Credit score
Do you know your credit score? Is it important? And even when you know it, what does it really mean?
What Matters?
We are asked about credit scores by most clients - and the answer isn’t always easy! Lenders have their own internal scoring systems, and they also use independent credit reference agencies of which there are 3 main ones in the UK.
It isn’t always clear which lenders use which agencies, or if they use multiple, and it’s rarely made public (even to brokers) what scores they want to see.
How long you have been at your current address is a factor, along with whether or not you are on the electoral roll there. Typically, we need to know between 3 and 6 years address history.
What do you have and how have your payments been? If you’ve paid everything on time as agreed with your creditors, this should help keep your score high!
Credit card limits, and these days things like PayPal Credit and Klarna, all have an impact. Staying well below your limits on these types of thing, and not using too many of them at once, can help keep your score looking healthy.
Get Your Report
We work with Checkmyfile.com to give you a 30-day free trial of accessing your credit report - this is the only credit report that checks data from Equifax, Experian and Transunion.
Looking at your own report doesn’t count as a search, so you can do this without impacting your score and you can generate a PDF version to share with us in order to help you. It’s also good for you to know exactly where you stand.
If you do not cancel your free trial, you will be charged £14.99 a month, but you can cancel any time.
*By clicking the link you will need to register your details with Checkmyfile and enter in to a free 30-day trial period. This will allow enough time for you to register your information and download your report. You are free to cancel this trial period at any time during the 30-day free trial period without penalty. Should you fail or choose not to do so, Checkmyfile will charge you a subscription fee of £14.99 per month thereafter.
Houz Mortgages Ltd will receive a payment of £12 per free trial entered into via the link to Checkymyfile’s website. This is payable whether you cancel the trial period or not.
It should be noted that lenders will not be assessing the report produced from Checkmyfile and will undertake their own research and assessment.
What people say
This is what people have had to say about using Houz Mortgages…
Testimonials
I happened upon Houz by accident when undertaking research and I'm so glad I did. Ben has been an immense source of knowledge, guidance and support throughout the process of purchasing my first home. Even with things that were outside of his role, he was still willing to help answer questions about anything I didn't understand. Ben made sure I got the best rate possible, and updated this when the rate dropped - to make sure I got the best deal. I cannot praise and thank Ben enough for all of his support through this process and I would highly recommend Houz Mortgages to anyone who is needing mortgage services.
Leah Evans10. November, 2023.Ben was great, super helpful and friendly. Arranged a mortgage which met our needs.
dave stevens8. October, 2023.Excellent service. Extremely useful, friendly and approachable. Professional and supportive throughout the whole process of getting a mortgage, home insurance and life insurance. Ben has been amazing! Would recommend to any looking for mortgage and insurance advice.
J Mayes30. August, 2023.How easy was that? Thanks Ben! At a time of unprecedented turbulence in the mortgage lending world, Ben calmly steered us through our re-mortgage, and took away all the stress and hassle. Ben took his time to understand exactly what we needed out of the process, and quickly found us an excellent product that matched our needs. Working quickly, he then secured us a great offer, before the rates crept up again. Ben's extremely knowledgable, and knows the sector inside out. He's also a bloomin' nice chap. I have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Ben if you're looking to work with an honest, hard-working and knowledgable mortgage expert.
Rob Johnson4. August, 2023.After doing some exhaustive mortgage hunting, I decided to reach out to a broker. Houz Mortgages caught my eye as a local broker with a solid reputation and no fees, and I'm very glad I went with them! They went above and beyond to not only find a suitable deal for me, but to keep me informed, help me make a decision when I found myself limited by my choice of solicitor, and even help get completion done in time by reaching out to my lender. They were available through WhatsApp every step of the way and they most certainly made the past few months a lot less stressful than they would have been had I dealt with it all myself. Thank you!
Rick (Riari) Mann3. August, 2023.Excellent service, works for the client, gets best deal on the table, explains process thoroughly, highly reccomend, will be using again for further needs and help
Steve Podesta25. July, 2023.As first time buyers we struggled at first to get our heads around the mortgage process. Ben was a huge help in aiding us in applying and getting our mortgage. He found us the best rate and was always on hand to help. Any time of the day, he would respond to queries and support with any issues we had, from first applying for our mortgage to eventually us being days away from getting our keys, putting us at ease and making the process simple and easy. If you are in need for a professional mortgage broker then give them a call. Thank you
Joe Glover19. July, 2023.Ben helped us with our mortgage and made the whole process very easy. He is very responsive and knowledgeable, made us feel very informed and at ease. Look no further for a professional mortgage broker. Thank you!
Rebecca Collingridge12. June, 2023.Ben was really helpful and gave us the best advice into which rates and mortgage suited us. Furthermore going above and beyond to find out additional information or point us in the right direction for more information. Also informing us throughout of the application of better rates and continuous communication to keep us informed. Thanks Ben for all your help
Sonal Patel15. May, 2023.I had a fantastic experience with Houz mortgages buying my first home. Ben helped me get the best deal available and was always available to talk to if I was unsure about anything. Il will absolutely be remortgaging with them when the time comes. 10/10
Ben Rayton29. March, 2023.