Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage

4/13/20224/13/2022

Generally speaking, gambling and mortgages do not mix well. Taking out a mortgage means that a bank or building society trusts that you’re able to pay the money back. But if they see that you’re an active gambler, then this may go against your application.

Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage Loan
Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage Broker
Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage Rates

However, there is a difference between those who gamble large amounts of money on a regular basis (including those who are professional gamblers), compared to those who might put a small bet on every now and then.

But he says there are red flags which may lead the bank to turn down a mortgage application. These include an online gambling habit with the evidence contained in credit card and bank statements.

When will gambling affect a mortgage application?

If you’re a professional gambler wanting to use your winnings as evidence that you can afford to take out a mortgage, then you might come up against a few hurdles, as this is considered far more risky than someone who has a job and gambles occasionally on the side. That’s not to say that it isn’t impossible though. Those lenders who are willing to lend you the money might alleviate this risk by increasing the interest rate and only lending a small amount of money.

Does gambling affect a mortgage application? Generally speaking, gambling and mortgages do not mix well. Taking out a mortgage means that a bank or building society trusts that you’re able to pay the money back. But if they see that you’re an active gambler, then this may go against your application. Re: Does extensive gambling affect mortgage application? Well depending on what AGI was If I was an UW, I would look at gambling to be a possible issue wanting more information on. 80,000 no matter how its sliced is alot of money. Even though it appears he broke even what if the losses were substantial.

Whilst you may argue that professional gambling is no different to getting a mortgage when self-employed, gambling is still deemed as a riskier business than self-employment, especially if there’s no trace of regular savings but a build-up of debt instead.

Ultimately, you need to be aware that if you’re a professional gambler, this activity is seen as a risk and could result in your mortgage being declined.

When won’t gambling affect a mortgage application?

When lenders carry out their affordability checks, they look at your bank statements from the previous 3-6 months. Therefore, any gambling on your bank statements during this period will be seen by your potential lender. However, the lender is not going to judge you on what you chose to spend your money on. Their primary concern is that you aren’t getting into debt in order to fund the gambling, so if you’re betting using your own money, and you aren’t in debt, then this shouldn’t affect your mortgage application.

Similarly, if you only put the odd bet on here and there, then you don’t need to worry about gambling affecting your mortgage application. Just be mindful that if your finances begin to suffer because of it, then this may affect things.

How to get mortgage approved

If you do gamble and you’re worried about getting a mortgage, you could try the following things to help improve your situation and get yourself mortgage ready:

Clear your debts - Clearing off any debt you have shows that you’re responsible when it comes to your finances.

Regular savings - Again, it’s all about responsible lending, so if you can show that you have a savings account that you pay into regularly, the lender will see you as a low-risk borrower.

Good credit history- Having a good credit history improves your chances of getting a mortgage, so you should work to improve your credit score.

Stop gambling - The most obvious, but this can only happen if you want to stop gambling.

Get the right mortgage advice

Speaking to a mortgage broker can help you get the right advice that you need in order to fulfil your dream of getting on the property ladder. They’ll be able to address any worries or concerns that you may have about your spending habits.

At Mortgage Advice Bureau, we deal with people from all walks of life and we do not judge anyone's personal circumstances - we are simply here to help.

Get help for your gambling addiction

If you’ve been refused a mortgage due to gambling, then now might be the right time to turn things around and seek advice. Visit the GambleAware website for help with a gambling addiction.

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Taking on a mortgage is a major financial responsibility. But oddly enough, nearly half of homebuyers don’t take the time to shop around for the right lender, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In addition to traditional banks and mortgage brokers, homebuyers have a third option in the form of online mortgage lenders. If you’re cautious about going online to track down a home loan, here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of getting a mortgage online.

Find out now: How much house can I afford?

The Pros

1. You may Get Lower Rates and Fees

Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage Loan

Unlike a brick-and-mortar bank, online mortgage lenders often operate without having to cover a lot of overhead. As a result, they might be able to pass the savings to their customers in the form of lower interest rates or lower fees. If an online lender offers you a rate that’s even a quarter of a percent lower than what other lenders offer, that could potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

2. Applying for a Loan May Be Less Time-Consuming

If you’ve never applied for a mortgage before, it goes something like this. The lender will hand you a stack of paperwork and a laundry list of documents that you’re required to make copies of. Getting everything in order can take days or even weeks if you’re chasing down bank statements or tax forms.

Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage Broker

Online lenders can make the process less difficult to navigate. Instead of making copies of tax returns or other financial documents, you can just upload them to the lender’s website. That can speed up the loan process and save you some headaches.

3. It May Be Easier to Get Approved

Your credit score plays a big role in determining whether you can qualify for a mortgage. Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans all have minimum credit score guidelines for approval. But individual lenders can raise the bar to weed out borrowers who may be a credit risk. If your credit isn’t perfect, an online lender might be more willing to grant you a loan.

The Cons

1. Getting Help May Be Harder

If you’re applying for a mortgage through a local bank or a broker, you’ll probably be able to call them at any time within business hours to get answers to your questions. With an online lender, it might be more difficult to get someone on the phone when you need assistance.

2. Rates Aren’t Guaranteed

Jumping on board with an online mortgage lender because they’re promising you a super low rate can backfire if it turns out that you’re not eligible for a great deal. By that point, you could be several weeks into the process, so you might feel like it’s too late to back out. And as a result, you could end up paying more for a mortgage than you had originally planned.

Check out our mortgage calculator.

Can Online Gambling Affect Getting A Mortgage Rates

Do Your Homework

If you think an online mortgage lender is the way to go, it’s best to do some research before you apply. It’s a good idea to read reviews and find out whether there have been any complaints filed against the company, either with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your state’s attorney general’s office. Then, you can carefully compare the loan terms they’re offering to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

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