Mark Davies - Minster Mortgages

02/09/2026

If you're getting your finances ready to buy, don't just look at the headline credit score.

Take a few minutes to look through the actual report.

Look for:
• Errors
• Missed payments
• Forgotten commitments

The point isn't to chase a “perfect” score. It's to understand your starting position before you need to make mortgage decisions.

That can give you much more useful information than simply knowing the number at the top.

Minster Mortgages & Protection is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

01/09/2026

It's easy to think that getting ready for a mortgage means getting your credit score as high as possible.

But the more useful starting point is understanding what's actually in your credit history.

Are there errors?
Missed payments?
Old or forgotten commitments?

Knowing what's there gives you a clearer picture of your starting position.

Minster Mortgages & Protection is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 26/08/2026

31/08/2026

Your credit score can be useful, but it isn't the only thing worth understanding.

If you're thinking about buying, take a look at your actual credit report too.

You may spot something that needs correcting, something you've forgotten about, or simply get a much clearer picture of your starting position.

It's less about chasing a perfect score.
More about knowing what you're working with.

Minster Mortgages & Protection is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

07/07/2026

11/06/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about an Agreement in Principle (AIP) is that it commits you to a mortgage.

It doesn't.

An AIP is simply an early indication of what a lender may be willing to lend based on the information available at the time.

For many buyers, it helps answer an important question before they start viewing properties:

"Am I looking in the right price range?"

It can also help demonstrate to estate agents and sellers that you're in a position to proceed when you find the right property.

An AIP isn't about committing.

It's about getting clarity before you start searching.



Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

10/06/2026

Mortgage questions I get asked all the time:

An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is one of the first steps in the process.

It’s not a full application, but it gives you an indication of what a lender may be willing to offer.

It also shows estate agents and sellers that you’re serious.

For many buyers in Nottingham, this is the point where things start to feel real.

It’s not committing - it’s preparing properly!



Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

09/06/2026

You may think about Income Protection based on how life looks today.

But protection isn't really for today's you.

It's for future you.

The version of you with different responsibilities, different plans, and challenges you can't predict.

Not because you expect something to happen, but because having options matters.

So here's a thought:

If future you needed some extra breathing room, what options would you want them to have?

Sometimes the best financial decisions are simply about giving yourself choices.

08/06/2026

Managed to get out on the bike over the weekend and gave the new Waterside Bridge a try.

Really impressed with it. Opens up some great off-road routes that weren't easily accessible before.

Definitely worth a visit 🚴

03/06/2026

You probably didn't start your house search feeling overwhelmed.

That feeling usually creeps in later.
After you've saved dozens of properties.
Changed your mind three times.
And started wondering whether you're even looking for the right thing anymore.

A lot of the stress isn't caused by the houses.
It's caused by not being completely clear on what you need the move to improve.
More space.
Less commuting.
Better schools.
More time back each week.

Once you know that, the search often feels a lot calmer.

So, before you scroll tonight, try this:
Write down three things your next home must give you.
And one compromise you'd realistically make.
It might give you more clarity than another hour on Rightmove.

Clarity normally comes before confidence.

19/05/2026

You may assume delays come from the mortgage side.

But more often than not, it’s the property chain.

That means:

* Multiple buyers and sellers
* All connected
* All needing to move at the same time

If one part slows down, everything else follows.

Understanding this helps remove one of the biggest causes of frustration for buyers.



Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority