Be Mortgage Ready: Complete Your Fact Find with Confidence

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a home mover, getting “mortgage ready” is one of the most important parts of your property journey. With lenders applying increasing scrutiny and criteria becoming more complex, working with an experienced, whole-of-market broker can make all the difference.

At Impact Specialist Finance, we guide you through the full process — from the first conversation to receiving your mortgage offer. Here’s what to expect, and why each step matters.

Start Strong: Speak to an Independent, Whole-of-Market Broker

Once your offer has been accepted on a property, estate agents will often discuss timelines with you, including how quickly you can arrange mortgage finance. This is the perfect point to engage an independent mortgage brokerage.

At Impact, we are:

• Whole of market — giving you access to a wide range of lenders, including high-street and specialist options.
• Fully regulated — you’ll receive an Initial Disclosure Document (IDD), outlining who we are, who regulates us, our permissions and scope, and any fees.
• Experienced with complex and non-standard cases — from self-employed income to historic credit challenges.

The Fact Find: The Foundation of Quality Advice

A high-quality mortgage recommendation relies on a detailed understanding of your circumstances. That’s why your adviser completes a comprehensive financial fact find.

This covers:

• Income and employment
• Outgoings and credit profile
• Future plans (e.g., new job, maternity leave, or changes in income)
• Deposit sources
• Property aims and long-term objectives

This part of the process can take a little while — but it means you’ll receive tailored advice that genuinely fits your needs. For clients with complex income, specialist requirements or past credit issues, this step is essential.

Decision in Principle (DIP): Your First Step to Securing a Mortgage

Once we’ve identified suitable lenders, the next stage is obtaining a Decision in Principle (DIP). This involves submitting:

• Basic personal details
• Income information
• A credit check

A DIP gives a strong indication of what a lender is willing to offer. At this stage, it’s important to be aware that multiple credit searches in a short period can impact your score. Many customers are surprised to learn that even comparison sites (for car or home insurance) can trigger hard checks — so it pays to be cautious.

Most DIPs are returned almost instantly. Once approved, you’re ready to move to a full mortgage application.

Full Application and Valuation

After your DIP is accepted, the full application is submitted to the lender. You’ll need to provide documentation such as:

• Photo ID
• Proof of address
• Proof of income (payslips, tax calculations, accounts)
• Bank statements

At this point, the lender instructs a valuation to confirm the property is suitable security for the mortgage. Basic valuations are common, but for older or non-standard properties, it’s worth considering a more detailed Homebuyer Report or Building Survey. These can highlight issues early and potentially save you significant costs long-term.

Specialist Support for Specialist Circumstances

One of the benefits of working with Impact is access to lenders and underwriters who often deal with us directly. This can help progress applications more efficiently — particularly where a case is complex or needs manual assessment.

Whether you’re:

• Self-employed
• On variable or multiple income streams
• Experiencing past credit blips
• Purchasing an unusual property
• Or simply unsure where you fit in the market

We find solutions where other brokers may not.

Receiving Your Mortgage Offer

Once the lender is satisfied with your documents, valuation and credit assessment, they issue a formal mortgage offer. Your solicitor then takes you through the conveyancing process — including searches, contracts, and enquiries — until the purchase is ready to complete.

With your offer secured, you’re firmly on the path to getting the keys.

Why Being Mortgage Ready Matters

The mortgage world is more nuanced than ever — which is why preparation is key. Working with a whole-of-market broker ensures:

• You avoid unnecessary credit checks
• You access a wide range of lenders (not just the obvious ones)
• Complex or specialist scenarios are handled correctly from the start
• You receive personalised advice with clear communication throughout
• You’re supported from fact find to completion

At Impact Specialist Finance, we make the process smoother, clearer, and more achievable — no matter your circumstances. To find out how we can help you, get in touch today via our contact form.