Buying your first property can be both exciting and daunting; there are important decisions to make along with different criteria to be considered before you take your first steps onto the property ladder. Louise and Luke will assist you throughout the home buying process to ensure you receive the right guidance and advice.

Be Realistic

Ensure that you are realistic when working out exactly how much you can afford to spend on your new house. You should ensure the intended mortgage is affordable on a monthly basis and it is wise to seek a Decision in Principle certificate, so that you know how much you can offer once you have found a suitable property. Even a newly built house will require some sort of furnishings, whereas older properties may require extensive work, such as re-flooring, tiling or renewing the wiring. Make sure that you factor in all these likely expenses, in addition to the purchase price, and other fees such as conveyancing and stamp duty.

Help to Buy

Buying a new build house and want to utilise the government’s Help To Buy scheme?

Not sure where to start or how much you can borrow?

I have dealt with many of the major builders and developers and can offer an expert service on this type of purchase.

Best ways to Improve your Credit Score

Register on the electoral roll

If your name’s not on there, you may find that lenders can have a problem with this. You can register to vote online or by post.

Check for mistakes on your file

Even just having a slightly wrong address or name spelling can have an impact on your score. So, make sure you check all the details and report any incorrect information immediately.

Pay your bills on time

Paying on time any direct debits or credit agreements you may have is a great way to prove to lenders that you’re capable of managing finances effectively. If you have any credit cards/store cards then set up direct debits for minimum payments so you don’t accidentally miss them.

Check if you’re linked to another person

Having someone else’s credit rating linked to yours through a joint account or previous joint application could affect your personal credit rating if they have a poor score.

Check for fraudulent activity

If you spot something on your credit report that is incorrect or doesn’t apply to you then contact the credit reference agency immediately to have your file updated.

County Court Judgements (CCJs)

Receiving any court judgements for debt will have a serious impact on your credit score. If you’re having problems keeping up with payments, speak to your creditors directly or find free debt advice online.