Every month we bring you the latest consumer news stories with ideas and advice on everything from saving money to improving your home
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GET READY to buy
As mortgage rates ease, it’s a good time to get on the property ladder. Alan Davidson, personal finance distribution director of Together, shares his application tips…
First-time buyers need to provide documents on income, employment status, and any debts or expenses. Having the documents ready means you can move quickly when the time comes.
Most banks depend on automated lending decisions, so check your credit score to spot unfamiliar items, address them with the provider and resolve outstanding debts.
A mortgage broker helps buyers with the products available. They can also help those with irregular incomes or buyers of houses deemed non-standard. Check out togethermoney.com.
SOLAR PANEL KNOW-HOW
Spring, with its longer days and plenty of sun, is the perfect time to invest in solar energy. Josh Raffo, commercial director at Thrift Energy, explains what you should be discussing with your installer before you invest…
• What’s the optimal installation for your property? This will depend on the size and orientation of your roof. It is important to ensure the capacity of the inverter installed is aligned to the number of panels on your roof.• Do you need a battery or even two?
A battery will allow you to store the energy generated so you can use it when you need, like when it’s dark. The more capacity you have, the more energy you can store,
