Chris Borthwick asked:




It has never been harder than at the moment to get a mortgage with the current economic state. This guide has been created to provide practical tips to anyone looking to get a mortgage whether it’d be for a London or Aberdeen mortgage or anywhere in between.

Borrowing

First things first, you need to see how much you can borrow, generally mortgage lenders will allow you to borrow three times your salary or if you are buying with someone else it will likely be two and a half times of the joint salary.

There are other options to consider so don’t worry if you can’t afford to buy your ideal home using the above methods. One option lenders offer is to allow two people to buy together giving three times the salary of the larger salary and one times the lesser. Other options include if you want to rent a room out you can add this income to your salary before income assessments are calculated. It is worth searching the market to see what options lenders are offering as they often change, using a mortgage broker will help you search the market without the hassle.

Final tip for borrowing – been honest! If you hide information on debt or county court judgements held when you take a mortgage it can come back to affect you greatly, later on.

Deposits

Banks are being understandably more careful with their lending. The size of the deposit makes a huge difference not only in terms of being able to acquire a mortgage but at a decent rate. Larger deposits are needed to secure a mortgage so if you can hold on a little longer, save up a bigger deposit it will save you money in the long run. Many work overtime or take a second job and/or live at home to save money as quickly as possible. Bigger deposit -means a much better deal.

Although there are no 100% or 125% mortgages on the market as at time of writing (and unlikely soon) you do have the Family Equity Loan Plan mortgage where a parent or close family relative will take an equity stake in the property when paying for part of the home.

If you are in Scotland you also have the option of the new LIFT mortgage scheme were the government will take a stake in the property, allowing you to get that property of your dreams.

Mortgage Broker

Using the services of a mortgage broker is a good place to start. A good mortgage broker will search the whole of the market to ensure you find the best deal available whether it’d be for an Aberdeen Mortgage, London or anywhere else in the UK.

Walter

Brian K asked:


Here is the run down; A friend bought a home in 1980 for $45,000, he put $15,000 down. The mortgage was perfect for over two decades, the payment was not even $300 a month. he thought the mortgage would be over in 2010. Within the last 5 years things have made a turn for the worst. His wife has done things to the mortgage and he does not understand what has been done, nor is he being told what has happened. Essentially, the mortgage debt now stands at $73,000 and the past two years has paid very little off the total debt, it seems all that is being paid is interest and a small amount at that. So what has happened, what has she done? What amount likely was taken out in a Equity Loan and was a refinance done? What can I tell him to help him and what can be done. This is in New York State as well.
She did trick him into signing docs once, he is a man who doesnt know english well and just goes to work everyday, this is all he has known for the last 35 years. Now he has this BIG problem at age 63 and wonders how to fix it.

Mike

Brian K asked:


Here is the run down; A friend bought a home in 1980 for $45,000, he put $15,000 down. The mortgage was perfect for over two decades, the payment was not even $300 a month. he thought the mortgage would be over in 2010. Within the last 5 years things have made a turn for the worst. His wife has done things to the mortgage and he does not understand what has been done, nor is he being told what has happened. Essentially, the mortgage debt now stands at $73,000 and the past two years has paid very little off the total debt, it seems all that is being paid is interest and a small amount at that. So what has happened, what has she done? What amount likely was taken out in a Equity Loan and was a refinance done? What can I tell him to help him and what can be done. This is in New York State as well.
Not playing dumb, his wife tricked him into believing something else was taking place. His english is not the greatest nor is his understanding of the US ways. His thing is to wake up early go to work, all he knows for the last 35 years.

Jessie