7 Self-Employed Mortgage Pitfalls to Avoid
The decision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to outlaw Self-certification Mortgages in 2014 initially made it more difficult for the self-employed to secure Limited Company Director Mortgage mortgages.
Some people who are self-employed may find it difficult to provide official proofs of their income. However, it is not impossible for self-employed individuals to access a mortgage. All that is needed is a little more accountability and organisation in the self-employed person’s business account records, this is so that a lender who does use programs such as lead management software for mortgage, may view you as a suitable candidate for a loan.
It will be helpful also to take note of these factors which can affect their eligibility for the loan, and being able to provide all the below to the mortgage broker will greatly help the application:
1 – Bad credit rating
Seemingly simple actions like using personal credit cards for business expenses can have a significant negative impact on your credit score. This can make it challenging for business owners to qualify for a mortgage, as lenders may hesitate to lend to such borrowers. Before applying for a mortgage, take steps to improve your credit rating as much as possible. Keep in mind that your mortgage broker will likely need to access your credit score, so it’s essential to have it in good shape. Additionally, you can seek assistance from a team of experts with extensive knowledge of the mortgage market place like those at primemortgagesolutions.co.uk. They tend to offer personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, and might be able to connect you with lenders who may be willing to work with individuals with less-than-perfect credit.
2 – Inaccurate paperwork
Unfortunately, some individuals encounter setbacks in their mortgage applications due to inconsistencies in their business account documents. To mitigate the risk of errors and enhance the precision of these crucial documents, it is highly advisable to enlist the expertise of a seasoned accountant. A knowledgeable accountant penrith, or in your city, can meticulously review and scrutinize financial records, identifying and rectifying any discrepancies before embarking on the mortgage application process. Seeking the services of a reputable accountant plays a pivotal role in fortifying the foundation of your business finance, increasing the likelihood of a successful mortgage application.
3 – Outstanding/bad debts
Outstanding debts make lenders baulk on granting a mortgage. Bad debts set off alarms which alert them of the likelihood of the borrower’s inability to repay the mortgage in the future. All debts should be settled before applying for a mortgage, except for normal bank / car loans.
4 – Too many mortgage applications
This gives the impression of desperation to credit agencies who interpret the multiple mortgage-related queries as the inability of the borrower to secure a decent deal. It negatively affects the credit score and thus further reduces the self-employed person’s ability to secure a loan.
5 – Invisibility on the electoral commission database
Sometimes, lenders run a background check with the electoral commission as one of the requirements of accepting an application. Understandably, they want to be sure that the borrower is actively involved in the system and not just some “ghost” without a trace.
An application may be rejected if the borrower fails to meet this requirement. Make sure you’re on the electoral roll – your credit score will also improve because of it.
6 – Lack of a qualified financial accountant
Shoddily prepared account statements make it impossible for the lender to properly track and interpret financial information. It is in the best interest of the business owner to employ a professional who will handle financial records.
Without mincing words, this point under discussion is the reason why many self-employed people find it difficult to secure mortgages. The cost of hiring a financial accountant to prepare accurate account records that the lender can refer to is well worth it.
7 – Over-reliance on the company’s accountant
While it is good to have a financial accountant handle financial records, negligence in getting acquainted with the finances of one’s business will be counter-productive.
Think about it this way: if you do not understand your own business’ finance, why should the lender trust you with their own money.
Finally, get the following documents handy:
- Account statements for the past 90 days.
- Account statements for all your asset and investment accounts.
- Paperwork revealing residential history dating back to the last two years.
- Bank account statement as proof that there is a fund available to make a deposit.
- Personal ID.