Bad news

BarmyBubba

In Halifax, West Yorkshire, so I am a tight sod anyway. But I will have to cut down on the pints of beer, woodbines and pigeon racing.

Where abouts are you? What sort of house are you getting?

danielle21_2

Im in Morley, Leeds - its a 3 bed semi on a 3yr old estate, lovely with en suite & downstairs loo. Very contemporary living tho as its small & sort of open plan with large arches from lounge to dining room & through to kitchen although there all seperate if u know what i mean. Valued at £146K dropped to £140 got it for £138 - bargain!!

What about u?

santana-mx3

BarmyBubba wrote:

Anyway, they suggested trying with Birmingham Midshires (who?) who 'help out' those who they deem a higher risk.

I had my first ever mortgage with them in 1990. I don't know whether they were known for dealing with high risk customers at the time but they might have been as I had started a small business the previous year and the BM mortgage was recommended by an intermediary. BM were bought by Halifax later so perhaps these days Halifax use them for high risk.

BarmyBubba

Buying a small mid terrace in the small village of Greetland, about 4 mile out of Halifax. Lived in the village all my life so didnt really want to leave.

Its two bedroom, immaculate inside - the previous owner had ripped everything out, installed double glazing, central heating, rewired, new kitchen etc. As he has also moved abroad he is leaving all the furniture, curtains, carpets you name it.

As I have little savings, it is perfect for me because I wont need to splash out on too much except the odd bits and pieces.

It was originally up for £145k, but it dropped to £139k due to no sale and then again to £124,995. I have got it for £122,500.

It will do for my first house, at least until marriage and kids (god help me).

seven-day-weekend

BarmyBubba wrote:

they suggested trying with Birmingham Midshires (who?) ?

Birminghma Midshires is an ex building society, now bank.:o

AndrewSmith

Birmingham Midshires is a subsidury of Halifax Bank of Scotland Group.

SPecialised in the 80's & 90's in self employed computer contractors and grew from that really. Halifax bought them to get a foothold in the non conforming market as their niche' is self certify and quick turnaround mortgage offers.

I have had one back in 4 days from application before now.

Good company, solid backing. Just watch the arrangement fees, they can be a bit steep (some are 1.5% !!!)

Andy

sue_balu

I wish you luck with Birmingham Midshires! Their "salesman" of a mortgage advisor got us into endowment shortfall land (£30k to find from somewhere else within 6 years) and then their customer service department nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown because they were soooooo inefficient. They lost our deeds (they were paper at that time) cocked-up our buildings insurance etc etc.

I couldnt wait to remortgage with another (any by that time) lender at the first opportunity.

If you've no choice then fair enough but if I were you I'd make other arrangements at the first opportunity.BMS do not deserve your business, believe me.

AndrewSmith

sue_balu wrote:

I wish you luck with Birmingham Midshires! Their "salesman" of a mortgage advisor got us into endowment shortfall land (£30k to find from somewhere else within 6 years) and then their customer service department nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown because they were soooooo inefficient. They lost our deeds (they were paper at that time) cocked-up our buildings insurance etc etc.

I couldnt wait to remortgage with another (any by that time) lender at the first opportunity.

If you've no choice then fair enough but if I were you I'd make other arrangements at the first opportunity.BMS do not deserve your business, believe me.

Birmingham Midshires do not operate that way nowadays with the majority of their business coming from intermediaries or brokers.

They are a good mortgage lender, fast, reliable and flexible when it comes to underwriting. All business is transacted electronically and I have never had cause to complain about their service (considering the number of applications I send them each year).

regularsaver1

Birmingham Midhshires mortgages can be keyed in halifax branches - explaining what happended here. it is standard practice offer to check with BM if the Halifax declines.