Why Choose a Specialist Mortgage Broker in Leigh for Bad Credit History?

Think of applying for a mortgage with bad credit like trying to unlock a door with the wrong key. High street banks in Leigh town centre use a standard key that works for most people - but if you have credit issues, that key simply won't fit. A specialist broker like Sarah has access to dozens of different keys - each one designed for different credit situations. One of those keys will unlock your mortgage, even when everyone else has told you the door is closed.

Last month, Sarah helped a client from Pennington who'd been rejected by three different banks. He had two CCJs from a difficult period five years ago when he was made redundant. Despite having a stable job now and a decent deposit saved, every high street lender in Leigh turned him down within minutes of seeing his credit file. Sarah knew exactly which specialist lenders would look beyond those old CCJs. Within a week, he had a mortgage offer. That's the difference a broker who understands bad credit makes.

Common Credit Issues We Help With in Leigh

We work with clients across Leigh who are dealing with all types of adverse credit. Here are the most common situations we help with:

County Court Judgements (CCJs): Perhaps you fell behind on payments during a difficult time, or maybe you didn't even know about a debt until a CCJ appeared on your file. We work with lenders who understand that CCJs don't define who you are today. One client from Westleigh had three CCJs from five years ago when her business failed. She'd since rebuilt her life, had steady employment, and saved a 15% deposit. Sarah matched her with a lender who focused on her current situation rather than her past difficulties.

Defaults and Arrears: Missing payments happens - redundancy, illness, family emergencies. What matters to specialist lenders is your story and your current circumstances. We help you present your case in the best possible light.

Debt Management Plans (DMPs) and IVAs: If you've taken positive steps to manage your debts, there are lenders who'll recognize that responsibility. Sarah recently helped a couple from Bedford who were three years into a DMP. They thought homeownership was impossible, but we found a lender willing to consider their application based on their excellent payment record within the plan.

Previous Bankruptcy: Even after bankruptcy, mortgage doors aren't permanently closed. The key is timing, how long ago it was discharged, and demonstrating financial stability since then.

How Sarah Helps Leigh Residents Get Approved

When you work with Sarah as your mortgage broker for bad credit history, here's what makes the difference:

Access to Specialist Lenders: Sarah works with over 30 lenders who specifically cater to adverse credit cases. Many of these lenders don't deal directly with the public - they only work through brokers. Some specialize in CCJs, others in self-employed applications with credit issues, and some focus on helping first-time buyers who've had financial difficulties. Without a broker, you simply won't know these lenders exist. It's like knowing about a secret menu at your favourite restaurant - you need someone with insider knowledge.

Application Preparation: Sarah doesn't just submit your application and hope for the best. She reviews your credit file first, identifies potential issues, and prepares your case properly. Think of it like a lawyer preparing for court - presentation matters. She knows exactly what documentation each lender needs and how to frame your circumstances in the most favorable way possible.

Saves Your Credit Score: Every mortgage application creates a credit search that appears on your file. Multiple rejections can damage your score further, making things worse. Sarah only submits your application to lenders who are likely to accept you. One wrong application can set you back months - getting it right first time is crucial.

Real Results for Leigh Residents

A first-time buyer from Leigh town contacted us after being rejected by her bank. She'd had a few late payments on credit cards three years ago during university and thought her dream of buying a flat near Pennington Flash was over. Sarah explained that those late payments, while not ideal, weren't a deal-breaker with the right lender. Within two weeks, she had a mortgage offer and is now settled in her new home.

Another client from Tyldesley Road had been through an IVA that completed 18 months ago. He assumed he'd need to wait years before applying for a mortgage. Sarah knew different lenders had different criteria - some wanted three years post-IVA, others would consider applications after just 12 months with the right deposit. She found him a lender willing to work with his situation, and he's now a homeowner.

The Process of Working With Us in Leigh

Step 1: Initial Conversation - Call or request a callback from Sarah. She'll spend time understanding your credit situation, your income, and what you're looking to achieve. This conversation is free and there's no obligation. Sarah will be honest about your chances and realistic about timescales.

Step 2: Credit Review - Sarah will review your credit file to see exactly what lenders will see. Sometimes people are surprised - the issues aren't as bad as they feared, or there are mistakes that can be corrected. Understanding the full picture helps Sarah choose the right lender.

Step 3: Lender Matching - This is where Sarah's expertise really shows. She matches your specific circumstances with the lender most likely to approve you. Not all bad credit lenders are the same - some are strict about CCJs but flexible about defaults, others are the opposite.

Step 4: Application Submission - Sarah prepares and submits your application with all the supporting documentation needed. She'll include a supporting statement explaining your credit issues and highlighting why you're a good lending risk now.

Step 5: Management and Completion - Sarah manages the entire process, dealing with any lender queries quickly and keeping you updated throughout. When the mortgage offer comes through, she'll explain the terms clearly so you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

Serving Leigh and Surrounding Areas

We're proud to help people across Leigh, including residents in Pennington, Westleigh, Bedford, and the surrounding villages. Whether you're looking to buy your first home near Leigh Sports Village, move closer to family in Atherton, or remortgage your property in Tyldesley, we understand the local property market and work with lenders who are comfortable with Greater Manchester properties.

What to Expect With Rates and Terms

It's important to have realistic expectations when you're looking for a mortgage broker to help with bad credit history. Mortgages for people with adverse credit typically come with higher interest rates than standard mortgages - usually between 3% and 6% depending on your circumstances. This is because lenders view them as higher risk. However, Sarah can often negotiate better rates than you'd achieve on your own, and once you've maintained good payment history for a couple of years, you can remortgage to a more competitive rate.

The deposit requirement also varies. While standard mortgages might need 5-10%, you may need 15-25% with bad credit. The better your deposit, the more lender options become available and the better rates you'll access.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Frequently Asked Questions - Leigh

How quickly can I get a mortgage decision?

Most initial consultations take 20-30 minutes. After reviewing your credit file, Sarah can usually tell you within a day or two which lenders are likely to accept your application. The formal mortgage process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to completion, though urgent cases can sometimes be expedited.

Will you definitely get me approved?

No broker can guarantee approval - the final decision always rests with the lender. However, Sarah's success rate is very high because she only approaches lenders who are likely to say yes to your specific situation. She'll be honest with you from the start about your chances.

Do I need to visit an office in Leigh?

No, everything can be handled by phone, video call, or email - whatever suits you best. Many of our Leigh clients prefer the convenience of handling everything remotely, though face-to-face meetings can be arranged if you prefer.

What if I've been rejected already?

Previous rejections don't mean you can't get a mortgage - they just mean you approached the wrong lender. Sarah will review why you were rejected and find lenders whose criteria you do meet. However, it's worth waiting a month or two between applications to avoid multiple credit searches appearing on your file in quick succession.

Ready to Start Your Mortgage Journey in Leigh?

Don't let bad credit history hold you back from owning your home in Leigh. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with Sarah. She'll review your situation honestly and let you know what options are available to you. Many people are surprised to learn they have more options than they thought.

Call now: 07539 911 696

Or request a callback: Contact Form