I’ve been sharing my top 10 tips to help ensure you get a ‘yes’ when it comes to applying for a mortgage to buy your dream home.
This is common sense advice to help you avoid some of the pitfalls that can affect the decision when you make your application.

Just in case you have missed any of the 10 here they are, in full:

1. Ensure your credit score is correct. Go through one of the credit reference agencies like Experian and make sure the information they are holding about you is correct. One in four credit ratings is incorrect and can affect your chances of getting that mortgage. If something is wrong, get it put right!
2. Make sure you are on the electoral register. Contact your local authority and make sure you are registered to vote, at your current address. Again, this can harm your mortgage chances as lenders can’t confirm who you are and where you live…
3. Try to be sensible with your money for at least three months before you make your application. Remember, you are trying to demonstrate that you can manage your finances properly so make sure your bank statements don’t show too much irresponsible spending.
4. Stay in the black! Above all, keep your current account in credit. If you are forever going overdrawn, the lender will think you are a poor risk and unlikely to keep up your payments.
5. Pay off your credit and debit cards bills if you can or at least demonstrate a clean record of keeping up your payments.
6. Avoid gambling… It may sound odd, but a gambling habit that shows up on your bank statement is likely to make lenders run a mile!
7. Try to avoid too many credit applications. All your searches for credit deals are recorded on your credit report and if you make too many, it will look to the lender that you have problems. Avoid any new credit deals for up to six months before making your mortgage application.
8. Look at all the offers available – don’t just plump for the first headline-grabbing deal that you spot. There are lots of different mortgages, suitable for people at different stages in their lives – which is why people come to see me for help through the mortgage maze!
9. Work out what you can afford. If you set out knowing what you spend every week, every month and every year – add in something for unexpected bills (a rainy day fund if you like) then see what you can manage, without stretching yourself. It will work out best in the long run
10. Get proper advice – well I would say that wouldn’t I. But seriously, this is a big decision and one that you want to make sure you get right. Find an advisor you trust who can help you get the right mortgage for your circumstances!