Improve your credit score for a mortgage

    
   94 reviews  
 
  
         
   Everest Mortgage Services
   5.094 Google reviews 
 
 
 
        Posted on Google  
   
   Ella Hislop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John was great throughout the entire process - super informative, responsive, friendly and efficient! Would 100% recommend. We were first time buyers and he put us completely at ease and went the extra mile every time we had a question / needed some help.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melissa Elston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John provided a five star service from start to finish. The whole process was very slick and extremely professional. Obtaining our mortgage was not a straight forward request due to being a new build property but John advised on what information we would require and spoke with all the right people to get our mortgage over the line. Will be using him again in the future.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Pourzand 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John was efficient, friendly, and a great communicator. He was very knowledgeable and handled our case with efficiency. John made the whole process much smoother than expected, and I would 100% recommend his service!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Simon Hedger Grace 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John starts where others don’t: he properly listens. Then he’s like a dog with bone until the job is done. Highly recommended
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe Stringer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
John was fantastic throughout the whole mortgage process. Professional, knowledgeable, and always happy to help. He made everything feel simple and stress-free. Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Nicholls 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Absolutely brilliant service from John from start to finish. As first-time buyers, the mortgage process could have been really stressful and confusing, but John made everything so straightforward and easy to understand.

He was always available to answer any questions we had, explained everything clearly, and kept us updated throughout the whole process. John worked hard to find us the right mortgage and has been incredibly helpful, professional and supportive every step of the way.

We genuinely couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor and would 100% recommend John to anyone looking for a mortgage. Thank you for all your help!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kath Tonkyn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We have known John since we bought our first rental in 2009 and he has guided and helped us all the way. He laid out a plan for us that this month will be fulfilled exactly as he said it would. He has never let us down and he is always there when we have needed him. Nothing is too much trouble. Great guy and a  true proffessional. Thanks John for everything. You are truly the best.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Holmes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We have used Johns services a few times now, when remortgaging. John is extremely knowledgeable and always strives to find the best deal that works for you. His communication is excellent, he’s very friendly and explains thoroughly the best way for you to go forwards and we would highly recommend his services.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I honestly don’t know how I would have got through buying my first house without John.

From the very beginning, he helped us work out what we could afford and get our Agreement in Principle sorted, but his help went way beyond just arranging the mortgage. While we were viewing houses, he was always happy to give his thoughts on whether an asking price seemed sensible and what we might want to offer. His experience and knowledge were incredibly valuable when we were trying to navigate something we knew very little about.

Once we found our house, John made the whole process so much easier. He was incredibly quick to respond, explained everything clearly and was always happy to answer my many questions!

What really impressed me was how much he handled himself. He dealt directly with the estate agent, solicitors and lender, meaning we weren’t constantly stuck in the middle passing messages around. If an issue came up, he’d often just sort it in the background and let us know there was an issue but it's resolved, rather than adding to our stress.

John genuinely cares about his clients and it really shows. He’s friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and always made us feel like we were in safe hands.

I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Five stars doesn’t really do justice to how much he helped us!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle McClorey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable.

John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer.

His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way.

I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!

Improve your credit score

If we’re being realistic, having a bad credit score usually means you can’t pick the first lender you come across and immediately apply for a no deposit mortgage. A poor credit score – or a credit report with defaults, CCJs, IVAs and bankruptcies listed – makes lenders think you’re a risky person to lend to, so they’re unlikely to immediately say yes to giving you a 100% mortgage and sending you off to choose your dream property. But, that doesn’t mean property ownership is out of reach.

There are a whole host of lenders out there that offer bad credit mortgages, you just need to make sure your credit score is good enough to be approved. At Everest Mortgages, we’ve helped a number of wannabe homeowners to secure mortgages and the first step is improving your credit score as much as possible.

We search 1000's of mortgage deals across a large number of lenders, including...

Why your credit score matters for a mortgage

Regardless of whether you’re applying for a fixed rate mortgage or a variable rate mortgage, your credit score will come into play. When lenders assess your mortgage application, your credit report gives them a picture of how reliable you are with money.

It shows your history of borrowing and repaying credit – such as loans, credit cards and bills – and gives lenders an insight into how risky you are as a borrower. A good credit score suggests to lenders that you manage credit well and will keep up with monthly mortgage payments, which makes you a lower risk. A bad credit suggests the opposite, which can lead to you:

Being offered higher interest rates, meaning your monthly payments are higher.
Having fewer lenders to choose from, and being limited to bad credit mortgages.
Needing to put down a larger deposit, which could put property ownership out of reach.
Undergoing stricter affordability checks, a time-consuming process.
Being approved for lower loan amounts, giving you fewer properties to choose from.

Luckily, bad credit doesn’t mean your mortgage hopes are automatically over, as there are a lot of bad credit mortgages for you to choose from. It just means you’ll need to plan a little more carefully, which Everest Mortgages can help you with.

Speak to a mortgage advisor

How to improve your credit score before buying a home

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first time buyer, someone who’s investing in a second property or a homeowner keen to remortgage for a better rate, improving your credit score before you apply for a mortgage makes a big difference.

Check your credit report regularly

You need to know your credit report inside out before you start the mortgage application process. This will give you an insight into what lenders will see. It will also give you a chance to correct any errors or outdated information that could be holding your score back.

Register on the electoral roll

Being on the electoral roll at your current address helps lenders to confirm your identity and stability, so make sure you’re registered. If you’ve moved house in the last few years, check you updated the electoral roll. It’s a quick and easy way to give your credit score a bit of a boost.

Make all payments on time

It goes without saying, but you should be making payments on time. Your payment history is one of the biggest factors in determining your credit score, and not being able to pay on time sends warning signs to lenders. Set up direct debits for bills, credit cards and loans to avoid missed or late payments.

Keep credit card balances low

There’s nothing wrong with using a credit card once in a while, especially for big purchases, but try to keep your balance relatively low. High credit utilisation – meaning, if you’re using most of your available limit and only making the minimum payment – can negatively impact your credit score.

Avoid applying for too much credit

Each credit application leaves a footprint on your report, so don’t apply for credit unless you really need to. Too many applications in a short time can make lenders think you’re struggling financially.

Clear outstanding debts where possible

If you have any outstanding debts, try to clear them. Paying off existing debts – or, if that’s paying them off completely isn’t an option, paying off as much as you can realistically afford – shows lenders you can manage money well and you prioritise repaying debts.

Read our reviews

    
   94 reviews  
 
  
         
   Everest Mortgage Services
   5.094 Google reviews 
 
 
 
        Posted on Google  
   
   Ella Hislop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John was great throughout the entire process - super informative, responsive, friendly and efficient! Would 100% recommend. We were first time buyers and he put us completely at ease and went the extra mile every time we had a question / needed some help.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melissa Elston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John provided a five star service from start to finish. The whole process was very slick and extremely professional. Obtaining our mortgage was not a straight forward request due to being a new build property but John advised on what information we would require and spoke with all the right people to get our mortgage over the line. Will be using him again in the future.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Pourzand 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John was efficient, friendly, and a great communicator. He was very knowledgeable and handled our case with efficiency. John made the whole process much smoother than expected, and I would 100% recommend his service!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Simon Hedger Grace 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John starts where others don’t: he properly listens. Then he’s like a dog with bone until the job is done. Highly recommended
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe Stringer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
John was fantastic throughout the whole mortgage process. Professional, knowledgeable, and always happy to help. He made everything feel simple and stress-free. Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Nicholls 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Absolutely brilliant service from John from start to finish. As first-time buyers, the mortgage process could have been really stressful and confusing, but John made everything so straightforward and easy to understand.

He was always available to answer any questions we had, explained everything clearly, and kept us updated throughout the whole process. John worked hard to find us the right mortgage and has been incredibly helpful, professional and supportive every step of the way.

We genuinely couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor and would 100% recommend John to anyone looking for a mortgage. Thank you for all your help!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kath Tonkyn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We have known John since we bought our first rental in 2009 and he has guided and helped us all the way. He laid out a plan for us that this month will be fulfilled exactly as he said it would. He has never let us down and he is always there when we have needed him. Nothing is too much trouble. Great guy and a  true proffessional. Thanks John for everything. You are truly the best.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Holmes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We have used Johns services a few times now, when remortgaging. John is extremely knowledgeable and always strives to find the best deal that works for you. His communication is excellent, he’s very friendly and explains thoroughly the best way for you to go forwards and we would highly recommend his services.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I honestly don’t know how I would have got through buying my first house without John.

From the very beginning, he helped us work out what we could afford and get our Agreement in Principle sorted, but his help went way beyond just arranging the mortgage. While we were viewing houses, he was always happy to give his thoughts on whether an asking price seemed sensible and what we might want to offer. His experience and knowledge were incredibly valuable when we were trying to navigate something we knew very little about.

Once we found our house, John made the whole process so much easier. He was incredibly quick to respond, explained everything clearly and was always happy to answer my many questions!

What really impressed me was how much he handled himself. He dealt directly with the estate agent, solicitors and lender, meaning we weren’t constantly stuck in the middle passing messages around. If an issue came up, he’d often just sort it in the background and let us know there was an issue but it's resolved, rather than adding to our stress.

John genuinely cares about his clients and it really shows. He’s friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and always made us feel like we were in safe hands.

I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Five stars doesn’t really do justice to how much he helped us!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle McClorey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable.

John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer.

His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way.

I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!

Bad credit doesn’t automatically mean mortgage disappointment

There are some downsides to applying for a mortgage with a bad credit score, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be left disappointed and unable to buy. Having a poor credit score can limit your mortgage options, but understanding how it affects you can help you plan better.

If you apply for a mortgage with bad credit:

You’re likely to have fewer mortgage options, as not all lenders accept applicants with bad credit.
You might have higher mortgage rates because lenders see you as a bigger lending risk.
You might have strict borrowing limits, meaning you’re not able to borrow as much as you want, or as much as someone with a better credit score.
You might need to have a bigger deposit, as some lenders ask for higher deposits to offset the risk of lending to you.

At Everest Mortgages, we understand these challenges can be frustrating, but they’re not permanent. Everything you do to improve your credit score makes a difference, slowly but surely, and you’ll soon be on your way to property ownership. Who knows, you might already be eligible for a bad credit mortgage and we can guide you through the process.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to improve my credit score?

Your credit card won’t improve overnight, but the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see changes. Small improvements – like registering on the electoral roll or clearing small debts – can start showing within a few weeks, but bigger changes, like a default being removed or reducing your credit utilisation, can take longer.

Read our reviews

    
   94 reviews  
 
  
         
   Everest Mortgage Services
   5.094 Google reviews 
 
 
 
        Posted on Google  
   
   Ella Hislop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John was great throughout the entire process - super informative, responsive, friendly and efficient! Would 100% recommend. We were first time buyers and he put us completely at ease and went the extra mile every time we had a question / needed some help.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melissa Elston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John provided a five star service from start to finish. The whole process was very slick and extremely professional. Obtaining our mortgage was not a straight forward request due to being a new build property but John advised on what information we would require and spoke with all the right people to get our mortgage over the line. Will be using him again in the future.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Pourzand 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John was efficient, friendly, and a great communicator. He was very knowledgeable and handled our case with efficiency. John made the whole process much smoother than expected, and I would 100% recommend his service!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Simon Hedger Grace 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  John starts where others don’t: he properly listens. Then he’s like a dog with bone until the job is done. Highly recommended
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe Stringer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
John was fantastic throughout the whole mortgage process. Professional, knowledgeable, and always happy to help. He made everything feel simple and stress-free. Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Nicholls 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Absolutely brilliant service from John from start to finish. As first-time buyers, the mortgage process could have been really stressful and confusing, but John made everything so straightforward and easy to understand.

He was always available to answer any questions we had, explained everything clearly, and kept us updated throughout the whole process. John worked hard to find us the right mortgage and has been incredibly helpful, professional and supportive every step of the way.

We genuinely couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor and would 100% recommend John to anyone looking for a mortgage. Thank you for all your help!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kath Tonkyn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We have known John since we bought our first rental in 2009 and he has guided and helped us all the way. He laid out a plan for us that this month will be fulfilled exactly as he said it would. He has never let us down and he is always there when we have needed him. Nothing is too much trouble. Great guy and a  true proffessional. Thanks John for everything. You are truly the best.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Holmes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We have used Johns services a few times now, when remortgaging. John is extremely knowledgeable and always strives to find the best deal that works for you. His communication is excellent, he’s very friendly and explains thoroughly the best way for you to go forwards and we would highly recommend his services.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I honestly don’t know how I would have got through buying my first house without John.

From the very beginning, he helped us work out what we could afford and get our Agreement in Principle sorted, but his help went way beyond just arranging the mortgage. While we were viewing houses, he was always happy to give his thoughts on whether an asking price seemed sensible and what we might want to offer. His experience and knowledge were incredibly valuable when we were trying to navigate something we knew very little about.

Once we found our house, John made the whole process so much easier. He was incredibly quick to respond, explained everything clearly and was always happy to answer my many questions!

What really impressed me was how much he handled himself. He dealt directly with the estate agent, solicitors and lender, meaning we weren’t constantly stuck in the middle passing messages around. If an issue came up, he’d often just sort it in the background and let us know there was an issue but it's resolved, rather than adding to our stress.

John genuinely cares about his clients and it really shows. He’s friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and always made us feel like we were in safe hands.

I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Five stars doesn’t really do justice to how much he helped us!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle McClorey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable.

John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer.

His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way.

I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!