Mortgage Essentials
Credit Score, Valuations, Surveys & Conveyancing
HELPFUL MORTGAGE TOOLS
Guidance
Your credit score affects mortgage approval and rates, while valuations and surveys ensure the property's true value and condition. Conveyancing handles the legal process, ensuring a smooth home purchase. Understanding these key steps helps you navigate your mortgage journey with confidence.
Credit Score
IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT & RATING
While having a deposit and a stable income to cover mortgage repayments are crucial factors, they're not the sole considerations for lenders.
Maintaining a good credit score is also pivotal. Although different mortgage lenders may have varying criteria.
Here are some tips to help boost your Credit Score:
Securing a mortgage involves more than just a down payment and income, maintaining a healthy credit score is a crucial aspect.
It’s essential to manage credit cards responsibly, update your voter registration, maintain clean bank statements and be mindful of the number of applications you make for various financial products to enhance your creditworthiness in the eyes of potential lenders.
Mortgage Valuations & Surveys
When you apply for a mortgage, the lender requires a Mortgage Valuation, for which you bear the cost. This step is mandatory and the mortgage approval hinges on it.
It's crucial to note that a Mortgage Valuation isn't a detailed property survey; instead, it serves as a "risk assessment." Its primary purpose is to determine whether the property is suitable collateral for the mortgage loan.
In many cases, mortgage lenders do not share the valuation report with the borrower.
If you want a more comprehensive assessment of the property you intend to purchase, you have two options:
Alternatively fill in the form below:
Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal process of buying, selling, and transferring land and buildings.
In property transactions like buying or selling a home in the UK, individuals often consult a solicitor specializing in conveyancing.
Today, many solicitors use licensed conveyancers to handle tasks like overseeing the contract of exchange and negotiating details when needed.
Understanding Conveyancing for a Property Purchase
When you are buying a property, it's essential to have the assistance of a expert Conveyancing firm to navigate the legal aspects of the transaction seamlessly and efficiently. The following overview aims to shed light on the various stages of this process.
Recommendations for Your Property Professional:
- Instruct your chosen conveyancer through your property professional.
- Your conveyancer will confirm their acceptance of your case within 24 hours.
- You'll receive a Client Pack that requires your completion and return.
- This pack will include a letter of engagement or a confirmation of the terms of business.
Please be aware: The solicitor cannot commence work until they receive this completed documentation.
Understanding Conveyancing for a Remortgage
When you decide to remortgage your property, it's essential to enlist the assistance of a proficient Conveyancing firm to navigate the legal aspects of the transaction seamlessly and efficiently. The following guide is designed to clarify each stage of this process.
- Instruct your chosen conveyancer through your property professional.
- Receive and return the client care pack to initiate conveyancer's work.
- Conveyancer verifies your identification.
- Obtain and confirm redemption figures for your existing mortgage.
- Receive and sign the mortgage deed sent by your conveyancer.
- Conveyancer sets a completion date after verifying all documentation.
Completion of the Case:
On the designated day, your conveyancer receives funds from the new lender. They pay off the existing mortgage, including any fees. Any surplus funds from additional borrowing are returned to you.
Alternatively fill in the form below:
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What our clients say...
Read why we are the best mortgage broker in Southampton
Ian Richards
3 months ago
I can’t recommend Graham highly enough. He’s incredibly helpful and explains everything clearly, making the whole mortgage process easy and stress-free.
I used Graham for my first mortgage, and his help made a huge difference. I’ve since gone back to him for two renewals and each time the experience has been just as smooth. I couldn’t be happier with the service he’s provided and would happily recommend him to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker.
I used Graham for my first mortgage, and his help made a huge difference. I’ve since gone back to him for two renewals and each time the experience has been just as smooth. I couldn’t be happier with the service he’s provided and would happily recommend him to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker.
Ellie Warry
4 months ago
I had the pleasure of working with Graham buying my first house, I couldn't recommend him enough! He went above and beyond helping me deal with all aspects of the sale and he made this experience way less stressful and smooth sailing. Thank you so much Graham and Kristie you are amazing!
lydia blackshaw
4 months ago
Graham was absolutely amazing throughout our entire mortgage process. From start to finish, he made what could have been a stressful experience feel straightforward and manageable. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient with all our questions, and always made himself available when we needed guidance. Graham went above and beyond to find us the best rates and explained everything in terms we could actually understand. We couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Graham!
Peter Barton
4 months ago
I would highly recommend using lock & Key to help you with your mortgage. Graham helped us with our first mortgage 5 years ago and now 5 years on, Graham is helping us get the best deal he possibly can again. The experience, knowledge and attention to detail Graham and the team bring is invaluable and certainly takes the pressure off while trying to find a deal that works for you.
Abi Cutts
4 months ago
As a first-time buyer, getting a mortgage felt incredibly daunting, but Graham at Lock & Key Mortgages made the entire process so much easier. He was always available to answer my questions (no matter the time of day!) and explained everything clearly and patiently.
Graham was attentive, supportive, and genuinely cared about helping me secure the right mortgage for my first flat. His dedication and reassurance made such a difference during what could have been a very stressful time.
I honestly couldn’t have done it without him and would highly recommend Graham to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and committed mortgage advisor.
Graham was attentive, supportive, and genuinely cared about helping me secure the right mortgage for my first flat. His dedication and reassurance made such a difference during what could have been a very stressful time.
I honestly couldn’t have done it without him and would highly recommend Graham to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and committed mortgage advisor.
Mark Smith
4 months ago
Another mortgage renewal completed smoothly by Graham and his team. We have been using Graham for nearly 20 years through various house moves and renewals. He is extremely professional and friendly, each time he has advised various options based on our personal position and the financial climate at the time. We have recommended him to family and friends who have all had equally brilliant experiences.
amber bailey
4 months ago
As first-time buyers, we had a great experience using Lock and Key for our mortgage advice. Graham and his team were really helpful, quick to respond, and always took the time to explain things clearly. They made the process straightforward and stress-free, and we’d happily recommend them to others.
George Ivory
4 months ago
We used Lock and Key for our mortgage advice as first-time buyers, and Graham and his team have been very helpful throughout. They were always prompt, explained everything clearly, and made the whole process feel much smoother. Would definitely recommend.
Courtney Haywood
4 months ago
Graham has been amazing throughout the process of getting our mortgage 2 years ago and remortgaging now. Nothing is too much for him. He messages and calls with any information and talks through everything till we understand it. We couldn’t be more grateful for his help throughout the whole process!
Lauren Pickup
6 months ago
We have worked with Graham on multiple mortgages now and he is always extremely knowledgable and easy to work with. He has secured us fantastic mortgage deals time and time again. I couldn’t recommend him enough!
Charlee Gladman
7 months ago
This is my second time using Lock & Key Mortgages, I have been so impressed with Graham that I wouldn't go anywhere else, and happily recommend him to everyone I know. From the minute you make contact, Graham is friendly, professional, explains things in a simple (as I know nothing about the mortgages!) but knowledgeable way and does everything possible to get you a good mortgage deal. His communication is brilliant and I genuinely couldn't praise him and his service enough.
Lydia Cooke
7 months ago
We are lucky enough to have known Graham since 2016 when we bought our first house. He has already seen us through two house purchases and two remortgages, and we are now in the process of our third house purchase with the company’s help and guidance. Throughout every process he has been so helpful, offered us great advice and answered my many, many questions very promptly! I wouldn’t consider anyone other than Lock and Key Mortgages for any future moves and we recommend them to anyone who will listen! While the process of moving house can be stressful, we are lucky to have found such a great mortgage advisor to make the process so much easier!
Kristie Read
7 months ago
Renewing our mortgage with Graham was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. He made what could have been a stressful process feel effortless, guiding us through every step with clarity and confidence. Graham’s ability to explain complex details in a way that was easy to understand gave us complete peace of mind. We couldn’t recommend him highly enough to anyone looking for a mortgage advisor - Thanks Graham!
mollie Spratt
7 months ago
Graham and kristie have been absolutely amazing in our mortgage journey. We couldn’t have asked for a better service from people who seem to genuinely care and want to help. The process has been made so easy and Graham couldn’t be more responsive - answering our calls whenever we needed him even if it was not in office hours and getting back to us as soon as he could. I really could not recommend him more and be more thankful for such a great service. I wouldn’t go to anyone else for future remortgaging or help in this area. Time is taken to explain everything in ways that are easy for us to understand and he has made sure to keep both me and my partner in the loop throughout giving us frequent updates and checking in on us.
Paula O'Grady
9 months ago
Amazing service from Graham at Lock and Key. I was passed Graham’s name from a friend who raved about him. I wasn’t sure he would be able to help as we had usual circumstances - only needed a mortgage for 11 months and were uncertain about our options. I was reassured straight away from Graham that he understood and there were products out there we would benefit from financially. 3 days later and it’s pretty much all done. Graham had applied and got things underway immediately to make sure we got the best deal before there were any changes. We are so grateful and appreciative. Also communication has been fantastic. Thank you Graham.
Sophie O'Toole
9 months ago
Graham and Kristie were exceptional in the service provided. Nothing was too much trouble and we always kept up to date at every step. A personal and empathetic service, thank you
Brady Hampton
11 months ago
Graham and the team are brilliant. As a first-time buyer I had no idea how the mortgage process works and was recommended Lock and Key Mortgages. They didn't only get me the best rate on the market (that I couldn't find myself) but also effectively managed the whole process from start to finish being the lynchpin between solicitors & estate agent.
Superb and would recommend!
Superb and would recommend!
Lucy Goddard
11 months ago
Without a doubt the best mortgage advisor around! I have been extremely nervous from the very start and Graham’s help and support has got us where we need to be! He has been extremely responsive at all times and being available on WhatsApp has been amazing as any questions or worries have been answered so quickly! Graham has today secured us our mortgage!! I have dreamed of this moment for years and with Graham’s pure dedication and patience we have received the paperwork!! Graham’s knowledge is unmatched in the market and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone! Thank you doesn’t quite seem enough!!
Maddison Burden
12 months ago
We went to Graham to help us buy our first home and he has been amazing. The best decision we made during our buying process was choosing him! He made us feel so comfortable and made everything clear. We have been able to ask him questions whenever we need and he gets back to us so quickly, couldn’t recommend him enough!!
Sarah Collings
12 months ago
I cannot recommend Graham highly enough. He has been managing our mortgage for the past 15 years, and nothing is ever too much trouble for him. He is always willing to answer all our questions, regardless of whether they are big, small, or seemingly silly. Over the years, he has provided us with excellent advice and genuinely cares about securing the best deal for us.
He is always available on the phone or WhatsApp and responds promptly, even while on his holidays.
I have recommended Graham to many of my friends and family members, and they all echo our sentiments: he is truly a genuinely lovely person.
He is always available on the phone or WhatsApp and responds promptly, even while on his holidays.
I have recommended Graham to many of my friends and family members, and they all echo our sentiments: he is truly a genuinely lovely person.
Mark Tyler
1 year ago
Support and advice has been second to none. Would and have made recommendations and will continue to do so.
Gemma Baker
1 year ago
Graham is the best financial adviser I have dealt with. He is responsive, easy to talk to and understanding of different personal situations to work to find the best way forward. I would not hesitate to recommend Graham/Lock and Key Mortgages.
Hannah Sullivan
1 year ago
Graham has been utterly amazing from start to finish! He guided us through our mortgage process with so much patience, professionalism and support, we are so grateful for all his help and guidance.
He is approachable, no question or query was too much. He will come very highly recommended to anyone in need of a mortgage or any advice. Thank you Graham and Lock & Key - your service is truly second to none!
He is approachable, no question or query was too much. He will come very highly recommended to anyone in need of a mortgage or any advice. Thank you Graham and Lock & Key - your service is truly second to none!
Ben Mitchell
1 year ago
It’s been a faultless experience finding a mortgage for my next house with Graham at Lock and Key Mortgages. From the start, he was professional, approachable, and genuinely took the time to understand my needs. He walked me through every step of the mortgage process, answered all my questions, and provided clear, straightforward advice. What impressed me most was his dedication to finding the best deal for me, and he made sure I felt confident and informed throughout. I couldn't have asked for better service and will definitely be recommending him to family and friends. Thank you, Graham, for making this process so much easier!
Adam Lowther
2 years ago
Have used Graham at lock and key for a few mortgages now, really helpful and thorough. Great at explaining different things for us to understand and always really accommodating. We wouldn’t use anyone else.
Beccy Mintram
2 years ago
We highly recommend Graham at Lock and Key Mortgages. We've used Graham for almost 10 years, across a couple of house moves and re-mortgages and cannot fault his service. He is thorough and explains everything really well (to us as non finance-y people!), and always looks out the best options for us.
Thanks Graham, we will definitely be back at mortgage renewal time!
Thanks Graham, we will definitely be back at mortgage renewal time!
Kate Blackmore
2 years ago
I have been a client of Graham's for years and he is always super helpful and proactive. He recently sorted our remortgage out for us and we're really grateful of Graham's excellent service once again. Thanks Graham!
Harry
2 years ago
Graham has been excellent. As first time buyers, my partner and I started shopping around for rates from both fee-charging and fee-free mortgage brokers. We were recommended Graham by a family member and were immediately impressed with both his knowledge and friendliness. He not only generated us the best rates as a fee-free broker, but has gone above and beyond in explaining/facilitating the house buying process (e.g solicitors, surveyors etc).
Thoroughly recommend Lock and Key Mortgages and will no doubt be getting in contact when it comes to remortgaging!
Thoroughly recommend Lock and Key Mortgages and will no doubt be getting in contact when it comes to remortgaging!
Natalie Sparshott
2 years ago
Graham has been an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. All of my friends had used him as their broker & highly recommended Graham to me, so we decided to use him as ours this time for our move.
From thousands of questions which never seemed to bother him, to changing our mortgage lender/rate god knows how many times, we cannot fault any of his work.
Thank you so much Graham for all of your help, you’ve been absolutely fab. We will definitely be using you in 2 years again!
From thousands of questions which never seemed to bother him, to changing our mortgage lender/rate god knows how many times, we cannot fault any of his work.
Thank you so much Graham for all of your help, you’ve been absolutely fab. We will definitely be using you in 2 years again!