Credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other forms of personal credit are an everyday part of financial life for all UK consumers. Looking at the figures for UK personal debt shows that Britain appears to be addicted to borrowing money and still continues obtaining more from the financial institutions. By the end of 2005 the UK personal debt levels stood at a record £1,148, with 83% of this debt consisting of secured mortgage loans. Due to the nations reliance on credit of all forms, it is extremely important to keep a close eye on your own personal financial history and keep up to date with the official credit check reports which can help prevent fraud, and make the difference between acceptance at a favourable interest rate, or outright rejection just when the money is needed the most.
In the UK there are two main credit reference agencies which hold a wide range of financial information detailing a person's continually evolving financial history, these are Experian ( http://www.experian.co.uk/>http://www.experian.co.uk/ ) and Equifax ( http://www.equifax.co.uk/>http://www.equifax.co.uk/ ). By obtaining a copy of your report from each of these sources, (as they may contain different information), you can not only check the accuracy of the information stored and look for any potentially fraudulent entries, but you can also request that any incorrect information is amended to prevent possible future credit problems.
Each lender will weigh the information contained in a person's credit file differently. However there are universal contributing factors which include:
- Electoral Roll information for a person's currently registered address. - Defaults on any financial repayment contracts, such as loans, mortgages, etc. - Employment history for mortgage, credit cards, loans, hire purchase and finance agreements. - Any County Court Judgments. - The complete amount owed and the number of credit facilities used. - The number of new credit facilities that have been applied for (both successful and unsuccessful applications). - The type of credit used. - Salary details given on the application form.
Lending organisations combine the data obtained through a credit report, along with information acquired from an application form, to produce a credit score. This score represents a measure of an applicant's likelihood to repay debts and to make any repayments on time.
If an applicant's score falls below the lenders acceptable risk threshold, or they don't fit an ideal customer profile, then the application may be completely rejected. It is also possible that a low score may result in acceptance, but at a more expensive interest rate than might usually be offered.
Some credit card providers, such as the Asda supermarket chain's finance services, now provide applicants with a copy of their credit reports with all applications, however, to obtain the best deal it is vitally important that borrowers do some shopping around. When shopping around for credit however, try to obtain as much information as possible prior to making a formal application for credit. Whenever any application for credit is made, a footprint is left on the credit record showing that a search has been made. Credit companies see lots of footprints as an indicator that the applicant may be in severe financial difficulties or even that some form of fraud may be evident. Using one of the various online financial comparison websites, such as Moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml>http://www.money net.co.uk/loans/index.shtml ), enables you to see what is on offer, and what general market rates are available, before any financial commitment or full credit search is required.
Even people who are not looking to obtain additional credit may find a credit report useful for peace of mind, and to ensure that their credit details are not being used for fraudulent applications, or as part of the growing disturbing phenomenon that is identity theft.
Disclaimer:
All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.
You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.
Useful resources:
Moneynet loan comparisons ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/>http://www.moneynet.co.uk/ ) Experian credit reference agency ( http://www.experian.co.uk/>http://www.experian.co.uk/ ) Equifax credit reference agency ( http://www.equifax.co.uk/>http://www.equifax.co.uk/ )
About the author:
Richard lives in Edinburgh, occasionally writing for the personal finance blog Cashzilla, and listens to music no one else likes.
Written by: R.Green
Showing posts with label loans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loans. Show all posts
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Lowest Interest Mortgage Refinance Loans- 3 Ways To Get A Low Rate
The lower your interest rate on your refinance mortgage, the more money you will save. But not all refinance loans are created equal. To get the lowest interest rates, follow these three tips when applying for you refinancing.
1. Refinance Your Entire Mortgage
Refinancing your entire mortgage will help you to qualify for the lowest rates. Having split mortgages or a home equity line of credit elevates your risk level and rates.
However, if you have a really good rate on one mortgage, then you may not want to combine those mortgages. Take the time to request quotes for both loan situations. Within minutes, you can get an answer from lenders and know which is your best option.
2. Don't Cash Out Your Equity
Cashing out part or all of your home's equity will also raise your refinance rates. So keep that equity in place while you apply for refinancing. It acts much like a down payment did for your original home loan. The larger your equity, the better your rates.
If you want to tap into your equity, consider applying for a separate loan after you refinance, like a home equity line of credit. That way you won't be paying a higher rate on your entire principal.
3. Lower Your Rate With Points
As with your first mortgage, you can lower your rates by buying points. This is a bit risky in that you have to keep your loan for seven years usually to recoup the cost. To make sure this is your best choice, compare lending offers. Calculate the cost of points and your potential savings.
In addition to these tips, comparison shopping will also help you get a lower interest rate. Each lender looks at refinancing applications differently, so with careful searching, you can get a better deal. Start by requesting a loan quote, then compare numbers, both interest and closing costs.
Just remember that the lowest interest rate will not always be the cheapest loan. Factor in the cost of fees to be sure you will come out on top, especially if you plan to sell or refinance in a couple of years.
About the author:
Carrie Reeder offers advice about Refina nce Mortgage Loans Online. View our Recommended Lowest Rate Mtg Refinance Lenders Online.
Written by: Carrie Reeder
1. Refinance Your Entire Mortgage
Refinancing your entire mortgage will help you to qualify for the lowest rates. Having split mortgages or a home equity line of credit elevates your risk level and rates.
However, if you have a really good rate on one mortgage, then you may not want to combine those mortgages. Take the time to request quotes for both loan situations. Within minutes, you can get an answer from lenders and know which is your best option.
2. Don't Cash Out Your Equity
Cashing out part or all of your home's equity will also raise your refinance rates. So keep that equity in place while you apply for refinancing. It acts much like a down payment did for your original home loan. The larger your equity, the better your rates.
If you want to tap into your equity, consider applying for a separate loan after you refinance, like a home equity line of credit. That way you won't be paying a higher rate on your entire principal.
3. Lower Your Rate With Points
As with your first mortgage, you can lower your rates by buying points. This is a bit risky in that you have to keep your loan for seven years usually to recoup the cost. To make sure this is your best choice, compare lending offers. Calculate the cost of points and your potential savings.
In addition to these tips, comparison shopping will also help you get a lower interest rate. Each lender looks at refinancing applications differently, so with careful searching, you can get a better deal. Start by requesting a loan quote, then compare numbers, both interest and closing costs.
Just remember that the lowest interest rate will not always be the cheapest loan. Factor in the cost of fees to be sure you will come out on top, especially if you plan to sell or refinance in a couple of years.
About the author:
Carrie Reeder offers advice about Refina nce Mortgage Loans Online. View our Recommended Lowest Rate Mtg Refinance Lenders Online.
Written by: Carrie Reeder
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