If you have a history of bad credit, you will find it more difficult to find a lender who is willing to approve a mortgage for you. Although the increase in the number of people with debt problems has led to a similar increase in the number of adverse credit mortgages available, there are only a few ways of ensuring that you are getting the best adverse credit mortgage advice. One of these ways is to talk to a qualified, regulated mortgage broker.

How do I know which broker will give good adverse credit mortgage advice?

In order to give adverse credit mortgage advice, brokers must be qualified and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Those brokers who are regulated must have a declaration to that effect on the communications they send to you - whether it be letters or marketing material. In addition, they must follow specific procedures, designed to make sure that the customer is always aware of the options and advice being offered. If you approach a mortgage broker for adverse credit mortgage advice, you should ask if they are regulated. You can use the FSA's own website - www.fsa.gov.uk - to double-check which brokers in your area are regulated.

In addition to this, it can also be worthwhile to talk to your broker over the phone or, if they are local to you, to arrange to meet. Bad credit history can be complicated and it will help you to know that the broker is interested in taking your full history so that he or she can give you the best adverse credit mortgage advice. Taking on an adverse credit mortgage is a big commitment and you need to have confidence that your broker has access to a wide range of products and will be able to sort out any difficulties you may have.

If I seek out adverse credit mortgage advice, what do I need to know?

Before speaking with a mortgage broker, you should know exactly what your current credit status is. Although the broker or the lenders can look at your credit history, it is best if you can give them this information when you first ask for adverse credit mortgage advice. To get your latest credit history details, simply write to the three main credit reference agencies, requesting that they send you the appropriate information. Details for these agencies are available from the government website www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.

When you first talk to a broker about adverse credit mortgage advice, you will also need to know how much money you want to borrow. This is important because it may help to define which types of products are best for you. Depending on your credit history, there may be a maximum amount of money that you will be able to borrow, so you will need to be prepared to adjust your property expectations.

Do I have to follow adverse credit mortgage advice?

No. The mortgage broker's job is to look at your circumstances and give you professional advice on the options that are best for you. This does not mean that you have to follow their recommendations, but it does mean that if you choose to apply for a product that you have not received advice about, you will be unable to take any action against the broker should the product prove to be wrong for you. Adverse credit mortgage advice is a specialist area and it is possibly the most useful information you will get when you are looking for a mortgage. The broker will also be able to submit all the required paperwork, thereby making the whole process less stressful for you.

About the author:

Elizabeth Grant writes exclusively for The Mortgage Broker specialist mortgage websites. To read more of Elizabeth 's articles on Adverse Credit Mortgages please visit the Adverse Mortgage Centre.