Why ordering Uber Eats could spoil your chance of getting a home loan

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In the current financial climate, every move you make is being scrutinised, with even your dinner choice having an impact on your future borrowing potential

Personal spending habits - on things like clothes, holidays, Netflix and Uber Eats - are becoming a factor when a bank considers a loan application.

Increased scrutiny of the banking industry and tighter controls on lending practices are becoming an issue for prospective homeowners.

uber eats home loan application

The banks are still lending money but it's much tighter.

It's across the board, affecting first, second and third home buyers. These people can't get the funds.

In the past banks would work out a multiple of your income, less your big stuff like car debts and exposure to credit cards. Now they're looking at your bank statements to see how often you have takeaway food.

The regulator APRA wants increased security on the amount the banks are lending to homeowners, so the balance has shifted. The banks haven't changed their guidelines but they are just applying them far more stringently now.

Despite this, you can ensure you do not run into credit problems by following simple rules.

Being prepared before applying for a loan and making easy changes to your lifestyle in the months preceding a credit application can make all the difference.

The most practical advice we can give is make sure you are organised before you apply. Understand that everything you do is going to come under more scrutiny.

It's not just a simple process any more. Technology has been a real game changer. People are using less cash, so everything can be tracked when you use your cards.

Make an informed decision before you want to buy, knowing that someone is watching you.

Be organised

Go to the bank with as much information as possible. Include expenditures, discretionary income, school fees and other costs.

Minimise your expenses

Once issues are discovered in a credit application it is difficult to overcome them. Work on minimising unnecessary spending in the months before applying. Less Uber Eats could have a significant impact on your chances of approval.

Compulsory credit reporting

Since July 2018, all banks have a responsibility to put all information into personalised credit files, giving them more information on customers and impacting your credit score. If you're a day late on your credit card, it is reported.

Technology tells all

Every one of your transactions is being tracked and it could come back to haunt you come application time. You may regret the $300 you spent on clothes.

Evils of buy now, pay later

Credit schemes like Afterpay and Zip Pay are classified as debts and can be viewed in the same way as a credit card. Similarly, if you miss a payment and are charged interest, it could be potentially viewed as a default.

Most people are hearing about problems after applying for a home loan when an issue has come up in a credit check.

You can't do much about it then but you can be better organised and make small changes before you apply.

If you're a day late paying your credit card, if you overdraw your account, that is all reported and that affects your credit score.

Simple changes can make a huge difference. If owning a home is important to you, make it the priority.

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