prob a silly q! mortgage application

ceecee1

Hello everyone !

I think that this is probably a very silly question but I'm going to ask anyway ...

20 years ago when I got divorced I took on all the debts, got CCJs and paid back through an attachment of earning order. Everything was paid back probably about 15 years ago.

I still live in the same house and am looking at getting a new mortgage and moving house as I pay off my existing mortgage this year....since I was in a mess I have a well managed credit card and have been able to get car finance.

should I declare the really old ccj's or not ???
Will it make any difference. I dont want to not declare and then find out that I have made some false declaration and the application thrown out.

But then again - after so much time, will it matter ?

Help please

kingstreet

Get copies of your statutory credit files from the three credit reference agencies to ensure there's nothing showing and you can then feel confident in applying for a new mortgage.

ceecee1

Thanks very much - I take it that they dont check any further back than shown on the credit files ?

kingstreet

They can only see what's on your currrent file. I would however try to avoid the lenders you found you had to make arrangements to repay as their systems may keep a longer record.

ceecee1

Well - just been onto Experian - that says my score is 999 and excellent - I suppose thats answered my question....

kingstreet

ceecee1 wrote: »

Well - just been onto Experian - that says my score is 999 and excellent - I suppose thats answered my question....

Try not to get too wrapped up in these numerical scores as they are only indicative and bear little relation to lenders' actual systems. They also fail to take into account your employment history, income, how long you've been with your bank etc.

This thread is a recent one where a 999 credit score earned the OP a decline;-

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3158508

Note the Experian representative's comments;-

We may not lend money but we build credit scoring systems for many major UK lenders, so we are experts at measuring credit risk and helping lenders manage it. How we rate your credit report is very relevant.

However, as I've just said in another thread, you can be legitimately refused credit with an excellent credit history because lenders look at other things too. Our score just rates is your credit history.

Get your statutory files for £2 each from the other CRAs and proceed with a decision in principle from a likely lender as and when you're ready to start looking for a new mortgage.