Personal Finance Society Awards Dinner 2017.

On Wednesday 22nd November 2017 I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Personal Financial Societies awards dinner at the iconic Roundhouse in Camden.  Celebrating the best in the business the PFS did a brilliant job in showcasing the elite in professional financial planning and journalism.

It was an absolute honour to have been chosen as a finalist in the Mortgage and Protection Advice Specialist award. Unfortunately I did not win the award, however, I remain a proud runner-up and a dazzling, glitzy and entertaining night was enjoyed by all.

How could an interest rate rise affect you?

The Bank of England (BOE) monetary policy committee is due to meet tomorrow to discuss interest rates and implement any changes. Predictions of a rate hike are widespread especially since the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, stated that he expects an interest rate rise in the ‘relatively near term’.

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The Personal Finance Awards are being held next month and I am excited to announce that I have been chosen as a finalist for the Mortgage & Protection Advice Specialist of the Year Award.

It has been a busy journey from entry to finalist. For Stage 1 I was required to write a personal statement describing myself, my expertise, qualifications and continued professional development.

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Mortgage Capacity Assessments – individuals unable to obtain mortgage lending

In recent weeks I have noticed a significant increase in the number of enquiries for Mortgage Capacity Assessments by individuals who are in no position to obtain mortgage lending. Whilst many of these individuals were already aware of their situation and were simply carrying out an exercise to pacify Court proceedings, it did come as a surprise for some.

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Could this be the end of high loan to value mortgage lending?

When calculating mortgage capacity for potential mortgage borrowers, those with low deposits (usually 5%) have, in the past, had very few options where mortgages were concerned. Following the financial crisis in 2008 few mortgage lenders would consider such high Loan to Value mortgages (95% loan with a 5% deposit) and for those who would consider this type of lending and in order to compensate for the increased risk to the lender, higher Interest Rates were charged.

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Changes in Stamp Duty Land Tax

The world of Mortgage Capacity Assessments is always changing and this month is no exception – Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax came into effect on 1st April 2016 which will affect those purchasing Buy to Let properties and second homes. The new rates of SDLT for these purchases are as follows:

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What effect will rising interest rates have on those going through divorce?

Many of us, not all of course, have enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle over the last 5 years. For those with high Fixed Rate mortgages ending in this period will have switched to a low variable rate and benefitted from significantly lower mortgage payments.

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Case study: The effects of the weekly commute to work

Mortgage Capacity Assessments can be used to explore a range of financial scenarios and provide an accurate, realistic and educated outlook of future mortgage capacity. There are many different ways in which changes to financial circumstances can affect an individual’s ability to obtain a mortgage.

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How divorce really affects mortgage capacity

If you are going through divorce and questions affecting your future housing and mortgage needs are being discussed it is likely your legal representative will ask you to find out your mortgage capacity.

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Negotiate the right divorce settlement

A friend of mine who is currently going through a divorce recently came to me with a problem – she had done everything right during her divorce so far; she had sought advice from a reputable Family Solicitor and agreed that the most amicable course of action would be to go through the process of mediation.

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Case study: how maintenance payments affects mortgage capacity

I was contacted recently by a couple currently going through mediation in an attempt to amicably finalise the financial details of their divorce. 

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