What Do Lenders Look for When Assessing My Bank Statements?

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Why does the lender need my bank statements and how do I obtain them?

What will lenders be looking for on my bank statement? 

What can I do to show the lender I am reliable? 

Speak to a Dedicated Mortgage Advisor in Harrogate

Why does the lender need my bank statements and how do I obtain them?

Lenders request access to your bank statements for an important reason: to gain insight into your financial habits and recent financial behaviour.

The way you’ve managed your finances, as evidenced by your bank statements, plays a pivotal role in determining how much a lender is willing to lend you, if they are willing to lend at all. This assessment fundamentally revolves around risk.

Lenders need assurance that you are financially responsible and capable of handling your financial obligations reliably. This is especially important because a mortgage represents one of the most substantial financial commitments you will undertake in your lifetime, and it demands careful consideration.

Securing your bank statements is a straightforward process and can be done through various means, such as receiving them by post from your bank, obtaining physical copies at your local bank branch, or accessing printable versions through your bank’s online platform, a convenience frequently available in today’s digital banking landscape.

What will lenders be looking for on my bank statement? 

Now, let’s address the central question: What specific aspects will lenders scrutinise on your bank statements, and what might raise concerns from their perspective?

As previously mentioned, the primary objective is to assess your financial responsibility. One key element under the microscope is the presence of overdrafts. Occasional use of your overdraft facility isn’t necessarily a red flag. However, if you regularly exceed your overdraft limit, this could cast doubt on your financial prudence and trustworthiness.

Lenders are also attentive to returned direct debits, which may imply inconsistent reliability in meeting financial commitments. Additionally, it’s vital to disclose any existing loans during the application process.

Failing to do so could jeopardise trust with the lender, especially if they discover undisclosed financial obligations on your bank statements. Trust plays a pivotal role throughout this evaluation.

Furthermore, it’s essential to maintain a record of timely payments for personal loans and credit cards. Demonstrating your ability to manage your finances responsibly and meet monthly payment deadlines will likely make lenders more amenable to approving a loan amount closer to your desired borrowing amount.

Will gambling affect my chances of getting a mortgage? 

This is a common query that comes up frequently. Many customers encounter difficulties when they have a history of gambling activities.

While the occasional flutter for entertainment is harmless, engaging in frequent high-stakes betting, whether profitable or not, can significantly impact how a lender views your financial situation. In such cases, lenders are unlikely to view your circumstances favourably.

What can I do to show the lender I am reliable? 

Drawing from our extensive experience in helping first time buyers in Harrogate and home movers in Harrogate, it’s important to note that most mortgage lenders typically require at least three months’ worth of bank statements from applicants.

With this in mind, it’s an opportune moment to shift your focus from the past to the future. You now have a dedicated period of at least three months to enhance your financial situation. One careful step to consider is taking a break from frequent visits to local bookmakers or online gambling platforms.

This break not only positively impacts your financial health but can also contribute to your overall well-being. Furthermore, we recommend exploring ways to save money during this timeframe.

Simple adjustments such as opting to cook at home instead of dining out, curbing unnecessary expenditures, and cancelling redundant subscriptions can free up extra funds to ensure that your bills are promptly paid.

In essence, the key here is to exercise sound financial judgment and engage in proactive planning well in advance of your intended financial endeavours. The further you distance yourself from periods of financial instability and debt, the greater your prospects will be when dealing with a lender.

Speak to a Dedicated Mortgage Advisor in Harrogate

Regardless of whether you’re a first time buyer in Harrogate, in the process of moving home in Harrogate, or are self employed in Harrogate, maintaining a firm grasp on your finances is consistently crucial.

If you find yourself grappling with a less-than-ideal credit history and are uncertain about the next steps, we encourage you to seek specialised mortgage guidance in Harrogate by reaching out to us today.

Our dedicated team is here to provide the best possible advice to help you along your mortgage journey. Don’t hesitate to get in touch; we’re committed to helping you navigate your financial path effectively.

Date Last Edited: December 28, 2023