Why Should I Use a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham? 

The Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham

Here at Birminghammoneyman, we believe that there are many positives to using the services of a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, instead of going direct. That is just our opinion though, of course, we would say that!

There are loads of positives going elsewhere, so it is worth exploring your mortgage options. Thankfully for us, most people will opt to speak with a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of both routes.

Mortgage Broker in Birmingham vs Going Direct in Birmingham

The first benefit of going to a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham is that whilst most high street banks can be approached directly, not all mortgage lenders can be.

This means that to get the best deal across all lenders on our panel, you will benefit from speaking with a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, though a mortgage lender may still have some deals you cannot get going to a mortgage broker.

An experienced Mortgage Broker in Birmingham will typically require a fee, whereas this may not be the case when going direct. That said, we can help to recommend other services that you may need for much cheaper than they might be with a lender.

In previous arguments some would say that “the bank manager knows my finances inside out,” but this was no longer the case once credit scoring was introduced.

If you know what you are doing and what you are looking for, going direct can be a quick and straightforward process. On the other hand, if you do not know what you are doing, you could harm your chances of ever obtaining a mortgage, as you will not match all lender’s criteria.

A trusted Mortgage Broker in Birmingham will be able to go over the different lenders’ mortgage criteria and will be able to match you up with the most suitable mortgage deal. We always aim to get this recommendation right first time.

Mortgage Advice Past vs Present 

Back in the day, mortgage advisors from high street banks would approve you for a mortgage, regardless of circumstances. You would not benefit from correct Mortgage Advice in Birmingham or any consumer protection.

In 2014, the government banned this type of practice. Now, only experienced Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham could go about providing expert Mortgage Advice in Birmingham to customers and making recommendations for products.

The only downside is speaking with specific individuals at a bank, which means you could be waiting months, just to speak with someone.

Because of this, the usage of a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham became more popular. As a company ourselves, we offer various time slots seven days a week, allowing you to pick a time that is convenient to you, and not months in advance!

Quite often, if you book your free initial mortgage appointment early, you may be able to speak with one of our Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham on the same day.

Modern Day Challenges 

Nowadays, the most difficult part of the mortgage process is matching up against the right mortgage lenders’ criteria. It is also essential to remember that deals with the lowest rates often have higher arrangement fees.

You may have come across a really good deal, only to find that you need to pass affordability checks and be eligible for that deal in the first place. With the help of a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we will be able to find the most suitable deals that are suitable for you.

Newer Regulations 

Thanks in part to the regulations that followed after the credit crunch back in 2008, mortgage applications perhaps are not as straightforward as they used to be.

This is not necessarily a terrible thing, however, as it makes lenders have less of a chance of anyone falling into arrears, which both customers and mortgage lenders do not want to occur.

There are still a lot of situations that could cause some issues for applicants, some of which a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham may be able to help with. 

• You have a poor credit history. 
• You are receiving a self-employed income. 
• There is a mixed deposit source, i.e. Gifted & Savings. 
• Opting for Let to Buy. Renting your current home to buy another. 
• Being a contractor or working under a zero-hours contract. 
• You perhaps can’t quite meet affordability requirements.

Lending Criteria 

As an expert Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we have seen mortgage lenders demonstrating their competitive prowess, trying to offer better interest rates than their fellow mortgage lenders.

Because of the changes to regulations, the other difference between these lenders is their mortgage lending criteria and whether the customer can match up with them.

Examples of how these can differ, is that some mortgage lenders may have more products for self employed applicants than others, whereas others may not but will be more lenient to something like bad credit mortgages. If you are looking at getting a mortgage as a self-employed applicant, check out our article all about getting a mortgage as a self-employed applicant in Birmingham.

Still, need more convincing?

Our trusted mortgage advisors in Birmingham will always keep you in the loop, with availability from early until late, every day of the week, responding as soon as they can.

With our services as a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, is that nowadays people are so busy. It is often easier to use a professional service, to take the stress off your shoulders.

This is especially beneficial for professional applicants who are dealing with customers of their own, not having the time to run through their process themselves. 

The Benefit of a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham

From your first initial touch we will discuss your case, and will use our knowledge to help. We like to go above and beyond with customers that need our help.

During your process, one of our Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham will be able to discuss the maxium amount you can borrow and supply you with an agreement in principle, which can help when making an offer on a property. As well as recommend additional services like solicitors and property surveys.

We can also reccomend any potential insurance options with you, helping prepare you and your family for the future, in the event of anything unfortunate that affects your financial state.

Book Your Free Mortgage Appointment 

If you would like to go direct, that that’s fine, but wether a customer is a First Time Buyer in Birmingham, Self Employed in Birmingham, or looking to Remortgage in Birmingham, they prefer to enlist the services of an expert Mortgage Broker in Birmingham. 

Book your free mortgage appointment today with our Mortgage Broker in Birmingham and our Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham will see how we can help you along your mortgage journey.

How to Improve Your Credit Score in Birmingham

Credit Score Mortgage Advice in Birmingham

A credit score is a three-digit number that use to help decide whether you get accepted for a mortgage.

Utilising the information displayed, lenders will look at your credit report, application form as well as any other information they hold on you (if you are an existing customer). With this data, the lender can calculate your credit score representing your credit history mathematically.

By calculating this, the lender can see what kind of borrower you are and how likely it is to manage your repayments. Your score is not a specific number. Different lenders will look at other factors in potential customers, therefore, it might be best that you approach another lender as you may not be ideal for one lender.

Knowing Your Credit Criteria

• 300-580 – Lenders will classify this as a poor score which can lower your chance of getting your mortgage application accepted.
• 580-670 – This is known as a fair credit score, and some lenders may be more lenient with accepting your mortgage application.
• 670-740 – Being scored at this level will be helpful in increasing your chances of having your mortgage applicated accepted. This is a common category many customers fit into.
• 740-800 – This a brilliant score! Having this at a higher level will increase your chance of having your mortgage application accepted.
• 800+ – Having a score that’s 800+ is exceptional; the chance of having mortgage application accepted is above average; congrats!

Typically, the higher your score, the better your chance of being accepted for your circumstance ‘best’ deal.

Reasons Why Your Credit Score Dropped?

It can be common for customers to get in contact with our team asking if they Can Get a Mortgage With a CCJ, after being declined for having a ‘low’ credit score. Sorting out these types of cases is something we deal with daily as a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham. We also encounter many applicants who are the subject of a county court judgment (also known as a CCJ).

If you fail to repay a loan/borrowed money, you will likely get a CCJ. Having a CCJ can leave a severe mark on your credit for 6+ years. It would be wise to pay off your debt before applying for credit. The CCJ will show up on your file, making the lender ask questions. Even the little things can sometimes cause damage, such as:

• Failing to stick to credit agreements.
• Failing to keep up with your mobile phone contract payments.
• Dipping into your overdraft every month.
• Using multiple price comparison sites.

The above are only several examples that could have a negative impact; there might be other reasons you could have bad credit. Whatever situation it is, our team is here to help you improve your score to increase your chance of your mortgage application passing the Lenders criteria!

There are numerous ways to improve your score to try and get you up into that next bracket, and the good news is it may still be possible to secure a mortgage in some cases!

Look at Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

It can be a time-consuming task to try, however, this handy guide may help you go up another bracket. An important point you need to know is that each lender has its lending criteria, so your score may impact what deals you can access. Even if you have an excellent score, it doesn’t always that you will match every lender’s criteria. Sometimes, it’s down to your circumstances and up to your lender’s criteria.

1. Avoid Unnecessary Credit Searches

When you go directly to a lender and their in-house mortgage advisor puts you through for a deal, they will perform a soft or hard credit search on you. This search will be shown on your credit file. In the case where your application is declined, the credit search performed could harm your credit score.

Carrying out numerous searches may lower your chances of getting accepted for a mortgage in the future. Having a responsive Mortgage Broker in Birmingham will be helpful. We always aim to get it right the first time by looking at your credit score and only approach lenders that hold criteria we know you will pass.

2. Avoid Credit Applications

One thing that can sometimes backfire on you is applying for credit, especially if you don’t have a reason for doing so. Paying back the credit that you’ve borrowed may look good on your application. On the other hand, your credit score could end up in trouble if you fail to meet the credit payment deadline.

Amid your mortgage application, we strongly recommend that you hold off applying for credit. You might be able to get away with it, however, lenders may believe that you are struggling for money in other scenarios. Lenders could be under the impression that you are putting it towards your deposit or using it to aid your mortgage payments.

3. Are You Registered on The Voter’s Roll?

One beneficial and easy way to improve your credit score is to make sure you are registered on the voter’s/electoral roll. By being registered on the roll, you are proving who you are. It’s simple, you just go to the government’s electoral roll: and it’s easy to register from there.

When registering on the voter’s/electoral roll, you must provide accurate information. You need to make sure everything is filled out correctly and you will need to use your current living address, not your previous address.

4. The Importance of Updating Your Address

Our team recommends that you make sure that all of your accounts and details are linked with your current address during the mortgage application process. If you are a First Time Buyer in Birmingham, this won’t impact you as much because this is your application.

On the other hand, if you Moving Home in Birmingham from rented accommodation and you still have your parent’s address linked with any of your accounts, your Lender will identify this straight away. Because of this, you need to change your addresses and make sure they’re up-to-date before applying. Your credit score could be affected if you are linked to the wrong address.

In the circumstance where you decide to approach a broker, our expert Mortgage Advisor in Birmingham will support you with this. Your dedicated advisor will check that everything is updated with you to make sure that you are in the best position for being accepted for a mortgage.

5. Don’t Run Too Close to Your Maximum Limit

Running too close to your maximum limit on your card(s) each month will massively affect your credit score. Lenders like to see that you can pay off your credit card balance each month as it shows that you can manage your finances.

If you are exceeding credit card limits and constantly dipping into your overdraft, the lender will see you as an applicant who isn’t taking their finances seriously.

6. Remove Financial Links to Others

In the circumstance where you are still financially linked to an ex-partner or family member, you might be unaware of your credit score being potentially harmed. You won’t be able to remove your links if the account is still active and live. Make a request with the credit reference agencies to clear your connection.

7. Is it all About Your Credit Score?

In some cases, the lender may be lenient, however, this depends on the lender and how strict their lending criteria are. If there are some personal reasons involved, your lender may be considerate and factor them into your application. As mentioned, it all depends on the lender.

As a Specialist Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we will always be open and honest with you as well as factor in every bit of detail. Regardless of whether you have a score on the lower end of the spectrum or not, our knowledgeable team of Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham will work hard in finding you a deal that will be suitable for you. With access to a large panel of lenders, some of who offer specialist mortgage products, we will work hard in finding you the one that will achieve your mortgage goals.

Can you get a Mortgage with a Default in Birmingham

A default is a notice that you will receive if you are in breach of a credit agreement.

When taking out credit, you will have to confirm that you will be able to pay the funds back. If you cannot do this, you are breaching the agreement between yourself and the creditor. The default will appear on your credit file; once it does, your overall credit rating and score will be severely impacted.

When issued a default, you will get the opportunity to “satisfy” the default, or in other words, pay it off. A satisfied default will still have a negative effect on your credit rating.

Can I get a mortgage in Birmingham with a default?

During your mortgage application, one of the main things that your lender/mortgage broker in Birmingham will look at is your credit history. You should know that the better your credit history, the easier it should be to obtain a mortgage.

A mortgage is a huge financial commitment that can last over 25 years. Your credit history will show that you have received default and have breached a credit agreement; they will even be able to see why you have received a default.

It’s all about risk. Lenders need to know that you are a reliable applicant before lending to you. This is why they will also consider how long ago the default was issued. If the default has recently been issued, your chances of getting a mortgage are very low. Lenders will be more likely to accept your application if your default was issued a long time ago. On the other hand, this is not guaranteed, it depends on your circumstances and the mortgage lender.

What impact does a default have on my mortgage application?

A default in your name immediately impacts the lenders you can and cannot access. You will have to limit yourself to specialist lenders and those accepting applicants with bad credit in Birmingham.

As a Specialist Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we have a large panel of specialist lenders, each with their own unique mortgage deals. Some of these products may be able to help you get a mortgage with a default.

Generally, these products come with high rates of interest early on. When it comes to the time, there are many reasons to consider a remortgage, you may be able to find a new product with a competitive rate of interest. Your default may be cleared from your file by this point too.

Does the type of default make a difference?

Remember that lenders can see the reason why you have been issued with a default. This could make a difference in your ability to get accepted for a mortgage.

Some lenders may be more lenient with you if you have received a default due to missing a mobile phone payment over a mortgage payment. The more serious the default, the less likely a lender is going to accept you.

Usually, most lenders treat defaults equally. At the end of the day, you have received a default for failing to meet a credit agreement. Most lenders will not want to take the risk in case this happens with your mortgage payments.

What if I’ve not satisfied my default?

If you have not satisfied your default, your mortgage options in Birmingham may be even more limited. You may need to opt for a bad credit mortgage in Birmingham. Contact us for First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice in Birmingham in this case, we can also look into helping applicants who are Self Employed in Birmingham too.

Lenders mainly focus on the date that the default was issued over whether or not it has been satisfied. You may have more chance of being accepted if your default was years ago rather than if you received it last week. If you do satisfy your default, your lender will be able to see “satisfied” next to it on your credit file.

How long will a default remain on my credit file?

Typically, a default will remain on your credit file for 6 years. Even if you have satisfied this default, it will still remain on your file.

This does not mean that you will be unable to get a mortgage during this period. There are sometimes alternate mortgage options available through specialist lenders. At the end of the day, you have a default on your file, you may have to be patient.

How soon after a default will I be able to get a mortgage?

There is no exact length of time, you will just have to find the right lender. We can try and help with this. As a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we have many different specialist lenders on panel that we can access for you.

As time passes, if you do not manage to get a mortgage with a default in your name, you can spend time rebuilding your credit score. This will show lenders that you are improving how you manage your finances and it could allow you to access better rates.

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score

Upon receiving a default, your credit score will massively dip. It may stay like this for a long time too. This is why we suggest trying methods to Improve Your Credit Score in Birmingham within the 6 years of the default being associated with your name. A good way to start is to satisfy it straight away.

You may need to wait for the 6 years to pass until you see a difference. If this is the case, you should make sure that you are registered for the electoral roll and that your addresses are the same across your credit and store accounts.

You could even take out the lowest limit credit card available to you at your bank, and only use it for essentials such as shopping and paying it back in full each month. It may take some time, but you should see your credit score improve.

Have a default? Book a Free Mortgage Appointment in Birmingham

If you have a default in your name and want to see whether you are able to get a mortgage, feel free to get in touch with our team or alternatively, book a free mortgage appointment online to speak with one of our Specialist Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham today. We are available 7 days a week, so choose a date and time that suits you and your personal situation.

Getting Prepared for a Mortgage in Birmingham

Preparing First Time Buyers in Birmingham

Hopefully, you have accumulated a large amount of savings for a deposit on your first property and are ready to take that first step on the property ladder. What you are trying to achieve and how your financial situation looks determines How Much Deposit You Need to put down to purchase a property in Birmingham. 


Whether you are First Time Buyer in Birmingham beginning the mortgage journey or you have gone through this before and are looking to at Moving Home in Birmingham, our fast and friendly service could help you. This helpful guide can provide you with the information you need to put yourself in a position where are you mortgage ready and in a serious position to begin your mortgage application.

Get mortgage ready in Birmingham

Up to date credit report

The first thing you need to do is obtain Mortgage Advice in Birmingham is to obtain an up-to-date credit report. Having this with you can provide an insight of your financial situation which is something your dedicated Mortgage Advisor in Birmingham will need an idea of. Along with this, they will be able to see your overall credit rating which can help them match you to a range of mortgage deals when it comes to taking one out.

Don’t panic if you are unable to obtain an up-to-date credit report in time, your advisor will be able to help with getting one.

Agreement in principle

Prior to beginning the mortgage journey, it’s important that you Get an Agreement in Principle. It’s a document you will need to make an offer on a property! Having an AIP with you shows the estate agent that a lender will agree to lend you a set amount from them in principle by showing them sufficient evidence of your income, credit history etc.

Be aware that AIPs can expire usually within 30-90 days. In the event that your AIP does expire or you need help obtaining one, our team can sort this out for you normally within 24 hours of your mortgage application. Here at Birminghammoneyman, we have a passionate team who are ready to take your call.

Budget planner

Before starting the mortgage journey, you may have already worked out a rough estimate of your expected outgoing after you move house. As a result, you can get an idea of the amount of disposable income you have to pay your mortgage. You may have expenditures and regular outgoings like credit agreements and bills to your weekly food shop. If you are struggling with balancing out all these financial outgoings, our team will be more than happy to send you our versions of a Budget Planner to help you out.

Having a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham by your side is more than just helping you with the mortgage journey and moving home. We have a team of brilliant Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham who will provide a tailored service that can help you become prepared for the mortgage journey.

Document checklist

When it comes to beginning your mortgage application in Birmingham, it’s key that you have all of our documents prepared.

Proof of ID

In order to prove that you are who you say are, you need to provide a form of ID. Usually, this is confirmed with a driving license or a passport. You are not allowed to use the same form of ID twice, therefore, if you use your passport for this proof of ID, you cannot use it for another proof of ID evidence and vice versa.

For applicants who are non-UK nationals working over here on a Visa, you’ll need to provide that too.

Proof of address

As well as this, you will need to prove where you live. In order to show this, you may need to give ID and a utility bill/bank statement. Remember to put your current address on all of your accounts and memberships so they are up to date. By doing this, you are preventing any harm on your application as incorrect or previous addresses linked with your name can cause this.

Last three months’ bank statements

This is an important document and can massively contribute to determining whether you will qualify for a mortgage or not. This is something you will need to provide and will need to be at least three months’ worth. From a lender’s point of view, they will be able to see your spending behaviour as well as what goes in and out of our account.

Some outgoings lenders do not favour are frequent gambling transactions as well as bad spending habits in general. Regularly being in your overdraft or direct debits have bounced consistently can also put lenders off.

Evidence of deposit

For Anti-Money Laundering purposes, it is key that you are to provide evidence of where your deposit has come from. It would be wise to keep all your savings inside the one account and try not to move them around. This also applies to gifted deposits; leave the money inside of the gifter’s account instead of transferring it into your own.

Building up your savings over time in a savings account is something lenders like to see. You can have assistance with this through a Helpt to Buy and Lifetime ISA. If you are getting a Gifted Deposit in Birmingham, the person gifting you the deposit will have to prove where they have got the funds from too.

Proof of income

Proving your income is a significant part of the process. For applicants who are employed, they will need to provide the last three months’ payslips as well as their P60. Additional earnings like overtime, bonuses, commission and shift allowance are usually taken into consideration too. Applicants that are part time employees will normally need to provide additional evidence of their income. However, it does vary between lenders.

Any applicants looking to take out a Self Employed Mortgage Birmingham will have their income assessed in a slightly different way. They need to provide a minimum of 2/3 years’ accounts and earnings from the revenue. One of our expert Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham can help you with this.

What is a Property Survey Should I Choose in Birmingham?

Property Survey Mortgage Advice in Birmingham

If you are a First Time Buyer in Birmingham, and recently have had an offer accepted on a property but, is the house actually worth what you’ve said you’ll pay for it? In order to establish the true value of a property as well as the overall condition, a property survey will be carried out. This survey will highlight any issues with the property like major/minor damages.

Buying a property can be the most expensive commitment of your life, therefore, it’s important that you know exactly The Costs of Buying a Home in Birmingham. If you’re not careful, you may be paying more for some parts of the process than you originally thought.

Different Types of Property Survey Avaliable in Birmingham

The different types of property surveys include Mortgage Valuations, Homebuyer’s Report and Full Structural Survey. In some cases, a property survey can be carried out free of charge depending on the lender that you use.

The type of survey differentiates depending on the outcomes of the survey report. You might want one that is more in-depth, whereas others will only briefly speak about certain aspects. The survey will be more pricey depending on how in-depth the survey is. In the event that you find something on your survey about your property that you weren’t informed about, by law, you are allowed to approach the seller and work out an alternative price, if necessary.

Mortgage Valuation

The simplest type of survey is Mortgage Valuations. This is carried out to determine how much a property is actually worth. It’s helpful for the lender as they need to be sure that the property price matches how much you are set to borrow from them. For instance, if you put in an offer above the property’s actual value, it’s likely the seller will accept your offer, but your lender won’t. Unless you have the funds to make up the difference the lender will put out of the deal. This is called a down valuation.

The one drawback with this type of survey is that it will only point out obvious repairs and damages so will lack depth. On the other hand, it does highlight any clear structural defects that will require a further look at. If you are wanting a more in-depth property assessment, you will need to pay more to upgrade your survey. It may be more expensive but, it may benefit you in the long run.

Homebuyer’s Report

This type of report focuses on safety. A Homebuyer’s Report answers the questions of whether the property is safe and if it’s suitable to live in. The surveyor will look at any mould problems, damp issues or something that does not pass the current building laws. A property expert will carry this out. It’s their job to examine the property thoroughly to make sure it’s safe to live in.

Full Structural Survey

When it comes to making an offer on an older building, as a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we strongly advise you to take up a Full Structural Survey.

Because the whole property is surveyed, this is the most pricey of property surveys. A Full Structural Survey will also provide an in-depth insight into the property compared to the three main surveys. The survey will highlight what condition the property is in and what changes need to be made if the property purchase goes through. It can take as long as a full day to carry out a Full Structural Survey, however, this does depend on the size of the property.

Do I need to get a survey on a new build?

If you have accepted an offer on a new build, the survey will work slightly differently. There is a type of survey especially for new builds called a Snagging Survey. It points out both minor and major issues, like a missing hinge on a door to cracks in the ceiling.

When the new has already been built and it’s ready for you to move into, it’s wise for you to get a snagging survey carried out on it before moving in. By doing this, you are giving yourself the option to negotiate to price if there are any issues with the property.

Get in Touch With a Mortgage Broker in Birmingham

Feel free to contact our mortgage team if you are unsure about what property survey is the right one for you. Our experience has given us the opportunity to help many first time buyers and Home Mover in Birmingham get onto the property ladder, we’ll help you recommend and choose the right property survey for you!

If you are looking for a surveyor to carry out a Homebuyer report or building survey, you can obtain these services through the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors.

Cost of Buying a Home in Birmingham

Whether you are First Time Buyer in Birmingham beginning the mortgage journey or you have gone through this before and are looking to to move home, our fast and friendly service could help you. We’ll provide a tailored service that can help you Get Prepared for a Mortgage in Birmingham.

Why has my Mortgage Application Been Declined in Birmingham?

Been Declined? Mortgage Advice in Birmingham

Why have I been refused a mortgage?

We tend to find some First Time Buyers in Birmingham struggle to secure a mortgage because they have poor credit. You see, one lenders’ credit score can vary, some are more difficult to pass than others. Some lender can sometimes be quite reluctant in terms of informing you as to why you failed their lending criteria. This may be down to a mixture of reasons. Sometimes the lender themselves can’t precisely say why your application was unsuccessful because ‘it is not knowledge in their hands’.

We recommend you speak with one of our Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham. During your free initial mortgage appointment, we can obtain a up-to-date copy of your credit file. Next, we can search 1000’s of deals and find you a product with a lender. Finding you a lender to match your circumstances may help you have a better chance of succeeding with a mortgage.

For most lenders the larger your deposit, the more likely you will be accepted for a mortgage. A larger deposit can help pay off a larger chunk of the property value. This means that you’ll most likely borrow less and the lower the loan-to-value.

Declined Due to Having ‘Poor’ Credit Score

There are different ways to help Improve Your Credit Score in Birmingham like having a credit card that you should use regularly and making sure you pay off the full balance each month. Other ways include making sure you are on the voter’s roll and closing any old bank accounts, credit, and store cards that you are no longer using.

Your Mortgage Broker in Birmingham is here to help

Here at Birminghammoneyman, our team will check that you match the lender’s criteria to make increase the chances of you passing their credit scoring before you submit your mortgage application to a lender. We aim to get this right first time!

We are here to help you find a deal that will match your financial circumstances, regardless of their situation, we try our best with all applicants, but cannot always guarantee success. Whether you have bad credit or good credit, we will strive in finding you a great mortgage deal through a lender that will accept your mortgage application.

Lenders criteria

Lenders have criteria that are individual to their products. This is why some lenders are more than others for your situation. Each lender usually has a niche for themselves in order to attract good quality mortgage borrowers who might not match the criteria of their competitors, so they can get ahead in the market. Below are some examples of why your application is getting declined for being outside of policy:

• Adverse credit history – If you take out adverse credit Mortgage Advice in Birmingham as early as possible this can give your application the best possible chance of success.
• A married applicant looking for a mortgage in a sole name – Lender do prefer two salaries, but oue team are able to look into Sole Name Mortgage Advice in Birmingham for married applicants on your behalf.
• Not enough deposit.
• Non-standard property construction.
• Minimum/maximum age or mortgage term.
• Minimum/maximum loan amount.
• Length of time in employment or being an applicants whos Self Employed in Birmingham.

Through utilising our 20 plus years of experience as a reputable Mortgage Broker in Birmingham and access to a large panel of lenders and criteria, we can recommend the most appropriate mortgage tailored to your financial situation. Book your free mortgage appointment today, to speak with one of our Specialist Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham today, to see how they can help.

Agreement in Principle: Frequently Asked Questions

A Brief Overview of an Agreement in Principle

Customers looking to obtain a mortgage will need to get an Agreement in Principle first from a mortgage lender. As the name suggests, an Agreement in Principle is a simple way to find out the maximum amount you can borrow to buy or Remortgage in Birmingham.

You will receive an Agreement in Principle before the final checks, and whilst you won’t be guaranteed to be accepted for a mortgage. It means you are on the right path. First Time Buyers in Birmingham will find these benefits because it gives them a better idea of which properties you can afford and makes it easier to make offers.

Despite what others may say, a Mortgage in Principle can be known as a Decision in Principle (DIP), Agreement in Principle (AIP). They are all just different abbreviations depending on where you are located.

Armed with an Agreement in Principle, you have opened yourself up to negotiating on any offers. As you have shown the seller that you are a ‘serious’ buyer who owns that property, you have the funds to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Agreement in Principle:

Does obtaining an agreement in principle affect my credit score? 

Nowadays, more lenders choose soft credit searches as they leave your credit score unaffected instead of a hard credit search which can leave a severe imprint, especially if you don’t pass each time.

Weren’t not saying that a soft search will not affect you either, but it is not something that tends to happen often as soft searches don’t go quite as in-depth. However, your lender will have reasons for choosing one of the two. 

Should I avoid hard credit checks? 

If you do not have hard searches done regularly, then having one done shouldn’t make too much difference. What starts becoming a problem is when you start having a lot of different hard searches taken out on you within a short time.

If you are already aware of how good your credit rating is, don’t be put off by the idea of having a soft or hard credit search done, especially if the lender suggests doing so is the most suitable option for you.

Does having an Agreement in Principle guarantee a mortgage?

Unfortunately not, even armed with an Agreement in Principle, we cannot guarantee you’ll be successful with a mortgage as your lender will still need to see all documentation to make a final decision. 

We have spoken to a handful of customers after their application declined, as they have to miss the small print that requires them to obtain an Agreement in Principle beforehand.

To demonstrate to your lender that you can handle your money responsibly and someone who looks like a good candidate to start your mortgage process, you will provide them with proof of ID, the last three months payslips and bank statements. 

Please remember that Self Employed Birmingham mortgage applicants looking to obtain a mortgage have slightly different lending criteria to meet.

Can I make an offer without an Agreement in Principle? 

Most estate agents will ask you for one of these as they will need to know you can proceed with your mortgage application. It’s worth trying, but we believe you would be far better off having on in hand.

How long does it take to get an Agreement in Principle? 

As a fast and friendly Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, one of our mortgage advisors has a track record of obtaining you an Agreement in Principle within 24 hours from the start of your initial appointment.

How long does an Agreement in Principle last?

Take your time and care when looking for that ‘dream’ property. There is plenty of time not to jump at the first house you see as an Agreement in Principle sometimes expires after the 30-90 days mark.

Need a little bit longer, no problem, our team of Mortgage Advisors in Birmingham can quickly turn around a new one once you find a property that looks right for you and is ready to put down an offer.

To counteract the feeling of disappointment if your lender comes back and declines you, we recommend getting an Agreement in Principle as early as possible to ensure you are mortgage ready for the process.

The Costs of Buying a Home in Birmingham

What costs are involved when buying a home in Birmingham?

Buying a property can be the most expensive commitment of your life, therefore, it’s important that you know exactly what you’re paying for. All of the different costs can blend into one if you’re not careful, and you may be paying more for some parts of the process than you originally thought.

Let’s take a look at how much it costs to buy a home and the costs involved with property investment.

Different Costs Mortgage Advice in Birmingham

If you’re a First Time Buyer in Birmingham, you’ll find this article particularly useful as it will break down each cost for you and show what each one means.

On the contrary, if you’re Moving Home in Birmingham, it’s still useful to remind yourself of the costs involved so that you can prepare accordingly.

Valuation Fees

Once you’ve put down an an offer on the property in Birmingham and it’s been accepted, your lender will carry out a valuation on the property to make sure that your offer matches the true value of the property. Factors that could affect your valuation include structural damage, property age, the local market, etc.

Prices will vary for the valuation will vary from free of charge to several hundred pounds. Sometimes, you will be offered one for free as the price is incorporated into another cost or it could be a bonus for taking out a certain product.

They are also different types of valuations, and you will pay more depending on which one you need. For example, if you need a full building survey as you’re purchasing an older property, you may have to pay a lot more than someone who’s bought a new build.

Mortgage Arrangement Fees

Some lenders may charge you for taking out a mortgage with them. This type of fee usually comes with the products with the cheapest rates. It’s worth mentioning that not every mortgage will come with an arrangement fee, however, when they do, you may be expected to pay a large fee, such as £999, depending on the product and lender.

You may be asked to pay this fee upfront or have the option to add these to your mortgage balance. If you choose to add them to your mortgage, you may incur further interest charges. As a Specialist Mortgage Broker in Birmingham, we can compare 1000s of mortgage products on your behalf, trying to find a suitable one for your situation with minimal additional costs.

Solicitor’s Fees

You’ll need a solicitor to arrange the legal side of the mortgage process. The fees quoted by various firms may differ enormously. An estimated amount for a low-value property would be £600. You will provide the solicitor with the new property’s address, whether it’s leasehold or freehold. You’ll also need to provide the purchase price to obtain quotations.

You need to make sure that:

• The firm includes VAT
• The cost of any “disbursements are included.” These are fees such as Land Registry Fees and Local Authority Search Fees
• Is your solicitor on your mortgage lenders panel?

Estate Agency Fees

You’ll only face estate agency fees when you are selling a home in Birmingham. Estate agency fees are rising alongside property prices; you can expect to pay between 1-2% of the property price. The minimum amount is usually £500 to sell your home. Prices may also rise when you look for a more personalised service.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a tax that the solicitor will collect upon the competition of the property purchase, in addition to your solicitor’s fees and disbursements.

More stamp duty details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax.

Broker Fees

A Mortgage Broker in Birmingham will usually charge a fee for their service. These fees will be disclosed upfront so that you know what you’re paying for and how much it’s going to cost. 

We recommend trying to use a trusted company that charges upon completion only. Avoid any application fees where your money will be at risk.

Removal Fees

The cost of moving all of your household items to another property can vary, it mainly depends on what service you want, how far you’re moving and how much stuff you have!

If you are happy to hire a van and transport your belongings to your new house by yourself, the service may cost significantly less. It can cost less than £500 in some situations. However, some people will prefer to pay for the full service and get someone to pick up their belongings and help them move. This service can be £1,000 plus.

If you want to speak to a Moving Home Mortgage Advisor in Birmingham, feel free to get in touch and book your free appointment online today.

What is a Gifted Deposit Mortgage?

One of the most important points at the start of your property journey, before you even get ready to make your purchase, is to ensure you have enough saved to cover the deposit. We regularly hear first time buyers in Birmingham that this part can sometimes be a little tricky.

Quite a common way around this, however, is for someone close to you to help you cover either a portion of the deposit or the full amount. This is called, quite aptly, a gifted deposit. In order for a gifted deposit to work, there will need to be an agreement that this is purely a gift and not a loan to be paid back.

How can a gifted deposit help get me a mortgage in Birmingham?

For many, they benefit a lot more from buying a property and obtaining their own mortgage, than they do when renting from a landlord or local authority. There are lots of reasons for this, with one being that your monthly payments could be a lot less than you might have been paying per month on rent.

If you have worked out that you’ll be able to afford these monthly mortgage payments but can’t afford the initial deposit, then this is where a gifted deposit can become useful. In some cases we even see a gifted deposit being added onto an already saved deposit, increasing the amount.

The more deposit that is put down initially, the better rates you are going to open yourself up to. This in turn offers quite the benefit to home buyers, as you are guaranteed to lower your monthly mortgage payments in doing this.

Who can gift the deposit?

We usually find that it is people’s parents, whether that be their birth parents, adopted or sometimes even carers, who are the ones that will gift a deposit. Across the industry, online and in person, you may see this with the tagline “The Bank of Mum & Dad”.

There are a few lenders out there who will possibly allow deposits to be gifted by some other family members such as aunties & uncles, though this will require your dedicated mortgage advisor to take more care when searching for the right mortgage lender to use.

If anyone over the age of 55 is willing to give you a hand, they may have the option of taking out an equity release in Birmingham as a means of gifting you a deposit.

Do your parents know you need help?

When we have our primary chats with customers who are in the situation where they are struggling to save for a deposit, we will usually ask if they are able to be gifted the deposit from someone they know.

In those instances we either hear that they didn’t even know their parents could help, or they do know but don’t feel like they can approach them about the topic.

The reality is that if they are able to do so, most parents are more than happy to help their children if they can. Inheritance can help them achieve this, with some parents opting to gift it early if they have enough saved. We have also had cases where equity release has been used to help them out.

Gifted Deposit vs Loans

Lenders are not particularly keen on working with customers who take out loans for a deposit. The reason for this is because it is an additional financial commitment that could possibly get in the way of your mortgage repayments.

It’s not like there aren’t lenders out there who will accept this, because some of them will, it just makes for a more difficult process.

Is there a maximum or minimum gifted amount?

The majority of lenders out there won’t give you a mortgage unless you have at least a 5% deposit. Some may want more than this though and is entirely dependant on the lender and the situation. Bad credit, for example, will usually mean you have to put down at least a 15% deposit.

When it comes to gifted deposits, there is usually no limit to the amount that can be gifted. As mentioned earlier, the more you have, the better the rates you open yourself up to and the more likely you are to save money on your monthly payments.

Who can benefit from a gifted deposit in Birmingham?

Gifted deposits will mostly be beneficial to a first-time buyer in Birmingham or a home mover in Birmingham. It can also be a helpful tool to use alongside the Help to Buy Scheme in Birmingham.

Depending on the lender that your mortgage advisor in Birmingham selects for you to go with, the required 5% deposit can be paid via gifted deposit.

What proof is required?

As a general rule of thumb, all mortgage lenders will require a gifted deposit form. You may be asked to provide additional proof and ID (such as a donor ID or bank statements).

This all depends on the lender that your mortgage advisor in Birmingham feels is right for you and your personal circumstances.

Gifted Deposit Mortgage Advice in Birmingham

Getting Organised for a Mortgage in Birmingham

First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice in Birmingham

Once you have gotten the hard part out of the way, that being saving up for your deposit (or if you’ve utilised a gifted deposit) and have decided you are ready to buy your first property as a first-time buyer in Birmingham.

The next step is to get yourself prepared for the mortgage process that is about to follow.

Know Where You Stand

In our experience as a mortgage advisor in Birmingham, we have found that customers benefit the most by getting in touch with a mortgage broker as early on in your process as you can.

Your dedicated advisor will help you to work out an outline of the amount you could be looking to borrow for a mortgage and how much your monthly mortgage costs could be.

Before anything else, your top priority should be to obtain an up-to-date credit report. You ideally don’t want any credit issues such as a missed phone contract payment, to hold you back from a mortgage. A credit report will be able to show you potentially harmful factors.

Following these steps will give you a realistic overview of the likelihood that you’ll succeed with a mortgage and what your budget could be. This will help you to organise your accounts, such as any existing credit cards or phone contracts.

Getting Organised For a Mortgage

Our hard working and dedicated mortgage advisors in Birmingham are able to obtain a fully credit-checked agreement in principle for you, within 24 hours of your primary mortgage appointment.

There’s a lot of important paperwork for you to gather for your process, so it’s a good idea for First Time Buyers in Birmingham to start organising what you will be required to have ahead of looking for your mortgage. In doing this, you possibly enable yourself to go through the process quicker.

Proof of ID

We need to be able to prove your identity. With this, you’ll need to provide us with some photo ID such as a driving license or passport, so that we can prove who you are.

Proof of Address

On top of this, you’ll need to prove where you are living. To achieve this, you need to send us a utility bill or original bank statement that has been dated within the last 3 months of your current home address.

Last 3 Months’ Bank Statements

One of the most important factors when seeing if you qualify for a mortgage, is analysing your income and spending habits. This can can be a big difference maker in whether or not you obtain a mortgage. Your bank statements should show your income and what you having regularly going out.

Lenders will not be too thrilled to see gambling transactions on your account. They also won’t be too happy if you go over an agreed overdraft limit or if your direct debits regularly bounce.

It’s best to plan ahead regarding your bank statements. The more organised they appear to be, the more likely you are to be accepted by a mortgage lender.

Proof of Deposit

You will have to prove you have the financial capability to pay for the deposit and also evidence where this came from for the purpose of anti-money laundering.

Try not to move money around your accounts too often as it will make auditing where everything came from a little complex. Lenders like to see you build up your savings, so you’ll need to provide individual proof for any large financial deposits into your bank account.

We regularly see that money for deposits has been given as a gift by a member of your family. The gifted deposit also need to be evidenced, with the “donor” needing to sign a letter to confirm it is a gift and not to be paid back as a loan.

Proof of Income

Regarding being able to afford a mortgage, the most important thing is to be able to prove your that you are financially capable to keep up monthly mortgage repayments.

If you are a regular employee, the proof you will be required to provide is the last 3 months’ payslips and most recent P60. Lenders can take into account frequent overtime, commission, shift allowance and any potential bonuses.

If instead you are an applicant who is self-employed in Birmingham, then you’ll need to enlist the help of your accountant. They will help you request your last 2 or 3 years’ tax overviews and tax calculations documents from HMRC, which you can use for proof of income.

A list of Your Expected Outgoings

When taking out a mortgage in Birmingham, it really is a good idea to prepare yourself ahead of the process starting. Make note of what you expect your outgoings to be after you move and work out what you are able to afford.

Factor in costs like council tax and utility bills, food, drink and leisure activities. This will demonstrate how much money you actually have free to put towards monthly mortgage repayments.

It may seem like a difficult process, but without taking the steps we mentioned above, it is not possible to proceed with any lender or broker. Once you have taken the necessary steps, you’ll be just that little bit closer to your home owning dreams.

It’s better to prepare yourself in advance, making a collection of everything a mortgage lender might wish to see. This saves both your time and frustration further along the process, especially if it’s something that could’ve easily been arranged at the start.

Self-Employed Mortgage Advice in Birmingham