My girlfriend and I are looking to buy a house soon. We've looked at a couple and realised that we really need to have an agreement in principle.
We spoke to our bank (Natwest) who told us they'd be able to lend us all the money we wanted, but we didn't get a written agreement in principle. We had a brief discussion about credit history though – I should be fine, had and repaid bank loan with no hassle, have credit card and always pay full balance. My girlfriend had no credit history at all though, so she ot a credit card, bought something and paid it off.
We'd like to apply for an agreement in principle online on HSBCs website, but given that there might be an issue with my girlfriends credit I don't want to be rejected if it will put a negative on her rating.
Shall we forge ahead and apply for an agreement in principle online or go to see someone else? Is the final check only done when you're applying for the mortgage?