July, 2022
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will check your credit score. Your credit score gives lenders an indication of whether or not you’re reliable with repayments. A mortgage is a loan that has to be repaid, so lenders need to know if they’re likely to be repaid or not.
A great credit score will be a tick in the box. A bad credit score can result in mortgage applications being declined. That being said, it is possible to be declined, even with a great credit score and it’s possible to secure a mortgage with bad credit.
Having a great credit score will always be advantageous. Great credit scores usually open doors to other forms of finance and can be secured at lower than average rates. This is because you’re deemed to be a reliable borrower. A credit score can determine whether or not a lender will lend to you, how much they’ll lend and at what interest rate.
Improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage is recommended. This is especially true if you’ve previously had credit issues.
Historic issues such as defaults that took place ten years ago, more than likely won’t even be acknowledged by lenders. If your credit issues are more recent, you can take the steps below to fast-track your credit score to recovery!
First things first, download a copy of your credit report. Downloading your credit report won’t leave a footprint of any kind. A footprint is only left when you actively apply for credit.
There are three main credit agencies in the UK. They are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. The majority of lenders use Experian and Equifax with a smaller number of lenders using TransUnion. We’d advise you to download reports from all three agencies as they can show different records.
If you notice any discrepancies or incorrect information on your credit reports, then be sure to inform the credit agency. Also, check that your information is all relevant and up to date, including personal details and account information. Look out for anything that seems suspicious and notify your creditor immediately. Identity fraud is a problem and many people aren’t aware until they’re affected.
The chances are you already have a bank account. If you don’t, then create one as soon as possible. You need to have a credit card or use some sort of credit facility to build up your credit history. No credit history will result in no credit score! How can a credit agency give you a score if they have no credit information for you?
You’re reading this because you want to improve your credit score, so you’ve probably already got bank accounts and have used credit cards, but at some point, a financial dip has caused your score to drop. Even having a bank account and not using your overdraft can show credit agencies that you’re financially stable.
Make sure your credit is repaid on time. Making payments on time can improve your credit score. If your credit history shows late payments or CCJs, then your credit score will be downgraded. A year of keeping your finances in shape can make all the difference in being approved or being declined a mortgage.
Being registered on the electoral roll is crucial in improving your credit score. If you’re a British citizen, this should be pretty straightforward. Being on the electoral roll is a necessity, as lenders will check to see if your given address is the same as your registered address. It’s also easier for lenders to confirm your identity.
Discrepancies with where you reside can cause implications that can simply be avoided. Boost your credit score by registering on the electoral roll as it’s perhaps the easiest and most effective way to take control of your credit file. Your address history is also important for anti-money laundering regulations.
If you’re bad with credit, this might sound like a bad idea, but using more credit facilities can really help to improve your credit score. This is because active credit enables you to make repayments. Lenders love to see previous borrowing history and how you’ve conducted yourself when repaying. Don’t overdo it though, too many accounts with a lot of outstanding credit will have an adverse effect.
If your credit is very bad and you’re unable to take out any more credit, try smaller forms of credit such as mobile phone contracts. You can also try using credit cards designed for adverse credit.
Adverse specific credit cards will have higher rates if your credit score is low, however, if utilised correctly, can be a great way to improve your credit score. Ensure your card is used every month and the balance of credit is repaid on time. The longer you have a well-managed account, the more it indicates you’re responsible with credit.
If you have credit cards that you don’t use anymore, simply close the accounts. Lenders may consider other forms of credit that are available to you. Having multiple credit cards that aren’t managed well won’t help you to improve your credit score. Having a few accounts that are squeaky clean will!
If you’re aiming to get another credit card because of adverse credit, then it may be a good idea to reshuffle your finances and close unused accounts. Stick to a few well-managed accounts, the fewer accounts the better.
Making multiple applications for credit isn’t healthy for your credit score. It also shows lenders that you’re too reliant on credit which may portray you to be financially unstable. Credit should only be used to supplement your finances, not dictate them.
Having available credit shows lenders that you don’t need to rely on credit, but it’s there for you to use. If you’re always maximising your credit allowances, the credit available to you will be limited. This can be a warning light for lenders and will reflect in your credit history.
Settling any outstanding debt can show lenders you’ve taken some financial responsibility. Outstanding debt will stay on your credit report. Although credit history usually reflects the last six years of your financial profile, settling debts can speed this process up. A settled debt shows financial recovery whereas unsettled debts can cause concern for lenders.
If you’ve lived abroad and have more credit history in a different country, you can request your credit history from a credit agency based overseas. This can be important if you’ve not been in the UK for long and wish to apply for a mortgage. The overseas credit agency can then transfer credit information to a UK credit agency.
Thinking of buying a home? Need some independent mortgage advice?
Call the team on 0121 430 4448 alternatively email enquiries@hshomesofsolihull.co.uk for more information on mortgages.
