who to go to for mortgage help & advice..?

mroakley

We're in trouble with our mortgage currently and, though the government's Homeowner Mortgage Support scheme looks ideal for us, our mortgage lender insists we're not eligible to apply. They're basing this conclusion on some hastily cobbled together income/expenditure figures my partner submitted a couple of months ago. However these figures really aren't a fair indication of our circumstances as he's self employed and therefore his wages vary week to week. Also, in truth, he gave these figures in a bit of a panic, telling them only what it very much seemed the company rep was suggesting they wanted to hear - to prevent them taking "further action". I spoke to someone at the lenders myself yesterday, explaining that the in/out-going figures they'd seen were incorrect and that I planned on putting together a proper household budget, and I asked if they couldn't look again at the possibility of HMS for us. However I got short shrift from the woman I spoke to. She insisted we must make a full month's payment, plus £100 on top, by the 18th of this month - followed by the same again on the 29th, when payment becomes due again - simply in order to prevent them starting the process of reposssession against us. I don't know how we'll do it but, like my partner before me, I panicked and agreed to her demands. I guess we're neither of us much good at negotiating with these people!
Which brings me to the crux of my enquiry: Who is best to go to for free help, advice - and even representation if possible - when one runs into temporary money problems and needs a bit of breathing space with the mortgage? I know the CAB come highly recommended but, from what I've heard from friends, they seem little more than kindly amateurs with plenty of spare time but no real expertise. Can anyone here suggest a good advice agency who really know their way around the mortgage minefield and who can give us the best help in keeping the roof over our heads?
Many thanks
Mish

Thrugelmir

I know the CAB come highly recommended but, from what I've heard from friends, they seem little more than kindly amateurs with plenty of spare time but no real expertise

I think that is a rather harsh statement in light of the work that they do and the training they receive. If you are expecting someone to wave a magic wand tp solve your problems, you can forget that.

ASAP make an appointment with the CAB. They are very busy and you may have to wait a little while. But guaranteed they will help you as much as they can.

mroakley

Thanks for your input, Thrugelmir - and if your own experiences of the CAB have been positive then I guess that's the kind of stuff I'm asking to hear about.

Thrugelmir

mroakley wrote: »

Thanks for your input, Thrugelmir - and if your own experiences of the CAB have been positive then I guess that's the kind of stuff I'm asking to hear about.

Every case is similar but different. Each is dealt with on its merits.

Good luck and I hope that you get the help you need.

mroakley

I'm going to take your advice - suspend everything I thought I knew about the CAB - and get an appointment as soon as possible!
Cheers