Can I Remortgage in Sheffield to Pay Off Debt?

As homeowners approach the end of their mortgage term, they have various options available to them. The most common choice is to remortgage in Sheffield, where a new mortgage is taken out to replace the old one, often with a better deal.

Not everyone wants to secure a better deal. Some homeowners opt to remortgage in Sheffield for the purpose of releasing equity or making home improvements, while others consider product transfers as an alternative to remortgaging.

Product transfers involve staying with the current mortgage lender but switching to a new mortgage product with them.

Another frequently encountered option is a debt consolidation remortgage in Sheffield. By consolidating unsecured debts like credit cards and loans into a single, more manageable mortgage payment, homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses.

Securing unsecured debt against your home is a complicated process that usually requires expert guidance. It is always advisable to seek professional mortgage advice in Sheffield before proceeding with a debt consolidation remortgage.

How can I pay my debts by remortgaging in Sheffield?

In order to consolidate your debts through a remortgage in Sheffield, your mortgage advisor in Sheffield will assess your eligibility based on the equity available in your home. Equity represents the difference between the value of your property and your current mortgage balance.

It is essential to have enough equity in your property to support this type of remortgage, just as with a remortgage in Sheffield to release equity.

In this scenario, you will use a lump sum to pay off your unsecured loan debts, and these costs will be added to your mortgage balance, extending your repayment term.

This extended term means you will end up paying more interest over time, resulting in higher overall payments than before. It is important that you carefully consider the long-term impact of this approach and seek expert mortgage advice in Sheffield before you go any further with it.

Can you remortgage in Sheffield early?

The viability of remortgaging in Sheffield before the end of your term, entirely depends on how far along you are. Generally, homeowners will start the remortgage process six months ahead of time, so that their new deal starts when the old one ends.

Remortgaging in Sheffield earlier than this may come at a significant cost, as there may be early repayment charges to contend with. For instance, if you’re only two years into a five-year fixed-rate mortgage, you’re likely to face an early repayment charge if you choose to remortgage earlier.

While it may be a viable option in some situations, it’s important to remember that you’d be forfeiting your current, likely cheaper mortgage deal, and the money spent on the ERC could be used to pay off your debts.

Before considering an early remortgage, it’s essential to take expert mortgage advice from a mortgage advisor in Sheffield. They can help you determine whether this is the best option for your unique situation or whether an alternative, such as a further advance, may be a better choice.

Are you able to take out a further advance?

A further advance is a type of additional borrowing that allows you to borrow more money from your current mortgage lender, typically at a different interest rate than your primary mortgage.

Although it can be used for home improvements, it may not be the best option for debt consolidation since you are securing additional debt to your home. This means that if you are unable to keep up with payments, you risk falling into arrears and potentially facing repossession.

A further advance can be a viable option if you are not yet eligible for a remortgage in Sheffield, such as if you are still within your fixed or introductory period. It can provide a means of paying off your debts and spreading your costs across your mortgage term with lower interest rates than a personal loan.

To determine if a further advance is the best option for you, it is recommended to speak with a mortgage broker in Sheffield who can assess all available options.

The Pros & Cons to Remortgaging in Sheffield to Pay Off Debt

Like any mortgage options, remortgaging in Sheffield to consolidate debts has both it’s benefits and risks.

The most significant advantage is that it can lower your overall monthly payments by merging your credit providers’ payments into one manageable mortgage payment, however, increasing your mortgage amount means that you will pay back more over a longer period.

This could free up more disposable income or allow you to overpay on your mortgage if it is appropriate. It is important to note that consolidating your debt may be more expensive in the long run since you will pay the lower interest rate for a more extended period.

Moreover, consolidating your unsecured loans puts your home at significant risk since these loans are now secured against it. If you miss any payments, you could face the possibility of repossession.

Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the risks and benefits before opting for a remortgage in Sheffield to consolidate debt. Is the potential loss of a family home worth consolidating your debts? It would be better to speak with a mortgage advisor in Sheffield before making any decisions.

Should I remortgage in Sheffield to pay debt?

At the end of the day, this ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. Although it can be a risky move, it can also provide significant benefits and help you improve your financial situation.

Before making any decisions, it is important to get mortgage advice in Sheffield from a qualified mortgage expert. Our mortgage advisors in Sheffield are available for a free mortgage appointment to discuss your options and recommend alternatives if there are any available.

You should think carefully before securing other debts against your home. By adding your unsecured debts to your mortgage, which is secured on your home, you are potentially putting your home at risk if you cannot make the required repayments.

Although the total monthly cost of servicing your debt may have reduced, the total cost of repayment may still have risen as the term of your mortgage is longer than it may have taken to repay the debts originally.

What is a Tracker Mortgage?

Tracker Mortgages in Sheffield

Tracker mortgages are just one of the many different types of mortgages out there. Some mortgages will be more beneficial to you than others, it entirely depends on your personal and financial situation. Just because a Tracker Mortgage is perfect for someone else, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be right for you.

As a mortgage broker in Sheffield, we recommend that you enquire or do your research first before taking out any products. You need to make sure that it benefits your circumstances. If you get locked into a deal that isn’t right for you, you may have to wait until the end of your fixed term to switch products or research your option for a Remortgage in Sheffield.

In this article, a Tracker Mortgage will be the primary focus, looking at how it works and why it may be a good option for you. Feel free to watch our Tacker Mortgage YouTube video below, where Malcolm explains what Tracker Mortgages are and the pros and cons that come with them:

What is a Tracker Mortgage?

When you take out a Tracker Mortgage, you’ll be tracking the Bank of England’s base interest rate percentage. This percentage will be used to work out your mortgage payments.

Usually, on top of the tracked percentage, your lender may add another percentage to slightly further increase your interest rate. The extra percentage of interest that they add is normally around 1%-2%. So, your interest rate should always be another percentage over the Bank of England’s.

How can a Tracker Mortgage help me?

Since a Tracker Mortgage tracks your interest rate percentage from the Bank of England, if their base rate is low, then your mortgage payments should be lower. Typically, their base rate lies around the 0%-1% mark, however, this will change month to month.

During the credit crunch crisis in 2008, the Bank of England’s interest rate shot right up. It even reached 5% at one point, which meant that customers were potentially paying their mortgage with a 6% interest rate. We all thought that a similar situation would happen again during the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, although, this time the rates went down. If you had a Tracker Mortgage in this period, you’d be tracking the Bank of England’s base rate at 0.1%! At the time, you couldn’t take out a Tracker Mortgage as the rates were too good to be true. Lenders would be losing money if they kept handing them out.

A Tracker Mortgage can be a gamble sometimes. You’re depending on the economy performing well so that your base rate maintains its percentage. The base rate may fluctuate now and again, however, in most cases, it should stay at a similar rate.

Your mortgage options in Sheffield

There are lots of different types of mortgages, and some will be much more beneficial to you than others. It all comes down to your personal and financial situation.

If you want to find out more about Tracker Mortgages and how they work, feel free to get in touch with our brilliant team. If you want to discuss your other mortgage options, that’s completely fine too!

Our mortgage advisors in Sheffield have been helping first time buyers in Sheffield, home movers and people looking to remortgage for over 20 years now – we know what we’re doing.

Book your own free mortgage appointment online today and we can discuss all of your mortgage options in Sheffield.

What is a Mortgage Illustration in Sheffield?

Whether you’re a First Time Buyer in Sheffield, a Home Mover or a Landlord looking to invest in a Buy to Let in Sheffield, there will be a point in the mortgage process where you will come across a mortgage illustration. Your dedicated Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield will bring this up once they have presented you with a suitable product.

A mortgage illustration is exactly what it sounds like. It outlines your mortgage product and goes into detail so that you are aware of all of the costs involved, your term length and how much you will be paying each month.

You will be presented with a mortgage illustration before you submit your application to your mortgage lender. This part of the process cannot be skipped.

What is included in a mortgage illustration?

During a run-through of your mortgage illustration, you will look at the costs of taking out the mortgage product. These costs include mortgage repayments, your lender, broker and sometimes valuation fees.

However, these do not cover solicitor fees and insurances, they are separate. It will only cover the mortgage and what’s included.

There will also be details of your chosen lender and Mortgage Broker in Sheffield. This includes legalities and general information too.

Do I have to agree to your mortgage recommendation?

You are under no obligation to take out your mortgage recommendation. Your Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield will be open and honest with you and make you are of this. In the rare occurrence that you are unhappy with your product recommendation, your advisor can try and find you another deal.

You also have the right to walk away if you want to. You will avoid paying broker fees, as we only charge on results, however, you will not be able to continue with the deal that we found you.

Does going through a mortgage illustration guarantee me a mortgage?

You are never guaranteed a mortgage. A mortgage illustration is simply an outline of your mortgage deal and the costs and details that come with it. Your Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield can present you with a mortgage illustration before submitting your application with you.

After outlining the mortgage product, if you are happy with the deal, you will then be able to start preparing your mortgage application.

Your advisor will have previously measured your eligibility and affordability before your free mortgage appointment, therefore, you will just need to provide evidential documents to support your income.

Is a mortgage illustration the same as an agreement in principle?

A mortgage illustration and a mortgage agreement in principle are not the same. A mortgage agreement is issued after your appointment and confirms whether your lender is willing to lend to you. These come in handy before making an offer on a property.

For further Mortgage Advice in Sheffield, make sure to book your free mortgage appointment online. We have slots available 7 days a week, mornings and evenings.

What Are The Main Reasons People Decide To Move House?

Moving Home Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

Many people find the moving home to be a stressful, time consuming and costly experience, however, it’s process people do decide to go through. It could be for many reasons like a lack of space, a career change or a change in scenery. Below is the most popular reasons why people move and relocate to Sheffield.

Bigger living space

This can be a common reason amongst First Time Buyers in Sheffield as they usually start with a smaller property due to living either on their own or with another person. Then they find in the future they need a bigger space due to personal changes in their lives.

It could be that you are looking to start a family and need more room which could lead to them wanting to look for a bigger home.

Alternatively, you might enjoy your current home so look to raise capital by taking out a remortgage to fund home improvements, like a building extension, conversion or a home office in instead of Moving Home in Sheffield.

We do find the remortgage option to be a popular one, in particular, with growing families as this gives them the opportunity to have that extra bit of space whilst staying in a house they have grown attached to through the years.

Another reason why people take out a remortgage for home improvements is to increase the property’s value. This can be beneficial in the future if you are looking to turn a significant profit from the sale.

Change of scenery

If you are looking for a change in scenery, moving home can be perfect for this and can be the top reason why homeowners look to move.

First Time Buyers commonly choose this option because they were likely to have a limited budget so go for a lower end property. Due to having a higher income, they now have the opportunity to live in a more prosperous location.

Family & friends

A different location may open up the opportunity to be closer to both their friends and family. This usually occurs when couples start having a family.

Being close to family can be helpful when it comes to childcare. With many private nurseries being expensive, it can be handier for parents to seek help from their families for childcare.

Speak to a Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield

When it comes to Moving Home in Sheffield, you will need to have a rough idea of the cost of moving home. Speaking to a Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield would help with finding out how much you would be able to borrow which will give you an estimated quote on what your monthly payments could be.

For more information, contact us today and we will connect you with a knowledgeable remortgage advisor in Sheffield.

Can I Have Two Mortgages in Sheffield?

Second Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

Depending on your income, affordability and the amount of equity built up inside your property, you may be able to take out a second mortgage.

People take out a second mortgage for various reasons, such as for a Buy to Let, Let to Buy, Holiday Let, family purchase, specialist situation or Commercial purposes. If you are considering one of these options, watch the video below or read on to find out how second mortgages work and why one could be the best option for you.

Reasons to take out a second mortgage

In our twenty years of working as a Mortgage Broker in Sheffield, we have come across many different types of customers that are looking to take out a second mortgage. Here are some of the most common customer scenarios that we come across.

Buy to Let

Current or budding landlords may want to invest in another property to climb the property ladder. If you are a landlord and already have more than one Buy to Let in Sheffield, you may find it slightly easier to take out a second mortgage as you’ve already demonstrated that you can afford more than one set of mortgage payments. This does not mean that you are guaranteed a mortgage though. You will still have to pass usual credit checks and affordability assessments.

If you are a First Time Buyer landlord in Sheffield, you will have to prove that you are able to manage two sets of monthly mortgage repayments. Lenders will factor in the equity in your current property, the type of property that you’re buying, the rental income from the Buy to Let and your personal and financial circumstances.

Let to Buy

Similarly to Buy to Let second mortgages, If you are planning to Move Home in Sheffield to become a landlord/grow your Let to Buy portfolio, your lender needs to make sure that you can manage both sets of mortgage payments. Some of our customers have already had tenants for their Let to Buy lined up during their second mortgage application process.

Lenders will assess your income, affordability, equity in your current home and personal and financial circumstances before accepting your second mortgage application.

Holiday Let

Holiday Let properties are great investments for those looking for an extra source of income. As a bonus, you will also have a place to stay at no added cost!

They work in the same way as Buy to Lets, however, your income from the Holiday Let may be more infrequent. Peak times, e.g., summer or Christmastime may provide you with more income; the lender will factor this into your Holiday Let second mortgage application as there will be times when you will have no rental income to contribute to your repayments.

You will need a large deposit for a Holiday Let as most of the properties in holiday locations are expensive.

Family purchase

Are you looking to take out a second mortgage to help a family member move into a new property?

Housing prices have skyrocketed, and First Time Buyers are struggling more than ever to get onto the property ladder. With this in mind, family members are offering a helping hand and taking out a mortgage in their own name so that their loved ones can move onto a property.

An alternative for parents or grandparents would be to gift their family members a gifted deposit. This can take off some of the pressure of saving up for that 5% mark and could help boost the overall deposit when combined with the applicant’s own savings.

You must be aware that the donor of the gifted deposit must declare in writing that this is not a loan it is a gift that should not be paid back in the future. The donor must also provide bank statements and proof of where the deposit has come from.

Specialist situation

If you are in a complex situation and you need to take out a second mortgage, we are here to try and help. A common situation that we come across involves applicants separating or going through a divorce and one party needs to take out another mortgage so that they can move out of the property.

In this situation, your lender will need to make sure that you afford two sets of mortgage payments as you will still be accountable for the repayments on your’s and your ex-partner’s mortgage. When you move out of the property, until your ex-partner can afford the repayments on their own, you will have to contribute towards them.

If you are in a complicated situation and you need to obtain a second mortgage, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can take a look at your situation. We offer expert Mortgage Advice in Sheffield to all types of customers, struggling with all different kinds of mortgages.

Equity Release for a second mortgage in Sheffield

Equity Release is a way to release funds in your home to gain a lump sum of cash. There are different reasons why someone would want to release their equity; some people will use this cash to fund a second mortgage, take out a lifetime mortgage to replace their current mortgage or spend on something else of their choice. The lump sum that you release can be spent on anything you want to. We have seen customers use the money to pay for weddings, buy a new car and even to pay off debt.

Equity release is a very complicated subject, therefore, we would recommend getting in touch with our team to help you through the process. Getting a second mortgage can be difficult enough, never mind getting a second mortgage by releasing equity in your property.

Book your free mortgage appointment online or over the phone today by contacting a member of our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

The Costs of Buying a Home in Sheffield

Buying a Home Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

Have you ever wondered how much the costs of buying a home in Sheffield are? If you are a First Time Buyer in Sheffield, there is a list of fees to consider when buying a new home, including the fees and your deposit.

Make sure you have saved plenty to cover all the upfront costs. Let’s take a look at some of the costs of buying a home that you need to know about:

What mortgage fees will you pay?

Estate Agent Fees

The only time you will require an estate agent is when you want to sell a property. The fees of the estate agents differ from one agent to another. The fee of an estate agent may not be cheap and the ones that can be hired for a low rate are online-based because they don’t have their own established offices.

If you can afford it and don’t mind paying a high fee, then you should go for a local estate agent that has an office as they can provide you with a personalised service. However, this can cost you around 1 to 2% of your overall selling price.

The estate agent’s fee might be up for negotiating, especially in the “seller’s markets”. This is when many agents are competing to get instructions from you because there are not many houses left on the market for them to deal around with. So, if you are a Moving Home in Sheffield, consider the estate agency fees wisely.

Survey fees

First Time Buyer in Sheffield like yourself, will be made aware that before you take out a mortgage, the lender will need to know that what you are paying is actually the worth of the property. Some lenders might will offer this service for free but they might not share with you a copy of their reports.

If your lender is not offering a free valuation service, then you’re going to have to pay a fee. This fee can be as high as a few hundred pounds, which can be way above budget for many people. If you want a more detailed and informative report, it’s most likely that you’ll have to pay an even higher fee.

Here at Sheffieldmoneyman, our Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield will explain the different types and ranges of surveys consist of so that you’ll be able to make a decision that will be the most suitable for your current circumstances.

Depending on the condition that the house is in, you may have to upgrade the survey accordingly so that you get all information you need in the report.

A good survey is very expensive, but at the same time, it can provide important information about the property. If you end up buying a property without getting it checked, you could end up paying a lot more for the repairs you’ll have to deal with in the future.

Mortgage arrangement fees

The general rule of thumb is that the mortgages that have the lowest minimum interest rates are the ones that come with the highest fees. Fees required to set up a mortgage can actually range from zero to more than a few thousand pounds! If it’s an option, you may want to add your lender’s arrangement fee to your mortgage.

Your Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield will always aim to recommend the cheapest product that will meet your needs perfectly without any issues. They will also be able to calculate the total mortgage amount that will be required over a term.

Here’s a top tip: if you are borrowing a higher amount, you are going to want to try and keep the interest rate as low as possible.

Solicitor’s fees

If you are starting the process of buying a home in Sheffield, you will need to have a solicitor as well so that all of the legal work can be taken care of. For example, the legal aspects include who owns the property, who’s selling it and so on. Without a solicitor, people can sometimes get caught in illegal issues as well. So, you need to have one to successfully carry out your moving home journey.

Solicitor fees vary, some may appear quite expensive and this is because their quotes include the VAT as well. Though remember that not all solicitors are on “panel” for all lenders, so you need to be careful and choose the right one for your needs. Once again, your Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield will be able to help you make the right decision in this regard as well.

Stamp duty

There are purchases that will be subject to Stamp Duty. Stamp Duty is a tax that you pay to the government when you are buying a house. Often, First Time Buyers in Sheffield can get a bit confused about this fee. The rules regarding which purchases will have this tax change frequently so you can check it here: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax

Broker fees

If you are a First Time Buyer in Sheffield who wants mortgage advice, you should also know about mortgage broker fees. Almost every mortgage broker will charge some sort of fee for their services and the amount that you will have to pay will mostly depend on how much the lender is paying the broker for the work that they will be doing on their behalf.

A lot of the Mortgage Brokers in Sheffield will only charge you a fee you if they are able to get a formal mortgage offer for you. You better check the online reviews about your chosen Mortgage Broker in Sheffield before you hire them.

Removal fees

You need to know about the removal fees too. There are lots of people who hire a van and move themselves, however, we advise against this idea. Removal companies will charge you more money, but their service is worth the money. They will make your moving day a lot less stressful in many ways.

Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

So, these are the main costs of buying a home in Sheffield. If you are a First Time Buyer and are looking for Mortgage Advice in Sheffield, get in touch with us and we will help you get everything done in the simplest and the most effective manner!

Buying a house is a very complicated and tough task, however, if the right steps are taken, the process could be completed smoothly with ease.

What are The Different Types of Mortgages Available in Sheffield?

The Different Types of Mortgage

You might be a First Time Buyer in Sheffield who are looking to take that initial step on the property ladder or looking to move into a different property through Moving Home in Sheffield, or your mortgage term is coming to an end so are looking to Remortgage in Sheffield. Either way, you’ll quickly find that there are a lot of options available for you when it comes to taking out your mortgage.

Below, we have put together an extensive list that highlights the most popular types of mortgages out there to customers on the mortgage market.

If you are interested in any of the mortgage options mentioned below and are looking for more information, then do get in touch as we will be able to connect you with a knowledgeable mortgage advisor for expert, fast & friendly mortgage advice in Sheffield & surrounding areas.

What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?

This type of mortgage means that your monthly mortgage payments will stay the same throughout the duration of your mortgage term.

You have the choice in the duration you want to fix your payments. It’s common for people to choose a fixed term of around 2,3 or 5 years or longer.

The benefit of this option is that your outgoings will probably be the biggest one in your finances, regardless of what happens with inflation, the interest rates, or the nationwide economy.

What is a Tracker Mortgage?

A tracker mortgage will mean you will have a mortgage interest rate that usually reflects the Bank of England’s base rate.

Because of this, the lender nor the mortgage lender will set the rate and it will fluctuate when the base rate does. For example, if the base rate goes up, your interest goes up. Therefore, if it goes down, yours will go down too which obviously would be beneficial to you.

It will require you to pay at a percentage that is higher than the Bank of England base rate. For example, if the base is 1% and you are tracking at 1% above the base rate, this will result in you paying back your interest at a rate of 2%.

What is a Repayment Mortgage?

A repayment mortgage will involve you paying back a combination of both the interest and capital each month. This is the mortgage people looking to buy a home usually go for.

If you have been able to keep your payments going for the mortgage term duration, you will be guaranteed to have paid it off in full and achieve the goal of owning your own home by the end of it.

This option can be seen across the industry and wider world as the most risk-free way to pay your capital back to the mortgage lender. When you begin your term, the amount you’ll be paying will be mostly the interest with your balance reducing at a slower rate. This is particularly the case if your term is 25,30 or 35 years.

Within the last ten years or so of your mortgage, the process speeds up. This means you will be paying back more capital than interest, with the balance reducing at a far quicker rate.

What is an Interest-Only Mortgage?

As a Mortgage Broker in Sheffield, we do find many buy to let mortgages being set up frequently on an interest-only basis ( this option does benefit many landlords), it is progressively more difficult these days to obtain a residential property on an interest-only mortgage.

This is due to the process because when you reach the end of your term, you are still required to pay the full mortgage amount to pay off all in one go, with no additional income to fund the amount you’re required to pay.

With this in mind, there a range of unique circumstances where this can be an appropriate route for a customer to go down such as downsizing when you are older or if you are in a situation in which you have other investments you are able to use to pay back the capital.

When it comes to offering these products, it’s common to find that lenders can be incredibly strict. Furthermore, the loan to values usually is much lower than they were in previous years.

What is an Offset Mortgage?

An offset mortgage is where your mortgage lender will create a savings account that will work simultaneously with your mortgage account.

To put this in an example, if you had a mortgage balance of £100,000 and you deposit £20,000 into your savings account, you will be required to only pay interest on the difference between those figures which in this case would result in £80,000.

This option can be a very efficient way of controlling your finances, especially if you won’t be paying higher rates of tax.

What is a Cashback Mortgage?

Cashback Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

There are many different types of mortgages available, and most of them are entirely different. In this article, we will talk about the cashback mortgage and how it works.

Does it benefit you in the long term or short term? How does it compare to my other mortgage options in Sheffield? Let’s take a look and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding cashback mortgages.

Firstly, if you prefer to watch our moneymanTV video on cashback mortgages, feel free to watch it below. As a Mortgage Broker in Sheffield, we receive many questions about cashback mortgages, so mortgage advisor and our managing director Malcolm ‘the Moneyman’ decided to make a video to make cashback mortgages easier to understand:

What is a Cashback Mortgage?

Cashback mortgages are pretty self-explanatory. To put it simply, after paying off your mortgage or after finishing your mortgage term, you will get some money back.

The sum you get back gets based on a percentage of what you have borrowed. It usually’s something small like 1 or 2%. Some lenders like to have a fixed price in the contract. Even if you have a long mortgage term, this is a fixed amount, and it will not increase over time.

Will a Cashback Mortgage benefit me?

Cashback mortgages come with both advantages and disadvantages. For example, some Cashback Mortgages might come with a free property valuation or some fringe benefits.

Cashback Mortgages can be very attractive to customers that are borrowing lower mortgages. You will get some money back plus some benefits on the side. If you are offered a reasonable percentage on your Cashback Mortgage, you should consider taking it up as it may be worth it in the long term.

The only real disadvantage to a cashback mortgage is that they usually come with high-interest rates.

Different Types of Mortgages in Sheffield

Compared to other mortgage options available, Cashback Mortgages are not the most popular. However, they are still worth considering. We still see customers at Sheffieldmoneyman looking for Cashback Mortgages, and they are a great backup option if you don’t qualify for your first choices.

If you want a more in-depth viewpoint, be sure to book your free mortgage appointment online or give us a call to speak with a Specialist Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield. Our team will be more than happy to explain the benefits of taking out a Cashback Mortgage and why they could be a suitable option for you.

How to Approach Making an Offer in Sheffield

Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

First and foremost as a first time buyer in Sheffield who is looking to make offers on a potential new home, you have to bear in mind that there will be lots of other possible buyers all looking to buy the same home.

Because of this, it is very important for you to make sure that you are as prepared as you possibly can be ahead of time. This helps to speed the process up and get you a higher chance of getting the offer accepted.

Something else that you should also remember is that you could be doing everything by the book, have a great credit score and everything saved, but if a cash buyer gets involved you’ll probably not be the one to get the property.

The reason that this is likely to be the case is that cash buyers are easier and quicker to take along through the process, as they won’t be needing a mortgage. Luckily for first time home buyers out there, you don’t tend to find a lot of cash buyers anymore.

Tips For Making an Offer on a Property in Sheffield

Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

Getting yourself an Agreement in Principle is major factor in the home buying process. Your AIP (as it is often shortened to) is a written statement of approval that is given by the mortgage lender to confirm that in principle, that subject to further checks later down the process, they are willing to lend you the amount you need for your property purchase.

It’s because of this that you are always better off having one of these to your name, as a home seller or estate agent will definitely want to know conclusively that you have the funds to go forward with the process, avoiding the possibility of both of your times being wasted.

Back during the COVID-19 lockdown periods in 2020, you were even required to have an Agreement in Principle in order for you to view a property, not just buy it. This was to restrict the amount of people viewing or making offers who weren’t in a position to proceed straight away.

As a reputable, open & honest mortgage broker in Sheffield and surrounding areas, we would always highly suggest getting prepared for your mortgage ahead of time and putting yourself ahead of other home buyers, by obtaining an Agreement in Principle as soon into your journey as you can.

We touched upon cash buyers at the beginning. Whilst they are few and far between these days, if and when you encounter one, you will be hard pressed to outdo them as they are probably more favourable to the seller of the home.

Even with that in mind, you may still find that having an AIP to hand will put you in a much stronger position against a cash buyer or any other possible buyers. In many cases, having an Agreement in Principle can be a difference maker.

By obtaining an Agreement in Principle, you are able to prove to the seller of the property in question that you are in-fact a serious buyer and have the necessary funds to proceed with the purchase.

You may also find yourself in a much higher position than other potential home buyers who maybe do have the ability to afford the property purchase, but have yet to obtain their own Agreement in Principle.

This is one of the many perks of speaking to a trusted mortgage broker in Sheffield like ourselves. Our dedicated and loyal team of hard working mortgage advisors in Sheffield will be able to obtain one of these within 24 hours of your free mortgage appointment (of which you can book in a time slot of your choosing, using our online appointment booking system).

Be Prepared to Negotiate with The Seller

Purchasing a property is all about negotiation. If your initial offer is rejected by the seller of the property that you are looking to buy, you will be asked about whether or not you would like to increase your price offer.

If you are firmly in the belief that the property is definitely worth the increase in price and you want to call it home, you may have to be prepared to spend more money than you had initially planned for.

Don’t be worried though if the seller declines your first offer, as this is something that has happened to lots of first time buyers in Sheffield over the years and they are still able to find a property for themselves in the future.

If your second offer also happens to be declined, you will most likely have to pay the asking price, something that you’ll have to be prepared for ahead of time. It’s here where it will benefit to do plenty of research beforehand.

Prior to making any offers on a property, you should always take a look around at the other properties in the local area and scout what their sales prices are on reputable property sale websites like Zoopla or Rightmove. This can help give a general idea of what to offer the property seller.

You should also check out the length of time that the property has been actively on the open market. If it is a newer listing, the seller may not be so willing to budge, whereas if it has been listed for quite a while, the seller may be more inclined to accept a lower offer.

If you come across houses that may have gone for lower amounts than the property is worth there is probably a good reason for it. There’s a chance it has possibly been repossessed, perhaps sold to at a discounted price to a tenant living in, or maybe an inter-family sale.

Speak to a Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield Today

To gain any mortgage advice relating to this specialist subject, please feel free to get in touch and speak to one of our brilliant mortgage advisors in Sheffield today.

If you require any form of assistance when it comes to making an offer as a first time buyer in Sheffield or maybe would just like a mortgage advisor in Sheffield to guide you towards a fantastic deal, we’ll always be there to offer you guidance and support all throughout your process.

Our fast & friendly team of mortgage advisors in Sheffield are here to provide mortgage advice every day of the week, so book your free mortgage appointment online and make a start on your very own mortgage journey.

10 Factors to Help you Decide Where to Live in Sheffield

Moving Home Mortgage Advice in Sheffield

One critical factor when moving home in or around the Sheffield area is to consider where you want to locate. If you’re looking for this dream home or something to let out, you also need an ideal area. It would help if you considered what the area is like, what is there, and what is a priority.

To help you better understand the kind of place you want to find, we’ve compiled a list of different factors that some first time buyers in Sheffield, home movers, and landlords looking for buy to let mortgage advice in Sheffield when trying to find their ideal property. 

Are you looking to move to the countryside or the city?

It is important to develop an idea of the type of area you want to move to, as this is somewhere you will live for a good time, maybe even turning it into a family home further down the line. If you are someone who enjoys being at the heart of it all, city life is more suited for you. Otherwise, living in the countryside may be more appropriate if you prefer a quiet life.

In all areas, you’ll find pros and cons to either choice, so be sure to think a lot and research the location before you put your heart into a potential new home. 

Public Transport in Sheffield

Transport links to and from your potential new location are crucial factors to consider. For example, if you are socialising with friends or family, do not work from home, or go out shopping, you may need easy access to the transport links needed.

Not to mention the price of each means of transport, depending on the location and regular use. How long does it take for you to get to each destination if you have a car? How much fuel will be? Where are the nearest gas stations? 

Schools & Education

For those who have children, you should see what schools are available nearby. Every parent wants to find the right school for their child. It is essential to learn about the various schools nearby to determine which school is most suitable.

If you do not have children now, but plan for the future or have no plans at all, it may be beneficial to look for it, just to prove yourself in the future. 

Nearby Facilities – What You Need Vs What You Want

When you plan a place to live, you may have certain facilities near you. We recommend writing down a list and separating what you need from what you want.

An example of this would be looking to have a gym in the vicinity but doing so could mean you have to live in an area without the essential shops you need regularly. You probably need more shops for your general life, so it could be something to priorities while finding an area near a gym is an additional bonus. 

Friends and Family

The distance between where you could live and where your family and friends are currently living can affect where you are. Some prefer to keep them nearby, so they have this support network if they need it.

On the other hand, some prefer to keep to themselves with their loved ones at a distance, prioritising staying at home over going out and socialising with people regularly. 

Is the property good value for money?

When making purchases, we all want to know we are getting substantial value for money. Figuring out this for your home will depend on the area that you are looking to move to.

Sometimes a better option is for you to look for a cheaper property to start with, although this could mean compromising various features or nearby facilities that you would have preferred to have had. 

What is the community like?

The local community can have a significant impact on your home life experience.

As established, some people prefer a quiet life. This may require a few nearby residents who keep themselves. Others like to have a thriving and busy community, usually where everyone knows and communicates regularly.

Talk to your real estate agent and find out what the area is like. Community Facebook pages or locally run websites are usually quite common these days, so they are worth looking for to get a rough feel for the area. 

Career Changes

Some home buyers may be moving because of a new job or career plan. This is what we have heard from customers a lot and is a huge factor. You need to look at the distance between your new home and your workplace.

If you are working in a home office and only visiting the office sporadically, would you be fine with life a bit further out? What is the space in the property? Is there even a room for the home office?

Those who will be looking for a job once they have already moved, do some research on local companies, and compile a list of leading employers to apply for. 

Property Type

You will find many different types of real estate available to you in the open real estate market, with these varying depending on where you are looking. Some prefer end-item properties with a garden to enjoy, while others prefer a modern apartment or studio apartment.

Make sure you have a good look at all the available options, undertake some property viewing and get a promising idea of the type of property you would prefer to live in. 

Local Developments

Any proposed local investment would be helpful to find information on, especially if you are looking to build a life within that home and stay there for quite a while. Online search will be the best port of call when looking to find any future investments. It’s important to consider whether these will benefit or detriment your lifestyle.

Again, those who prefer quiet life in the country could find their dream scenario turned into a nightmare if an important new housing development is planned nearby. 

How a Mortgage Broker in Sheffield Can Help You

Hopefully, you are now better equipped to find a place to call your home by reading our list. When the time comes to make offers on property and get yourself a mortgage, get yourself booked for a free mortgage appointment. We would be happy to help!

We have a dedicated team of mortgage advisors in Sheffield available from early until late throughout the working week and weekend, subject to availability. Whether you are a first time buyer in Sheffield or home mover, we can’t wait to hear from you.