Helping James negotiate with his mortgage lender

James* first contacted us in 2014. He called into our office after hearing about our Mortgage Debt Advice service from a friend.

James was retired but still had a mortgage to repay. He had separated from his wife a few years previously, and was living in the home they had bought together. His mortgage term was about to expire, and needed renegotiated. However, his ex wife had started divorce proceedings and was intending to get her share of the house. We advised James to talk with his mortgage lender to see if he could get an extension on his current mortgage deal. He successfully got an extra 12 months added to his term.

Unfortunately, when the 12 months were up, James had to come back to us for more assistance. His mortgage lenders would not change his mortgage to make it affordable for him on his own,  and he could no longer afford to keep his home. The thought of having to leave his home of many years was causing James a great deal of anxiety and distress.

James and his Housing Rights adviser studied his income and outgoings. The Housing Rights adviser worked out the mortgage could be paid off over 10-12 years if it was changed from interest only to repayment. This would enable James to stay in his home and eventually pay off his debt.

The mortgage lender accepted our proposal and James can stay in his home and will be able to meet his monthly payments.

“ My deepest thanks for all your help and expertise, not to mention patience.

I have sent off my acceptance of their new offer regarding my mortgage.

Relief beyond belief, to coin a phrase. I am forever in your debt. “

James, December 16

(name was changed to protect clients identity)