be affected by a lot of different things. For example, the more addresses that you have registered to your name can sometimes negatively impact your credit score. Once applicants realise that this is the case, they sometimes go about it in the wrong way.

What you shouldn’t do

As a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool, we are seeing applicants that have moved out of their parents address are leaving all of their information registered to that address and not their new rented accommodation. Leaving information such as bank statements, credit card and electoral roll information registered at a previous address can actually have a negative effect on your application in the future.

It can affect your application because when your lender searches through your credit file, there will be some sort of record that shows that you have moved to a new address. For example, it could be something as simple as a change in delivery address that could get picked up on. Your lender will notice this and it could end up having a negative effect on your credit score, so always change your address when you move.

As a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool, we know that sometimes applicants completely forget to change their address and everything is by accident. That’s another perk of using a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool, especially if you are a First Time Buyer, they will sort everything out for you and check that your application has the best chance of being accepted before submitting it with you.

Check before you apply

We always recommend that you check everything you can before submitting your application. Things like the electoral roll and your accounts (credit cards/current accounts) can be easily changed and can make all of the difference. This mainly only affects people who are living in rented accommodation, however, there is nothing wrong with checking everything just in case. If you are moving straight from your parent’s address to a new property. You can do this once you move out.

Everything is always worth a double-check and sometimes a second opinion could help too. That’s why we think that speaking to a Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool would prove highly beneficial to you and your mortgage application.

It is very important that you know the exact date off when you moved to your rented apartment/new home and the date you moved out. This is because if you get the dates wrong, it can look like you are living in two different places at the same time.

Impress the lender

A lender doesn’t just look at your application and decide there and then, they will go into extreme detail in order to see if you are the right applicant for them. So if you show that you have updated all of your information correctly and changed everything recently so that your application was stronger, they will be impressed by it. Having everything prepared nice and early doesn’t do any harm, it can sometimes give applicants that boost that they need!

Changing your address and double-checking your application are both really easy processes that can positively affect your mortgage application. However, if you are still struggling to get everything sorted, feel free to get in touch with a Specialist Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool at Liverpoolmoneyman, we are always happy to help.

As an experienced Mortgage Broker in Liverpool, we know that being a First Time Buyer with no mortgage experience can be hard. This is why we want to step in and offer you a helping hand. Get in touch with Liverpoolmoneyman, your expert Mortgage Broker in Liverpool today.

Which Property Survey? | Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

What is a property survey?

Once you have had an offer accepted, it time to move onto the next stage and arrange a property survey. A property survey will establish the condition of the property and ensure that it is worth what you are paying for it.

If something is found on the survey which wasn’t mentioned to you that could potentially affect the property price. You in a position by law to approach the seller and renegotiate a price.

There are quite a lot of different types of property surveys and it’s just the case of narrowing them down for you and finding which one will benefit you most.

Choosing the right survey

Here’s a short video from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) that explains the different types available to you:

Types of property survey

There are 3 main types of property surveys available to you:

1. Mortgage Valuation
2. Homebuyer’s Report
3. Full Structural Survey
   

Basic mortgage valuation

A basic mortgage valuation is your cheapest option. You will be required to have one before you receive your mortgage offer. You can’t confuse this with a full survey. The mortgage valuation confirms to the lender that the property is worth at least what they are lending you.

Your mortgage lender may even offer you a free basic valuation as part of your deal. This really depends on the lender but they may add extra arrangements fees down the line if they offer you a free valuation.

Unfortunately, a basic mortgage valuation will not highlight any repairs that are needed. It will only point out obvious defects and recommend that you investigate further. If the defects could end up costing a lot to repair in the future. Then you may be able to negotiate a price reduction with the seller.

Homebuyer’s report

A homebuyer’s report will cover the health and safety side of things. For example, it will include structural safety and show if there are any leaks, etc. Most importantly it will state if the property does or does not meet current building regulations. This kind of report will give you an independent report of your property by an expert.

To ensure you are not paying for two surveys it is advisable to ask the mortgage companies surveyor to carry out this report for you – it will usually take a couple of hours to complete.

Full structural survey

A full structural survey is recommended for older properties and for those of a non-standard construction.

Depending on the property size and type, a full structural survey can take as long as a day to complete but they will give you the best insight into your new property.

A full structural survey provides a detailed report on the condition of the property and highlights issues that should be investigated further before going ahead with the purchase, providing you with peace of mind about the condition of your property.

You can find a surveyor to carry out a Homebuyer’s report or building survey through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Property Survey Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

Are you a First Time Buyer in Liverpool or a current homeowner planning on Moving Home and want to know more about which property survey to choose? No problem, your local Mortgage Broker in Liverpool is just a phone call away to answer all of your property survey questions.

Get in touch for a free mortgage consultation today. Where we can pass you onto a Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool who can arrange everything out. To help you choose the best property survey for your new dream home in Liverpool.

Why Isn’t It Easier to Get a Mortgage in Liverpool?

Problems getting a mortgage in Liverpool

From the perspective of many, getting a mortgage isn’t an easy process. All lenders have their own unique lending criteria and applicants can often feel like it’s a never-ending cycle trying to obtain a mortgage directly with the lender they think will be able to help.

Luckily, that’s where a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool like us comes into play. Our experienced team of Mortgage Advisors may be able to help, no matter the mortgage type. In our many years of helping home buyers achieve their goals, we have helped First Time Buyers in Liverpool, those looking to Remortgage in Liverpool & even the Self Employed in Liverpool.

Lender criteria & credit scores

Some credit scores are harder to pass than others, though that depends on the lender you ultimately go with. Each of their scoring criteria targets specific parts of the market. Generally, lenders with the lowest rates have tighter lending criteria than others might have. Because of this, it’s likely that most customers will find they don’t match the criteria of every lender.

Margins are usually tight when lenders offer very competitive deals. Lenders need to ensure customers don’t fall into any kind of debt, so that they may remain in profit. Due to this, qualifying for them can prove to be a complex task.

These lenders of the high street with the cheapest of deals will use and take advantage of other means to increase their earnings from borrowers. Once a lender has agreed to give you a mortgage, chances are they’ll try and sell you other products that they offer, in a bid to bulk up their commission. These products may include bank accounts, unsecured loans, credit cards & insurance.

Rates of interest & remortgages

Occasionally, mortgages that have lower interest rates are put together with higher setup fees. It’s usually best to ignore products like these and leave the recommendation to a trusted and experienced Mortgage Broker in Liverpool. One of our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool will recommend the product that best suits your individual situation, saving your time and saving your money.

Lenders may also try and seize an opportunity when their customers’ initial deals get closer to their endpoint. Some lenders still let borrowers move onto a Standard Variable Rate (SVR), in hopes the customer may stick with them, as opposed to switching lenders.

Lenders these days will offer follow-on deals, referred to as “Product Transfers”. Whilst these may be easier to arrange with your lender, they’re not particularly competitive and don’t compare well when looking at deals made available to newer customers.

Not everyone is actually able to Remortgage elsewhere, so if your credit history has changed during your mortgage term, there’s a chance your only option will be to stay on your lenders Standard Variable Rate. This may also be the case with changes in individual circumstances, such as relationship status.

Economical impact

The current status of the UK economy may also affect how hard it is to obtain a mortgage. If the economy is going through a tough time, lenders may restrict how much they’re willing to lend out. On the flip side, if things are going well, they may be willing to lend out more.

Some would say qualifying for a mortgage in the modern era is considerably easier, whilst some would argue it’s become harder.

Back before regulations were put in place, there were “Sub-Prime” and “Self-Cert” mortgages, available to all those looking to take out a mortgage. In the early 2000s, new lenders were popping up all over the place, relaxing their criteria and attempting to take advantage of different situations for a profit.

Overseas in North America, “Ninja Mortgages” became popular. This stood for “No Income, No Jobs Or Assets”. Luckily, reckless lending such as “Ninja” & “Self-Cert” are banned, with only “Sub-Prime” continuing through select lenders.

After the Credit Crunch, lenders looked at the world of mortgages with a whole new mindset, tightening their criteria. The deposit required was often 25%, with many struggling to get onto the property ladder because of this. On top of higher deposits, interest rates also rose, leading many to stick with renting over buying.

Fast & Friendly Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

Over the years, our advisors have worked through all the industry hardships, gaining insight and experience into what lenders tend to look for in their applicants. This allows us to personalise our service to hopefully get you the best possible outcome for your situation.

Lenders don’t really disclose what influences their criteria, however, having spoken to literally thousands of customers since our company first opened, our experienced mortgage team have built up enough industry knowledge to hopefully help you through each step of your mortgage journey.

Some of the steps to take are easy, such as ensuring the formatting of your address is consistent across your accounts. These things can often be done in the course of one evening, requiring little to no work on your part.

If you don’t qualify for a mortgage yet, you can put in the foundations, so that when the time is right for you, you’ll be in a much better place to take on your mortgage goals.

Lending Criteria Advice in Liverpool

Planning To Get A Mortgage In Liverpool?

Although many people spend time planning for a mortgage, it’s not unusual to see customers who are purchasing a home instinctively. Examples of times when this might occur include being contacted out of the blue by your landlord who is looking to sell and offering you first refusal, a family member is moving and you’d like to keep the property in the family, or you simply see a house up for sale that you like the look of even though you’re not looking to move.

Why planning for a mortgage is important

Customers who have not planned for a mortgage application can come unstuck in several ways. The key issues we come across include…

• Not having saved up enough for a deposit (first call: bank of Mum and Dad!)
• Previously ignoring your credit score because it wasn’t important
• Being too relaxed with the way you conduct your bank account
• You are self employed and your latest accounts don’t look too healthy
  
  With some forward planning, all the above problems can be negated.
  

Deposit

We appreciate saving up for a deposit is very hard, especially if you are renting and even more so if you’re buying instinctively. Family members tend to try and help when they can. However, if this is the case then it’s best to give them notice so they can get their own finances in order!

Credit score

You may have seen credit referencing agencies advertising on TV, so accessing an up to date credit report is fairly easy. We recommend Check My File. Once you have a copy of your credit report, you can send it over to us and we’ll take a look free of charge. We look at these reports every day and we know what lenders are looking (and not looking for!).

Bank accounts

Lenders won’t always ask to see bank statements, but you will need to provide a good explanation as to what has been happening on your account if there are any issues. They will also want to know how you plan to resolve these issues going forward. When lenders look at your bank account, they’re seeing if you have lots of unnecessary bank charges or gambling transactions on your statements.

Self employed?

We understand accountants try to minimise the tax liability for their customers. That said, if your year-end has come around then there is nothing to stop you submitting another set of accounts earlier than you might normally if you think your business has grown in the last 12 months. There are some lenders that consider ignoring previous years’ figures if the latest ones are more favourable.

Having said all of that, if you find yourself facing one of the problems above, please get in touch  – We’d love to help!

Mortgage Advice in Liverpool