Client Success Stories
Getting in touch with me, Craig Michaelson, was the first step on many peoples mortgage journey. On this page there are real client situations where I have been able to help to find a mortgage solution, even where there are complexities in the background. I am also able to help people with complex insurance needs where access to providers matters as much as full market access to mortgage lenders. *These are real client stories, the client names have been altered for privacy reasons)
Overcome mortgage hurdles with expert advice
This case study demonstrates how we navigated adverse credit and complex incomes to secure ideal mortgage solutions, enabling clients to achieve their homeownership dreams. These are just a few examples of how I can help with a complex mortgage situation. Please remember though, every case is unique, these are recent examples of success stories and not intended as a promise that I can help in every situation.
Securing Homeownership Through Expert Mortgage Advice
I specialise in helping first time buyers to purchase a property. Using a mortgage broker such as myself helps to clarify the position from the beginning. From the initial chat, through to completion, I put you at ease with the process and keep you informed. I can help to assess your affordability from day one, look at multiple options for your specific needs and select a lender that is most appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Simplifying Mortgage Solutions for Challenging Cases
Mortgages can be complex due to adverse credit, complex income, multiple income sources, employment and self employment situations, age of applicant, immigration status and type of property. Different lenders have different lending criteria. By identifying potential complexities from the beginning, I can approach lenders that match your requirements.
Lender access matters
I have access to well over 100 lenders. This means that I can look at more options than if you approach your own bank or a broker with a restricted panel. Whole market access is key to better client outcomes. I have spoken to many people who have been told that they can’t get a mortgage or have struggled to get an answer. I offer a free initial consultation. Get in touch, if I can help, I will.
Adverse credit-Mother & Son
Josh was a 25 year old factory worker earning £30,000 a year. Lives with his mother and are wanting to buy the house from her ex partner who owns in his sole name and has arrears on the mortgage. They want a £175,000 The mother has very poor credit, including CCJ’s and defaults. 2 options here, the son could buy in his own name as it is possible to stretch affordability to 6 X income with some lenders. The other option is to use a specialist lender that will accept the mothers poor credit profile. This is a situation where presenting different options helps the client to make an informed choice.
Fixed term contract income
Not all lenders will accept income where you are employed on a fixed term contract. Sophie wanted to buy a property with her partner but was worried that her income may affect the ability to obtain a mortgage. By knowing which lenders to approach, I was able to remove the research burden from the client but also ensure that the lender selected was the best option cost wise as well.
Self employed income
Most lenders do treat self employed income in a similar way to employed income, especially high street banks. However, if you are in a position such as Amit, with just 1 year of accounts, you will have a more restricted choice. There are much fewer options when you have been trading for less than 2 years. In this instance, we were able to find a high street lender but often, due to how income is structured, I look at more specialist or off high street lenders for a solution.
Property construction type
John was able to get a mortgage from almost any lender. Unfortunately, his property wasn’t. In this case the property was timber framed and a listed building with some timber cladding. By speaking with me early in the process, we were able to have a lender evaluate the property in advance of submitting a full application. Whilst not a guarantee of a “yes” decision, it helps to identify where a property may not meet the lenders criteria without submitting a full application.
100 +
Lenders on panel
Whole of market advice.
15 minutes
Initial chat
Book a 15 minute call for a quick chat about your case.
30-45 minutes
Free consultation
The consultation is an opportunity to go over your case in more detail. This is also what we call the “fact find” where we look at your income and expenditure and the type of mortgage preferences that you have.
“Craig Michaelson’s expert guidance turned a complex mortgage challenge into a smooth, successful experience.”
Josh
Factory worker