Debt won’t stop you from taking out a mortgage — as long as you don’t have more than you can handle. When debts are repaid, your credit rating improves and you become a stronger candidate for a mortgage loan. Lenders who decide whether or not you’re eligible differentiate based on your credit profile with credit agencies such as TransUnion and Experian. Increasing consumer debt can affect credit scores and lower credit ratings, making it harder for some borrowers to find an affordable home loan.
Can I buy a house in South Africa after the debt check?
For some, the thought of loans can be quite scary as they are afraid of returning to the situation where they had to drown in debt. Your credit profile is marked as a debt check, which causes lenders to prevent you from getting more loans. So what happens when the debt review is completed? Whether it is a house or a car, after the debt check, you are once again an active credit user. Contact credit agencies if the “Debt Review” %26 Standard Offers flag has not been removed within a reasonable time frame.
Do you have to pay off all debts before you buy a home?
Refinancing at a lower interest rate reduces your monthly payments, but you should continue to pay the same amount each month as it helps pay off the total debt earlier. Buying a house more expensive than you can reasonably afford can get you into trouble if you need to stretch your monthly budget for mortgage payments. Credit card debt is generally regarded as bad debts because of its costs and because high credit card debt is seen as a sign that you are unable to manage your income and expenses.
References:
- MONEY CLINIC | Can I buy a house while under debt review? | Fin24
- Can I Get a Mortgage on a Debt Management Program?
Barry Ritholtz is a renowned finance expert, author and blogger. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry he has gained a reputation as a thought leader and influencer in the investment community.