House prices up 2.2%! Positive news!

House prices up 2.2%! Positive news!

The Halifax House Price Index suggests that house prices increased 2.2% in March. They report
that the average house price now sits at £163,803. A spokesperson commented that the end of the Stamp Duty holiday period for First Time Buyers at the end of March probably helped
to increase sales and support prices.

A mortgage is the biggest debt you’re ever likely to take on, so do your homework and shop around, as you would for you weekly shopping! We are always surprised that someone will announce to the world that they saved £30 off the price of, say, a fridge or cooker, yet fail to apply the same research into their mortgage! If you have plans to apply for a mortgage in the
not too distant future, then keep an eye on your credit. Don’t miss or make late payments to any
provider. All financial institutions will base their decision initially on your credit history. If you have missed or late payments, or numerous credit searches (from multiple finance/mobile/car/home insurance applications), this could be detrimental to your ability to obtain finance at competitive rates. Even whilst shopping around for a new mortgage, be wary that many ‘institutions’ are likely to carry out a credit search on you. Make sure you stipulate at the outset of any mortgage conversation that you do not authorise any credit searches, until you agree you are happy to proceed with a specific product or lender. If you have not reviewed your credit search before, get it for free (30day trial period) from Credit Expert (see www.atomltd.co.uk for a link). It’s well worth a review and a good insight on how attractive you may, or may not, look to a lender.

Finally, we’ve been bombarded with visitors over the last few days as hoards of children embark on the Great Easter Bunny Hunt, organised by the Rotary Club of Horsham. It’s wonderful to see so many people taking part and obviously its superb fun for the children as they are spoilt with
chocolate, if they find the bunny’s name and carrot! We’ve also enjoyed some great enquiries from those parents who have been dragged, I mean accompanied, the children on their tour of the 24 participating shops! This event has certainly been worthwhile for all involved and created a great community spirit (ends Sunday 15th April).