The Pros & Cons Of Using A Mortgage Broker in Derby

It can be a daunting experience taking that first step into the mortgage world, or starting the mortgage process for the second or third time around.

With many options for homeowners and homebuyers to take for themselves, it is best to get it right the first time, especially with a lot of money involved.

Whatever your mortgage goals and situation is, the tailored and friendly service we provide as a Mortgage Broker in Derby will help you through your mortgage journey, especially for first time buyers in Derby.

As much as we know and are confident in our ability to help our customers through the mortgage process, we understand the process can be complicated and may wonder how obtaining Mortgage Advice in Derby can help with this.

In this article, we have collated an overview of why approaching a Mortgage Broker in Derby may help you in some cases, and why many people prefer to go direct to the mortgage lender instead.

What are the pros & cons of using a Mortgage Broker in Derby?

Cost-Effectiveness

Many believe that you are more likely to save money by doing direct and finding your own mortgage deal. This isn’t entirely the case, as a Mortgage Broker in Derby may charge a fee, however, this does base on circumstances.

It might be easier and more cost-effective if you have a lot of knowledge and have a straightforward case, however, it can be more complex depending on your situation so approaching a Mortgage Broker would be beneficial.

It can be risky choosing this option as not having a lot of knowledge could result in your ending up on the wrong deal or being unsuccessful on your mortgage deal. Either of these circumstances could end up you spending more money than you have to or harming your credit score which can impact your chances of applying for a mortgage in the future.

With a dedicated Mortgage Advisor by your side, they will be able to help you through the journey towards achieving your mortgage goals. Their aim is to get their recommendation right the first time, at the best possible price. As much as this will come with a service fee, it could mean you are saving a lot more money in the long run.

Local Bank Branch Relationship

Loyalty can be one of the reasons why many customers decide to approach the bank directly, and how the mortgage process was previously run. This was the way to go before the rise of technology and online banking in which loyal customer would approach their local branch on a daily basis, usually speaking with the same person.

In terms of the mortgage process, you would get help and guidance from the bank manager themselves, who is an expert and has a thorough knowledge of your finances so would be the best person to approve a mortgage for you. Now, the process is a lot different with the credit scoring being digital.

Because of this, the bank manager won’t physically go through the case themselves, it will go through a complex online system in order to see whether or not you are eligible for a mortgage. Everything is fair regardless of which bank you are with.

Exclusive Mortgage Products

Many do believe that by going direct, you are open to better, exclusive deals. Again, this is true to an extent, however, it’s it can be limited. This is because they are only offering the best deals from their company.

Not all mortgage lenders are banks and there are many more mortgage options available to choose from. Therefore, the deal that the bank feels is suitable for you, might not be the best deal beyond the bank that you could’ve gone with.

Getting expert Mortgage Advice in Derby can be the best way to get a competitive deal that is suitable for you. One of our expert Mortgage Advisors in Derby will be able to go through your case and find you the best deal from our large panel of lenders. This is another advantage of approaching a mortgage broker instead of just a bank.

Following on from the topic of deals, you may find approaching a Mortgage Broker in Derby can provide you with exclusive deals that you can’t find anywhere else. There will be a large range of options when you with a mortgage broker regardless of if you are a first time buyer, moving house or looking to Remortgage in Derby.

Changes to Regulation & Consumer Protection

In the wake of the 2007-08 credit crunch, a massive improvement in the mortgage market needed to happen. One of these changes was stated in the 2014 Mortgage Market Review, which instructed lenders to no longer sell mortgages to their customers without extensive, expert advice.

Because of this, people could not just approach a bank to tell them they wanted a mortgage and be instantly granted with no checks. Not every staff member in the bank could grant you a mortgage which was something that happened regularly regardless of if they were qualified to do so or not.

As well as this, these changes also bough about consumer protection, which a bank wouldn’t have given you. Now, you are able to place a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman in the event you feel misadvised. Another way to make a claim is through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Having this in place means reassuring a customer that they will be safe and advised accordingly regardless of what mortgage journey they take. This applies to both mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders.

Book an Appointment with a Mortgage Advisor in Derby

Another drawback you get approaching a bank instead of a mortgage broker is the timing. If you approach a bank, it can take months to try and talk with someone at a bank. Furthermore, when you do begin the process, you’re not updated as much through the mortgage journey.

Here at Derbymoneyman, our responsive team will get in touch with you at a time that is best for you and your day to day life. From early until late, 7 days a week, including weekends, our Mortgage Advisors in Derby will be available to answer any of your questions and keep you updated. You might find us being contactable on some bank holidays.

In some cases, you may find yourself attending your appointment on the same day, however, this doesn’t have to be the case. You can speak to someone any time that you are ready and available.

We understand every customer’s lifestyle is different. This is why our advisors have availability throughout the day which means you can book an appointment out of your 9-5 or even on a weekend! Booking is simple with our online booking system where you can find an available slot to speak on an advisor.

Responsiveness is a core value within our company. Regardless of if you are at the very start of the process or towards mortgage completion, our friendly team will always keep you up to date. In the event that any changes arise, your advisor will contact you as soon as possible.

Providing this high-quality service is why many Mortgage Broker in Derby, like us, are favoured in the public eye. With this popularity, many people favour approaching local experts instead of national banks.

Handling of Complex Scenarios

Through our extensive experience in the industry, we have found some cases are more tricky than others. Below are just some scenarios that are a bit more difficult than the usual case:

• Mixed Depsoit (Savings & Gift) – This means auditing two different sources.
• Zero Hour Contract Workers – Will there be a consistent income?
• Looking to Make a Second Purchase – Can they afford to make that additional purchase?
• Self-Employed with No Fixed Income – This can be challenging for Self-Employed applicants.
• Poor Credit History – A lender will not look favourably upon an applicant who has mismanaged in the past.
• Affordability – Can they afford a mortgage full stop?

Previously, mortgage lenders could easily compete with one another by providing deals that were better than the other. Now, the main change in which deal you go with is if you match the criteria or not.

You might find a cheaper deal but it may not match your criteria. In order to see if you are able to have a mortgage, the mortgage lender either carries out a hard search (resulting in a footprint on your credit file).

In the circumstance where you apply for the mortgage with a lender and are declining an agreement in principle, this could harm your credit file. The most frustrating about it all is that it’s very unlikely you will be given a reason as to why you were declined.

A Mortgage Broker in Derby will be able to go through your case and advise you on ways to increase your chances .of being accepted.

With access to a large panel of lenders, they will be able to find you a suitable deal that perfectly matches you up with its criteria and then begins to get an agreement in principle sorted for you. If you obtain an agreement in principle through Derbymoneyman, this will usually be sorted for you within 24 hours of your free mortgage appointment.

Remember, this doesn’t automatically mean you are agreed or guarantees you a mortgage at the end. It does, however, make your credit file much safer by having an expert go through it beforehand. Our team of Mortgage Advisors in Derby will always aim at getting our recommendation right the first time.

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

At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you! There are advantages and disadvantages of approaching a Mortgage Broker in Derby. On the hand, there are lots of pros and cons to going direct as well. The difference is how quickly you want your service to be, as well as how secure you want to be.

As a dedicated Mortage Broker in Derby, we have extensive experience in dealing with a wide range of customers who go through the mortgage journey. Whether you are a first time buyer in Derby taking that first step into the mortgage world, coming towards the end of their fixed period, or looking to remortgage in Derby, our team are more than happy to help!

Book yourself in for a free mortgage appointment or remortgage review to speak with an expert, FCA regulated Mortgage Advisor in Derby. Our team are here to help with your mortgage goals, with availability that suits you, subject to eligibility.

For more information about our service, check out our brilliant customer reviews. These show the high level of service we give to our happy customers, on a daily basis. We also have a YouTube channel MoneymanTV if you are looking for additional insight into the mortgage world.

9 Questions to Ask When Buying A House in Derby

First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice in Derby

As a First Time Buyer in Derby, stepping into the mortgage world can be an exciting experience that may come with its stresses. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Through our experience as a Mortgage Broker in Derby, we have helped many people with their mortgage journey, below is the questions we commonly get asked:

The 9 most common questions:

1. How much interest has there been in the property/development?

There comes a big financial commitment when you are looking to buy a property. Because of this, it’s best that you have a good think about whether or not you want to commit to buy a property.

When it comes to buying your dream home, you will only have a set amount of time to decide because of the growing interest that would potentially be in the property. Asking how many people have viewed the property you are thinking about purchasing is a wise thing to do to give you an idea of the amount of ‘thinking’ time you have.

2. Is there a property chain?

When you are on the mortgage journey, you may find yourself in a property chain. This is where a group of sellers and buyers are linked in the buying and selling process. Certain aspects of this chain could significantly impact your mortgage process.

In the circumstance where there is no onward chain, it could make the moving process smoother. This is also the case if you aren’t a part of a chain yourself. If you don’t need to sell your property first, this could make the process quicker. This is because you will not be holding up the home buying process.

If this is the situation you are in, this can be used to your advantage and is good to mention in the negotiation process.

3. What comes with the sale?

It can be common for previous homeowners to leave items behind as a way to save costs, which could definitely benefit you. The items they may leave include things like a washing machine, fridge, freezer and in some cases, a shed if the property has a garden.

As long as the appliance work, it can be helpful to new buyers as it saves them some cash until they get something new and modern. If you decide you don’t want the items left, it is your responsibility to dispose of the items.

With new properties, you may have the choice to purchase additional items that are brand new and ready for you on your moving day.

4. Are the neighbours friendly?

Neighbours can be an important factor when considering to buy a property, as for some, good or bad neighbours can really effect your home living experience. If you are moving into an area that you don’t know much about and haven’t lived in before, having friendly neighbours can help with the unfamiliarity of the area.

When it comes to moving into a new home, it can be a risk initially as you won’t have any idea of what your neighbour will be like. As much as first impressions aren’t a massive factors, it can be nice to have a good connection with them as you may find yourself living in the property for a while.

5. How much does it cost to run?

Depending on the property you buy in Derby, the running costs can differ. With this in mind, it can be best to do some research and ask the right questions. It’s good to research into topics like council tac costs or average spend on utilities which the seller will know. This can also help when you are looking at budget for each property.

6. Which way does the house face?

Having a south-facing garden could be important to you and affect your decision process. It can be essential for people who like to relax in the garden on a late summer’s evening as well as read in natural light. It’s common for some locations to require a premium price from the buyer in order to have a south-facing garden because it’s where the sun shines for the majority of the day.

7. After moving in, how much work will be needed?

The amount of work the property will need can make a big impact on your budget. Below is some points to consider:

• Making sure the property is energy efficient.
• Sorting any damping issues (if any).
• Changing the furnishing.

8. Are you open to offers?

Negotiating a property price can be a poignant part of the home-buying process. This means that it is important to be prepared as possible to make an offer on a property that you like. Furthermore, it can be helpful to brush up on your negotiating skills and be one step ahead.

If you are wondering how low in price the seller would want to go, it’s good to chat with the seller or estate agent. You could ask them if any other offers have been made and rejected before your bid.

9. When can we move in?

The first thing you need to do is set out what date you will be moving, then you can start planning the rest. Other jobs you will need to sort out is tasks like instructing a conveyancing solicitor, packing your belongings, and sorting out a removal van to transport your belongings to the new property.

Moving Home Mortgage Advice in Derby

How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage in Derby?

Here at Derbymoneyman, we find the two questions First Time Buyers and Home Movers in Derby commonly ask us is ‘Can I get a mortgage in my circumstance?’ and ‘How much can I borrow?’. In this article, we will be discussing the second question as this has changed drastically in the past decade.

Historic rules for borrowing for a mortgage in Derby

Prior to the days of credit scoring, your local Building Society Manager would manually assess mortgages. To make the process more consistent and reliable, the 1990s introduced the idea of lenders carrying out more regular income assessments.

In order to lower the number of mortgages being accepted to people who couldn’t afford one, a lending cap was introduced. This prevented people from borrowing more than three to four times their annual income.

To receive more applications, lenders started to become more generous with this leading cap as well as their conditions. There were even some lenders who accepted customers a mortgage without any background checks such as payslips. This would eventually become the catalyst for the credit crunch in 2007. In the midst of the credit crunch, lenders were requesting a 20-30% deposit, which made it very difficult to obtain a mortgage as a first time buyer in Derby or if you were moving home in Derby.

Mid 2000s approach

In the early 2000s, lenders became flexible in their criteria a lot more, arguably being too generous in the amount they would be willing to lend their customers.

Depending on the lender, some people were offered self-certified mortgages. These type of mortgages meant you were not required to have a background check so as the customer, you could self certify your income, regardless if the buyer falsely inflated the amount they were declaring.

Due to many people carrying out self certified mortgages, the market fell. This began the infamous Credit Crunch of 2008, from then to 2010, these became a very difficult times.

This especially effected individuals who were wanting to take their first step onto the property ladder. At that time, stricter lending criteria was to be put in place due to lenders having to change.

Mortgage Market Review 2014

As the market made a recovery, the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) 2014 was created to provide an updated and sounder credit scoring system. The MMR was a set of requirements that lenders had to follow. Nowadays, lenders can determine if an applicant will be able to pay off their mortgage based on their financial state through the affordability calculator.

Lenders can use the calculator to receive a more meticulous insight into an applicant’s spending habits as well as net disposable income. A thorough assessment of your bank statement is carried out to ensure that if you can’t afford a mortgage, then you are not granted one as you could have been prior.

Deeper analysis

With this assessment, you will find that the majority of lenders will no longer go past 4.75 times your annual income.

As mentioned, lenders will look into your spending habits and the way they analyse these depends on your situation. For example, you may have to pay high childcare costs, have a large number of credit commitments and in some circumstances, you might be paying off your student loan. With this in mind, a mortgage lender will likely offer you less than your work colleague for example, who has fewer outgoings.

These days, there is a distinctive difference between lenders when it comes to how much or little they will lend to some customers. Now and again, lenders have been known to penalise low-earners. 

The reason for this might be that they are looking for that type of applicant. They may lend if they see pension contributions as a fixed outgoing, in particular, to customers who have a significant deduction, less than a private-sector worker.

With every lender comes a very unique lending criteria, and every customer has its own circumstance, in the case that you need to maximise your borrowing capacity to have a chance at buying your dream home.

Lender Variances

Lenders will always be competitive when it comes to price and lending criteria, however, they will avoid competing for the lowest rate as this will provide no profit gain for them. Furthermore, this will be highlighted through the difference between lenders and their maximum borrowing capacity. Different lenders target for different niches of clients therefore don’t feel it’s inevitable that one lender won’t lender to you as there will be another out there who would.

State benefits like tax credits are factors lenders will take into account for a mortgage. Some lenders may be more generous if you are for a self-employed mortgage in Derby. Increasing the amount they will lend can be done through extending the term of the mortgage to the maximum allowable.

How can a Mortgage Advisor in Derby help?

Seeking Mortgage Advice in Derby can be very beneficial. On behalf of the customer, our team will search the market to try and match you to various lenders criteria.

When it comes to knowing the maximum amount you can borrow for a mortgage and your repayments, book your free mortgage appointment online today to speak with one of our expert Mortgage Advisors in Derby. They are determined to make sure your process run as smoothly as possible and search through thousands of mortgage deals to find you the most suitable for your circumstances.

10 Factors to Help you Decide Where to Locate in Derby

Moving home mortgage advice in Derby

If you are a First Time Buyer in Derby or are looking to move into the area, you may be thinking about where in the area of Derby you would like to live. House hunting is known to be the most daunting. Along with this, you will need to factor in mortgage arrangements as well as find the best mortgage deal and sort out your finances for your new home.

There is a high chance that at this point you will have a rough idea of where you may like to live and the type of houses you would like. Furthermore, you will be looking into the location and its amenities and the amount you get for your money. You may be stuck between a few places and will want to weigh up the pros and cons of each place to help you towards your final decision.

In this article, we have listed some points you could keep in mind when selecting a place to live in Derby.

1. Where to live, Derby city centre or countryside

An important factor for many homebuyers will be what type of area they would like to live in Derby. For many, this is whether they want to live in a more central location or a more rural area.

It’s more important to think about whether the area will affect your commute to work, as well as access to local amenities, shops and schools.

2. Transport links

You need to think about the transport links around the area you are thinking of living in. For drivers, you may want to look at the motorway links, whereas, those who are looking for public transport will want to look at the railway or bus links to their place of work. It’s generally important for those who don’t have their own mode of transport.

3. Schools, colleges

One of the reasons for moving home in Derby is to look for a property with a larger space. This is normally for homebuyers who are looking to start a family. With this, many people look at an area that has excellent schools nearby for their children to go to. If you are in this situation but are wondering which school is best, looking at the school league tables to get an idea of what each school is like can help towards your final decision too.

4. Local amenities

The type of amenities in the area will change depending on what lifestyle you have. For example, you may enjoy exploring and being around nature which is what a rural area can fulfil or you enjoy the thriving city where there are lots going on at your doorstep. Whatever your lifestyle is, it’s good to look into these and what facilities will be around your area and whether these will benefit you.

Making some sort of ‘wishlist’ of the things you would like and need in the area can help towards a decision. You may find that all the areas you were looking at don’t have all the things you want which is why you should split up your list into priorities and desires to whittle down to an area that will benefit you.

5. Family & friends

Being close to your family and friends can be important to those with children who are in need of childcare like the school run. Therefore, it’s best you look into this yourself and find a property that is not far for your family or friends and is convenient for you to visit or approach them for any support you need.

6. Value for money

Through your property search, you may have noticed that property prices slightly change in different parts of the U.K as well as within Derby. Through our experience providing Mortgage Advice in Derby, we do find homebuyers, in particular, those who are looking for their first property will look at a cheaper place and compromise on the facilities to save money while they save for a bigger property in the future.

7. Local community

Community is an aspect to think about when moving, however, it’s not at the top of everyone’s list. An area with a thriving community can be important if you want to be a part of it or if you are new to the area. Many areas do have community websites and Facebook pages which can provide insight into what the locals are like. Many areas do have a community centre or village that puts on plenty of weekly activities if you are looking to build friendships with the people in your area.

8. House prices – long term

Again, house prices can slightly change in areas, but you may be house hunting in the hopes of finding a property you want to settle down in long term in the hopes the property prices may rise so you can sell in the future.

9. Career Change

Your new job may take you to move to Derby. It’s very likely that you will be looking for a property that is located in a convenient route to your workplace and within a reasonable distance. On the other hand, many do look to live on the outskirts of Derby as it may be cheaper and have some brilliant transport links making it easy to commute to and from work.

10. Local Developments

Future developments in the area can be important to look at to see whether the property you are interested in will be affected. This is especially the case if you are looking for a long term property.

This is another reason why doing your research is key as you will be able to see if there will be any future investments. From this, you can conclude whether this will have a good impact on your lifestyle or not.

You may be looking for a more quiet and rural life, however, you may not be happy with the fact that the area is thinking of developing a large housing estate nearby.

Moving Home in Derby

If you are in the process of finding a property in Derby and are looking to make an offer, it’s time to look at getting yourself a mortgage. Contact our team today so we can book you in for a free mortgage appointment with one of our expert Mortgage Advisors in Derby.

Our team are here every day of the week from early until late, subject to appointment availability. We have a fantastic reputation for helping those taking that first step onto the property as well as those Moving Home in Derby. Our team are more than happy to help with your mortgage success!

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 Derby

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 Derby 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 Derby & those who are Moving Home in Derby. 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. 

Why Should I Use A Mortgage Broker In Derby?

It’s no secret that we think going with a mortgage broker would be your best option, however that isn’t the only path you can take. Sometimes it is worth exploring your options. Generally speaking though, we find that most people opt to side with a Mortgage Broker in Derby. Let’s take a look though at the positives and negatives of both, allowing you to decide for yourself.

As a general rule of thumb, a mortgage broker (like Derbymoneyman) will charge a broker fee on top of the costs you are already needing to pay for. On the flip side, the majority of mortgage lenders won’t require this, leaving you with money still in your pocket.

On top of this, going to a mortgage lender directly will open you up to exclusive deals you can only get through going to them. This attracts business from both those looking to get a mortgage and even mortgage brokers. These are also only allowed to be offered by the broker itself and not just anyone in a branch without proper mortgage advice training or consumer protection knowledge.

Luckily in 2014 this was banned nationwide, only allowing for experienced and fully qualified mortgage advisors in Derby to provide any kind of mortgage advice and product recommendation. This took a while for people to get used to however, and some customers were left waiting for a month, sometimes even more.

Even today, this can still happen to some customers. This isn’t the best when you have already had an offer accepted on a property you like. It’s reasons like this that mortgage applications via mortgage brokers went on the rise. A part of our charm is offering a same day service, hoping to put you through with a qualified mortgage advisor in Derby as soon as possible, often within the same day unless the customer requests otherwise.

Fast & friendly mortgage advice in Derby

In the days before the 2010s, it was a lot harder to look as possible mortgage deal comparisons, whereas nowadays everything is now at your fingertips and easy to find out. The hardest part now is not comparing, but rather finding criteria that you match up with and features that can be tweaked to match your individual situation. It is still advised that you be wary though, as deals with the lowest fees often come with the highest arrangement fees.

Something else to look out for is affordability. You could find the greatest deal in the world with a lender, but if you can’t afford it, you won’t get it. This in turn ends up being a large factor as to why people opt to use a mortgage broker in Derby. Using our knowledge of lender criteria, we will do our best to find you an appropriate and affordable deal for your circumstances.

With regulations these days being a lot tighter (a lot of that being thanks to the Credit Crunch), mortgage applications are not as easy as they once were. For the inexperienced home buyer, it can be an overwhelming experience to go alone. Here are some possible hurdles that customers may find along the way:

• I am receiving self-employed income.
• Being a contractor or working under a zero-hours contract.
• I am using a mixed deposit source, i.e. Gifted & Savings.
• Opting for Let to Buy. Renting your current home to buy another.
• I am struggling on the affordability front.
• I have a poor credit history.

Mortgage lender versus mortgage broker

Over the years, Mortgage Lenders had gotten rather competitive with each other, trying to offer better deals than their fellow lenders. Due to legislation changes post-Credit Crunch, most of these changes are now in regard to the lending criteria.

Some of these examples include how much they are willing to the self-employed versus the employed, as well as leniency when checking previous credit report issues.

Your circumstances are completely unique to you. Whatever the situation, it is unique to you. When speaking to an experienced Mortgage Broker in Derby about your situation, it will be likely that they have encountered something similar in the past. Hopefully with their experience in play, you’ll end up with the most appropriate deal for you, along with lower interest rates.

Why a mortgage broker in Derby will benefit you

Our service is more than just mortgage focused. Even if the application is simple and straightforward, customers will often still rely on a mortgage advisor in Derby for more. Customers are welcome to discuss with us how much they are planning to offer on a property, and we can recommend services such as solicitors and property surveys. One of our most important services is running through any available protection with our customers.

Something else we pride ourselves on is the ability to be a responsive mortgage broker in Derby, offering out of hours and weekend appointments to all our customers. Our dedicated team of mortgage advisors in Derby are available 7 days a week!

A factor that gets overlooked regularly, is that most applicants seem to be busy and need the assistance of a mortgage broker to handle the mortgage proceedings and eliminate possible stress. Professional applicants can reap the benefits of this as well, as they have their own clients that they are able to charge their services to.

In the future, we could see lenders wanting to bring back more customers from mortgage brokers. In this case, it’s unlikely that they will invest in more staff, instead opting for a more technological route.

For anyone looking for a quick and easy process, who is comfortable doing things that way, it’s great. Mostly we find though, whether they are First Time Buyers in Derby, Self Employed in Derby, or looking to Remortgage in Derby, people prefer people and would much rather have human interaction and input in their mortgage case.

Getting Prepared For A Mortgage in Derby

Once the hurdle of saving for a mortgage is surpassed, the next step with your Mortgage Broker in Derby is paperwork. Here are some of our best tips on how to get ready and ahead of the game and speed up your process.

Up to date credit report

An up to date credit report is crucial and should be one of your main priorities. By doing this there will be no surprise of finding previously unpaid payments setting you back from a successful mortgage.

Our Mortgage Advisors in Derby look at what Lender is best for you, so it’s best to make sure all your information is up to scratch so that you’re put with the one most helpful towards your current needs. Certain things you can do to help yourself is to go onto the voter’s roll and make sure that credit cards you no longer use are discontinued.

Proof of ID

To show your Mortgage Broker in Derby that you are who you say you are, you’ll need photo ID. This can either be a Driving licence or Passport.

If your Driving Licence is being used for your proof of address, you’ll need to find another alternative for your Proof of ID. If you’re working within the country and using a Visa, then you’ll need to also provide this too.

Proof of address

As mentioned earlier, you will also need to provide a proof of address. This can be a Driving Licence if you’re using your passport. Otherwise, a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months will do.

Last 3 months’ bank statements

The bank statements you provide validate what your income is and provides an insight to your regular expenditures. This highlights the importance of thinking ahead and choosing wisely what you’re spending your money on. Some lenders won’t ask for your bank statements, but the ones who do want to make sure you’re on top of your finances.

Evidence of deposit

Your deposit is saved but you still have to provide evidence for this for anti-money laundering purposes and prove that you have everything in place for the deposit. A useful tip is to make sure your finances are stable and in one place, so the audit trail is easier to get over and done with.

Proof of income.

To prove to Lenders your affordability, proof of income will be needed. If you’re in employment then 3 months’ payslips will most likely be sufficient, although some lenders do like to see a recent version of a P60. Lenders will also take in other factors such as overtime, commission, bonuses and earnings from other employers.

If like many other applicants you are Self Employed in Derby, then you’ll need help from your accountant who will acquire your last 2 or 3 years proof of earnings. If you submit your own accounts, then we are happy to advise you on what you’ll need from the government gateway.

Budget planner

By planning your budget out, you will oversee where’s best to spend your money and what is what. It is best to include such items as council tax, utility bills and regular expenditures such as food and drink to see how much disposable income you will have leftover. If you’re having trouble with this then we are able to send you a template budget planner to get you started.

So, preparation is key to getting your mortgage sorted as quickly and efficiently as possible and will be easier by using the Mortgage Advice in Derby. The quicker you put time aside to gather all the essential information you need, the easier it is to speed up the process and getting closer to gaining a successful mortgage.

Buying a New House in Derby

Buying a new house is the biggest purchase you will probably ever make. For many, it can be a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a shortlist of questions to ask the seller:

1. How much interest has been shown in the house

When buying a brand new house there is usually a higher demand. You may need to act quickly to ensure that you secure the plot. Try to find out how many have already viewed the house to find out if there is any other ‘competition’ with the house.

2. Is there a chain

If you have ‘no chain’, you should be able to move quickly, if you also a first-time buyer you will also be a desirable buyer to the seller as the sale could be completed quickly. This can provide you with an advantage during your ‘negotiations’

3. Included in the sale?

New homes can often come with ‘extras’ incentives to encourage you to buy the house. But also older homes can come with items unwanted or offered by the seller. It’s wise to check just to clarify, are things like cookers, fridges and carpets, for example, could be included in the sale (or offered at an additional price). Make sure you clarify as you may be left with unwanted items that you then need to remove and dispose of.

4. What are your new neighbours like

It can be best to try and find out a little about your new neighbours, (we have all heard stories about ‘neighbours’) so try to gain some insight into your new neighbours. On new building developments, this may be a little more difficult.

5. Running costs

Running a home has associated costs. Heating, lighting, council tax, water (newer homes tend to have a water meter).

These days people tend to be more aware of home running costs and will usually have some insight or ask about the running costs of the home. 

6. Garden

We don’t always have a perfect summer but many people like to spend time in the garden. If you like to spend time in your garden, then you may wish to check how well the natural light enters your garden and whether it’s south-facing etc.

7. Home improvements

Generally, when you move into your new home, you will often want to decorate to your own tastes, but what other work needs to be done. On older properties, you may have some ‘fixes’ or repairs to make. Or make improvements to energy efficiency, insulation, garden work etc.

8. Remedial fixes

When buying an older property, there may be items that need repair. If there are any issues identified you can request the seller fixes these before the sale goes through (or reduces the price). In the case of new homes, there can sometimes be some minor repairs required after you move in due to settlement etc, or simple faults you identify after you move in, but ensure you report these within any given time limits.

So when you are buying your new home whether its a new build or older property, be sure to ask the questions you need to know about the house, also remember to negotiate your buy price, don’t be too keen and offer to high to start with and remember to take into consideration other factors such as when you would be able to move in and that fits your expectations.

9. House buying costs

There are costs associated with buying a home, valuation fees, survey fees, legal fees, removal costs stamp duty (on properties over £125,000) etc,  as well as any possible house repairs. So be sure to take these into consideration.

We know that it can be hard understanding all of the different costs that come with buying a house. If you are confused or are a First Time Buyer taking your first steps into the mortgage world and want some help from an expert Mortgage Advisor in Derby, give us a call!

What Lenders in Derby Look For on Banks statements

Not all lenders ask to see bank statements as a matter of course, although all reserve the right to request them. Getting your bank statements mortgage ready. Mortgage customers can sometimes get nervous about their bank account when they come to provide statements ahead of applying for a mortgage. If you are considering applying for a mortgage sometime soon then invest some time in tidying up your account conduct now to give your future application the best possible chance of success.

Following the ‘Mortgage Market Review 2014’, where rules came into effect to ensure people take out a mortgage they can truly afford. Lenders began paying much more attention to customer’s outgoings. Back in 2014 when this was all brand new, lenders were more than keen in some of their deep analysis of outgoings.

You may recall some of the headlines at that time regarding “My mortgage provider wants me to tell them how much I pay for haircuts and eating out”. The availability of ‘statistics’ is greater these days and there is rich data available to lenders from the Office of National Statistics and other sources to estimate some of those outgoings.

Improve your chances with your mortgage application

Taking the first steps onto the property ladder as a first time buyer in Derby can be hard, so you need to know absolutely everything in order to improve your chances of being accepted straight away.

If you are applying for a mortgage and you are bouncing direct debits and incurring bank charges then any lender will not look favourably upon that, so if you fall into this category then you’ll need to work on getting things in order. Using an overdraft facility is usually ok, as long as you do not exceed your agreed limit. Even then, if it’s a one-off with a good explanation then it’s still possible that you will be accepted. Avoid bank charges, particularly for missed payments, bounced cheques etc.

Payday loans – If these appear on your bank statement, this will be a red flag to most major lenders as it implies you are not able to meet and manage your monthly budget and requirements. So aim to avoid these and balance your finances so you can demonstrate good solid financial management.

What lenders look for on your bank statements: red flags

Gambling payments on your bank statement? Gambling is something that viewed poorly by lenders. If it is very small amounts then it’s often ok. If you gamble more regularly than that it would be wise to address this before applying. It’s a good idea to get “mortgage-ready” before you find a property you are would like to purchase.  If you have any concerns about whether lenders may have an issue with anything on your bank statements we would recommend you contact us sooner rather than later to avoid the disappointment of having an application declined.

Contractor Mortgages and the Gig Economy in Derby

Contractor Mortgage Advice in Derby

The ‘gig economy’ has an ever-growing portion of the general public working within it. These people are working over short term contracts because of this it means they are not entitled to some benefits which employee’s might be such as sickness or holidays. The professions within this economy are varied ranging from both skilled and unskilled workers, with the highest percentage being in professional services.

Because of the basis of the gig economy, it’s marginally harder for these workers to get a mortgage as lenders perceive these people to be self-employed. If you’re working within this type of economy to give yourself an increased chance of gaining a mortgage is to build up a track record of self-employment. You’ll most likely need one year’s history to qualify for a mortgage unless your contract has gone on for a longer duration.

If a lender decides to view you as a sole trader you will then need to produce evidence of your net profit – this is the amount you have earned minus your expenses in which you may need an Accountant to help you with this.

If you have set up your own Limited Company then most Lenders will focus on the salary that you have paid yourself plus any dividends that are declared.

Flexibility

In contemporary times, Lenders are now becoming more flexible in the way they assess contract workers now that there are so apparent within the economy. If you have been operating this way for a while and are currently in a contract then they will consider your ‘day rate’ as a way to assess your income, depending on the industry.

The way in which Lenders will assess day rates will typically be that they will times the given rate by 5 then 46 weeks. They won’t include a full 52 weeks as Contract usually don’t work the full year and neither do they get paid holidays. This method works really well for IT contractors who tend to have a selection of contracts which they want to take.

Additionally, it is a good idea for any gig workers and self employed in Derby applicants to get organised ahead of time before they start the mortgage application process. Tax can be a bother, but lenders like to see a healthy level of sustainable earnings.

It’s also possible to get a mortgage on zero-hour contracts. Again, lenders will want 12 months’ earnings before you can apply and will consider taking an average of your earnings over a full year.

Contractor Mortgage Broker in Derby