6 Tips for a successful mortgage application

As a young South African, buying property might not be at the forefront of your mind but with interest rates in South Africa relatively low and property prices at a realistic level compared to the recent boom, now is a great time to get onto the property ladder. And with banks granting first time home owners mortgages of up to 104%, you don’t need to spend years saving for a deposit.

When the time does come for you to apply for a mortgage, you don’t want to find out that you aren’t eligible because of a low or non-existent credit score. A bit of preparation can pay off in the long run and you should start considering what you can do now to make your mortgage application easier when you want to buy.

Make debt

A good credit rating is one of the most important factors in having a mortgage approved to finance a property. The only way to get a credit rating, ironically, is to have debt. Your overall credit rating is calculated according to a number of factors with different weightings, resulting in a score of between 300 and 800. As a general rule of thumb, your credit rating needs to be at least 640 for the banks to consider you credit-worthy and a low risk.

Then manage it well

Before you rush out and spend on credit, banks also want to see evidence that you can manage your debts well and pay them on time. So much so that the payment history on pre-existing loan accounts contributes 35% of your overall credit score and outstanding amounts owed contributes 30%.
Remember though that it is not only “formal” loans such as store cards, credit cards, student loans and car loans that contribute to your credit history. Not paying other bills such as traffic fines can also have a negative impact on your credit score.

Don’t wait, act now

Other factors that affect your credit rating are the length of your credit history, new credit accessed and the type of credit involved.
So, before buying a property, you should carefully build a good credit history by accessing appropriate debt and then managing it well.

Credit card conscious

One good way to do this is to use your credit card for expenses but then pay off the balance at the end of every month to avoid being charged interest. Another credit card-related tip is to never use more than 50% of the amount you have available to you. If you are constantly reaching your limit, this shows the bank that you are living right on the edge of your income.

Get a full-time job

Banks will insist the lender has been employed for at least a year, and will ask to see three months of salary slips, or six months of bank statements if you are self-employed.

Sooner rather than later

Property is a fixed asset that can grow substantially in value, so it can provide an important foundation for financial security in future. So, while the thought of a 20-year financial commitment might seem overwhelming to many young adults, especially if you have just achieved financial independence, there are many good reasons to get on the property ladder sooner rather than later.

Please contact us if you require any further information or would like to apply for finance:

Complete this short form online

011.327.4489 / 0861 1111 93

morne@mortgagepluscc.co.za

www.mortgagepluscc.co.za

If you are self-employed and looking into buying a home for yourself, make sure you have all the paperwork ready, so that you can save time and start looking for your dream home.

There is more paperwork involved if you are a self-employed person, especially if you are trying to obtain a bond. No matter how well your business is doing, questions will be asked, and proof must be given.

Requirements for a self-employed bond applicant:

* A three-month utility bill
* A copy of your ID
* A recent IT 34 (SARS acknowledgment of tax return and statement of monies owed)
* A letter from your accountant stating your overall gross profit and earnings for the past year (or more)
* The last six months bank statements – both business and personal

If you are not buying the house alone, your partner (if self-employed) will also be required to submit all this information. If you are married, you will need to submit registered copies of your marriage certificate too.

Requirements for individuals employed by a company

* A copy of your ID
* A three-month utility bill
* Your tax number
* Six months bank statements
* Letter of employment
* Most recent payslip

Get all the paperwork ready before going to a mortgage originator – he or she will only tell you to get all these ready before they can even start with your application. So save yourself the time and get all your statements and documents in place and go to a reputable bond originator with confidence. A bond originator will source the best deal from a number of institutions given your particular circumstances.

Please contact us if you require any further information or would like to apply for finance:

Complete this short form online

011.327.4489 / 0861 1111 93

morne@mortgagepluscc.co.za

www.mortgagepluscc.co.za