Introduction to Mortgage Credit Checks
Navigating the complex financial environment can be intimidating, particularly when trying to secure a mortgage with less-than-stellar credit history. One fundamental aspect of this journey and the mortgage application process is understanding the mortgage credit check, a tool lenders use to evaluate your financial credibility.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the multifaceted world of mortgage credit checks, their implications and actionable strategies to increase your score and improve chances of securing a mortgage loan.
Understanding the Basics: What is a Mortgage Credit Check?
Credit checks for mortgage applications are conducted by lenders to assess your creditworthiness and your ability to repay a loan. They’re an integral component of the application process and enable providers to assess applicants as thoroughly as possible before proceeding with loan approvals.
Credit checks involve conducting an in-depth review of your credit report, which contains details regarding past and present agreements, payment history, and any financial missteps or errors you have committed. Understanding what a mortgage application credit check entails and why it matters could make all the difference between acceptance and rejection.
For example, if you have always been prompt in paying your credit card bills, this will positively reflect in your credit report. On the other hand, missed payments or defaults would tarnish your credit file, making lenders more hesitant to approve your mortgage application.
Diving Deeper: Hard and Soft Credit Checks Explained
Understanding the difference between hard and soft credit check mortgage footprints is essential when applying for a mortgage. Both types of checks serve different purposes and have varying impacts on your credit score.
Hard Credit Checks
A hard credit check also known as a hard credit search is a comprehensive review of your credit file. Notably, it leaves a lasting ‘footprint’ on your credit report, which can be viewed by other financial institutions. This type of check can slightly lower your credit score, particularly if you have multiple hard searches within a brief period. However, for consumer protection, multiple hard checks performed within a 14 to 45-day window are typically treated as a single inquiry when you’re shopping for mortgage rates.
Soft Credit Checks
On the other hand, a soft credit check also known as a soft search is a less intrusive review that doesn’t affect your credit score or leave a visible footprint on your credit report. Mortgage providers often perform soft search mortgage checks to get a preliminary understanding of your creditworthiness before conducting a full hard check.
The Ramifications: Impact of Bad Credit on Your Mortgage Application
An adverse credit history can make securing a mortgage more challenging, but it shouldn’t be seen as an insurmountable obstacle. Lenders will consider several factors when reviewing your application – from the severity of credit issues when they occurred and your management of finances since these events took place – when making their determination.
Additionally, certain lenders specialize in offering mortgages to those with poor credit. These lenders recognize that every financial situation differs and will work closely with you to develop a solution tailored specifically for you.
For instance, if your credit file was tarnished five years ago due to financial challenges but has since been in order, certain lenders may consider your application for a mortgage regardless of any past missteps.
Delving into the Details: The Influence of Your Credit Score on Mortgage Rates
Your credit score plays a key role in determining the interest rates when borrowing money on a mortgage loan. A higher score typically results in more desirable mortgage rates while lower scores can cause higher interest rates or even outright denial of the loan.
lenders use your credit score as a risk indicator. A high credit score indicates you’re less likely to default on future mortgage loans; conversely, low scores suggest difficulty making timely repayments, making you a higher-risk borrower.
For example: Let’s say Person A has a credit score of 850 and Person B has one of 600, it is likely that Person A will be offered a lower mortgage interest rate.
The Path to Improvement: Strategies for Enhancing Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score won’t happen overnight, but there are various strategies that can get you on the right path:
- Register on the electoral roll: Registering can provide an extra boost to your credit score, giving a significant improvement to it. It doesn’t take long, register on the electoral roll here >
- Regularly review your credit report: Make sure to check your credit report for errors. Dispute any inaccuracies you find with the creditor immediately.
- Always pay your bills on time: Consistently meeting your financial obligations demonstrates to lenders that you’re a responsible borrower.
- Reduce debt: Paying down debts can positively affect your own credit report and score.
- Avoid making multiple credit applications: Too many hard credit searches in a short period can negatively impact your score.
Adopting these five steps can increase a minimum credit score, thereby increasing your chances of securing a mortgage on favourable terms.
Your Credit History: Understanding UK Mortgage Credit Reference Agencies
There are four main credit reference agencies in the UK which we delve into here:
1) Experian
Experian is one of the leading credit reference agencies in the UK, providing lenders with comprehensive reports about potential borrowers’ credit histories – from financial history and current credit amounts, missed payments and length of history, through to any missed payments and length of history. Lenders use this data to assess creditworthiness and make lending decisions.
Experian’s CreditExpert service gives consumers access to their credit ratings and scores, providing insights into factors that might be impacting them and providing strategies to improve them.
Experian Credit Scores
- Very Low: 0 – 560
- Low: 561 – 720
- Fair: 721 – 880
- Good: 881 – 960
- Excellent: 961 – 999
2) Equifax
Equifax continues to be a key credit reference agency in the UK, offering comprehensive credit reports that contain crucial details about a consumer’s credit behaviour. These reports contain details about current and past credit agreements, any missed payments, as well as public records such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) or bankruptcies.
Equifax also offers an online platform where consumers can gain access to their credit reports and scores, helping them assess their situation and take steps to enhance it before applying for a mortgage loan.
Equifax Credit Scores
- Very Low: 0 – 438
- Low: 439 – 530
- Fair: 531 – 670
- Good: 671 – 810
- Excellent: 811 – 1000
3) TransUnion (formerly Callcredit)
TransUnion, previously known as Callcredit, is the third main credit reference agency in the UK. Like Experian and Equifax, TransUnion provides detailed credit reports to lenders to help them make informed lending decisions.
TransUnion’s unique offering to consumers is the Noddle service, which provides free access to their credit record and score. Inspecting your TransUnion report before applying for a mortgage may help identify areas for improvement and increase your odds of approval.
As each agency may contain slightly different information about you, it’s wise to check all three reports prior to applying for a mortgage loan. Doing this will give a comprehensive picture of your credit status and enable you to address any discrepancies among them.
Or let Checkmyfile look at all three!
TransUnion Credit Scores
- Very Low: 0 – 550
- Low: 551 – 565
- Fair: 566 – 603
- Good: 604 – 627
- Excellent: 628 – 710
4) Crediva
The UK credit reference agency Crediva specialises in alternative credit scoring models. It provides credit risk assessments for individuals who may be considered high risk due to a lack of previous credit score or inadequate credit history. Crediva’s approach combines technology, alternative data, and advanced scoring analytics to serve a more diverse range of the UK population. It offers a Statutory Credit Report detailing the financial history of your credit and public records. Crediva also provides guidance on improving credit chances and resources for identity protection.
We currently do not know the credit score ranges for Crediva as they are not shown on their website. It’s advisable to contact Crediva directly for this information.
Introducing the power of Checkmyfile
Checkmyfile provides comprehensive multi-agency credit reports, drawing data from all four major UK agencies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Crediva.
The modern approach to checking your credit history offers a line-by-line comparison of credit data, identity protection tools, and a support team for customer queries. Users can track their history of credit, understand score influencers, and rectify incorrect financial associations. The service offers a 30-day free trial, (then £14.99 monthly a month, cancel anytime), and is also highly rated on Trustpilot.
Learn more about Checkmyfile UK or alternately get your FREE credit report here >
What does a credit report show?
UK credit reports are overseen by credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These entities gather and organise data about a person’s credit account from a variety of sources such as banks, lending institutions, and public registries. The data commonly present in a UK credit rating, particularly for a mortgage application, typically involves:
- Personal Details: This section incorporates data such as your name, residential address, date of birth, and electoral roll details.
- Credit Histories: This portion outlines details about your credit engagements including mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and overdrafts. It carries details about the lender, account number, commencement date, credit limit, and remaining balance.
- Payment Track Record: This section discloses data about your payment habits, for instance, whether your monthly repayments have been timely or if there were any instances of delayed or missed payments.
- Financial Connections: Any financial ties with other people, like a joint mortgage or a shared bank account, will also be reflected in this section.
- Public Records: This section carries details about any public records like bankruptcies, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), County Court Judgments (CCJs), and insolvencies.
- Electoral Roll Data: This data confirms your registration on the electoral roll, aiding in validating your address history and identity.
- Credit Inquiries: As suggested earlier, this section displays a log of entities or individuals who have viewed your credit record. It encompasses both hard and soft inquiries.
Bear in mind that the specific layout and data enclosed in a UK credit record can differ among various credit reference agencies. Consequently, it’s advisable to reach out to the relevant credit reference agency or lender for the most precise and current details concerning credit reports for mortgage applications in the UK.
FAQs: Commonly asked questions about credit checks
Should I do a credit check before applying for a mortgage?
Absolutely, conducting a credit check before applying for a mortgage loan is definitely advised. This process enables you to comprehend your credit standing, discover potential inaccuracies, and estimate your potential for mortgage approval. It empowers you with insights to make informed decisions and evade possible denials.
What do they check on a credit check for a mortgage?
A credit examination for a mortgage scrutinises various aspects of your credit rating. This includes an assessment of your repayment habits, outstanding credit obligations, duration of credit history, diversity of credit types, and the proportion of credit utilisation.
How far back do they check your credit for a mortgage?
Mortgage lenders usually review your credit activities spanning the last six to seven years. However, certain severe issues like bankruptcies and foreclosures may still be considered even if they occurred beyond this timeframe.
Does a mortgage credit check affect your score?
Indeed, a hard credit check for mortgage applications might momentarily reduce your credit score by a few points. Nevertheless, multiple checks within a short span are generally recognised as a singular inquiry.
Is a mortgage credit check soft or hard?
The preliminary credit check might be a soft inquiry, which leaves your score unaffected. Nonetheless, once you officially apply, lenders execute a hard credit check that may impact your credit score.
What credit check do mortgage lenders use in the UK?
Mortgage providers s in the UK utilise data from credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to evaluate your creditworthiness. These agencies supply a comprehensive report of your credit past.
What is a soft search for a mortgage?
A soft search, also known as a soft credit check, is an initial review of your credit report that leaves no trace. It offers lenders a snapshot of your creditworthiness without influencing your credit score.
What comes up on a soft credit search?
A soft credit search reveals fundamental credit data such as your repayment track record and active credit agreements. However, it doesn't disclose in-depth details and is not noticeable to other lenders.
Can mortgage companies see soft inquiries?
No, soft inquiries remain confidential to you on your credit report. They are invisible to mortgage companies and other lenders.
Does soft credit check affect mortgage?
Soft credit checks do not harm your credit score or impede your ability to secure a mortgage as they are not disclosed to lenders.
Can mortgage lenders see soft searches?
Soft searches are hidden from a mortgage provider. They are recorded on your credit file but do not affect your credit score or subsequent credit applications.
The Role of a Mortgage Broker in Securing a Mortgage
Navigating the mortgage application process can be complex, particularly if you have bad credit. That’s where mortgage brokers are worth their weight in gold.
Mortgage brokers such as YesCanDo Money have access to a wide variety of lenders (in fact over 90) and can recommend the best options suited to your situation and get you the best mortgage deals. An experienced mortgage broker can guide you through the application procedure, help you understand credit checks when getting a mortgage, and provide advice on getting a good credit score.
The Expert’s Opinion: Insights from Financial Advisors
Financial advisors bring years of expertise to the table, making their insights invaluable when navigating the application process. Grant Humphries, a CeMAP-certified mortgage and protection adviser at YesCanDo Money, highlights the importance of understanding your credit history before applying for a mortgage.
“Getting to know your credit report is crucial,” says Grant. “Not only can you dispute any inaccuracies, but you can also identify areas of improvement. Then, you can work on rectifying those issues before submitting your mortgage application. This significantly improves your chances of a successful application.”
Concluding on credit checks when getting a mortgage
While the prospect of a credit check for mortgage applicants can appear daunting, understanding its purpose and working can alleviate the apprehension. Bad credit doesn’t necessarily preclude you from obtaining a mortgage. With careful planning, smart financial decisions, and help from a mortgage broker, you can boost your credit score, find the ideal mortgage lender (including bad credit lenders) and increase your chances of securing one.
Everyone’s credit situation varies, and what works for one individual may not work for the next. We always recommend seeking professional advice tailored specifically to your personal circumstances. Learn how to prepare for a mortgage here or browse our extensive range of mortgage advice guides. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of getting a mortgage or have queries about your credit report, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced team YesCanDo for helpful advice.
