It is essential to find out how much you can realistically expect to achieve for the sale of you own property so you can factor in how much equity you have in your property for your next purchase. It is strongly advised to obtain three valuations from local reputable estate agents to ensure the price you are asking for your home is accurate. Our sister company Stanford Estate Agents are able to offer free appraisals on your home and further details can be obtained from www.stanfordestateagents.co.uk

It is essential to ensure you are in the very best position to buy your next home prior to searching for your new home. It is therefore strongly advised you find out how much you can borrow first to ensure that if you find you next home you are best placed to make a successful offer for the property and presenting your position in the best possible light. Reputable Estate Agents have a duty of care to the sellers of the property to ensure that the buyer has their finances in place in order to proceed with the purchase. If you do not have the relevant decision in principle from your chosen lender, this may delay the negotiation process for your dream home leaving it on the market for other prospective buyers to view and potentially purchase.

What type of Mortgage product is best for my needs?

Fixed rate: This type of mortgage has a fixed interest rate for a set period with typical period ranging from two to five years and right through to 10 years in some cases. These offer the advantage of a set repayment amount but can leave you paying more if interest rates were to fall. At the end of the fixed period you will be automatically placed on the lender’s standard rate (SVR) once the fixed rate period ends.

Variable rate: Usually the lender’s standard mortgage. The interest rate varies according to market circumstances. The Bank Of England’s base rate has an influence to how the lender set their rates but the lender ultimately controls the rates they charge.

Capped Rate: These are similar to a variable rate mortgage, but with an upper capped limit in place to the mortgage rate which guarantees that your mortgage rate will not go higher than a pre agreed rate.

Tracker: The interest rates on this type of mortgage are pinned to a base level – usually the Bank of England base rate. The rate you pay will be a fixed amount above the base rate and will change in line with the bank of England’s base rate changes.

Offset: This is a combination of mortgage and savings account. Interest is only due on the difference between your savings and the outstanding mortgage balance. A guaranteed ability to repay an amount means that the lender is taking less of a risk and can pass those benefits on.

Flexible: With this mortgage type, you can make larger repayments when it is suitable. Once you have overpaid, you can then choose to make lower payments temporarily if you need to in the future. This flexibility offers an ability to manage your repayments to suit your financial needs.

It is easy to run up debts in various different places – an overdraft, credit cards, personal loans – all at a higher interest rate than your mortgage. The idea of consolidating debts is to put all your debts in one place with the lowest rate of interest. You can remortgage to increase the size of your mortgage and use the extra money to repay your other debts.

There is a lot to consider before you decide to proceed with consolidation because there are downsides:

although the interest rate may be lower, you’ll be paying off your remortgage for many years to come, including the amount you have added for your other loans. It can help you out of today’s difficulties but you will pay more in the long run.

Your remortgage is secured against your property so, if you fail to keep up the remortgage payments, you could be repossessed and lose your home as opposed to a personal loan or credit card.

Always take advice before consolidating your debts. Our specialist advisers are on hand to talk further with you.