Quick Start Guide

Because no one teaches you this stuff — but it makes all the difference when you’re buying your first home.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably getting serious about buying your first home — but your credit score might be holding you back, or at least making you feel unsure. The good news? You’re not alone, and it is fixable.

This guide gives you clear, simple steps to get your credit in better shape — not just for your score, but to make you mortgage-ready. You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need a financial degree to sort this out.

Inside, you’ll find:

• ✓What really matters to lenders (it’s not just your score)
• ✓The 5 quickest ways to improve your credit starting today
• ✓What not to do if you’re planning to apply soon
• ✓Tools and tips we’ve used with loads of first-time buyers

Important: This is general information only. Steel & Co does not provide debt counselling, credit repair services or debt management plans.

And what lenders really care about.

Lenders don’t just care about the number on your credit file. Your score on ClearScore or Experian is a rough guide — not a deal-breaker.

• ✓Payment history — have you paid on time?
• ✓Credit use — are you maxed out?
• ✓Credit mix — different types of accounts help
• ✓Defaults or CCJs — older ones matter less
• ✓Stability — electoral roll, same address, job history

• ✗“No credit cards means a perfect score.” → Not true.
• ✗“Paid a default = it disappears.” → It still shows for 6 years.
• ✗“My Experian score is high = I’m fine.” → Lenders have their own internal systems.

To do

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission or referral fee if you sign up to Checkmyfile using this link.

• 1Register on the electoral roll
• 2Check all three credit agencies — use Checkmyfile to see them all in one place
• 3Pay down credit cards below 50% (ideally below 30%)
• 4Set up direct debits on everything to avoid late payments
• 5Don’t apply for any new credit before your mortgage

• ✗Don’t apply for new credit — it leaves hard searches
• ✗Don’t close old cards suddenly — it can reduce your credit age
• ✗Don’t move money around without reason — lenders might question it
• ✗Don’t miss payments — even Netflix or mobile bills
• ✗Don’t ignore your credit file — errors can take time to fix

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission or referral fee if you sign up to Checkmyfile using this link.

If you’ve made it this far — you’re doing better than most. Credit is fixable, and it’s rarely as bad as people think.

Next steps

• ✓Action 2–3 things from this guide this week
• ✓Check your credit file with Checkmyfile
• ✓Be consistent: pay on time, stay stable, avoid new credit

We can talk through your credit file with you as part of understanding your mortgage options.

If you are concerned about debt or your credit file, please seek independent help from a suitably authorised debt adviser before making a mortgage application.

Ask Amanda about a Credit File Review →

01502 446000  •  You’ve got this.