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Do I pay off my debts?
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sezzles1967
Posts: 3 Newbie
I've recently divorced and have a lump sum of cash following sale of my house.
I have 13K worth of debts in my name which are being administered through Step Change.
I have bad credit rating, but would like to put that right and be in a position to apply for a mortgage in a couple of years instead of wasting money on rent (currently paying 1200 a month rent for 3 bed).
My question is, do I just pay all the outstanding amounts or do I request a settlement figure which may be a better deal?
I was told that if you accept a settlement deal this affects your credit rating and doesn't have it marked as "paid in full"
any help would be appreciated as im not sure what is the right thing to do.
Many thanks
I have 13K worth of debts in my name which are being administered through Step Change.
I have bad credit rating, but would like to put that right and be in a position to apply for a mortgage in a couple of years instead of wasting money on rent (currently paying 1200 a month rent for 3 bed).
My question is, do I just pay all the outstanding amounts or do I request a settlement figure which may be a better deal?
I was told that if you accept a settlement deal this affects your credit rating and doesn't have it marked as "paid in full"
any help would be appreciated as im not sure what is the right thing to do.
Many thanks
0
Comments
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Whatever you do, your credit rating is currently trashed. And it will remain so for the next six years. As time goes by it will get better, but you may be disappointed if you apply for a mortgage in a couple of years time.
Whatever method you choose to try and settle, it will be on your credit file for six years, so you may be better to go for partial settlement now as it will make little difference."There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe a 'Princess Coronation' locomotive in full cry. We shall never see their like again". O S Nock0 -
I think getting a mortgage in a few years is a little optimistic if you are on a dmp but I am no expert. When I worked in mortgages years ago you had to be default free for 6 years so I guess it depends on when you defaulted and how long before you clear it.
I think if the settlement is marked as full and final then it does not stay on your credit file so that is what you need to offer. You may have to fill out income and expenditure forms though and they will then judge whether or not to accept. I would start off by offering 60% of the total debt outstanding and see what they come back with. That would save you around £5k if accepted.
When eventually you come to apply for a mortgage the bigger deposit you have the better so I would keep as much of the equity back as possible.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free Wannabe, Budgeting and Banking and Savings and Investment boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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