In Personal Debt during a "Credit Crunch" House Sale?

Every day, the calls keep coming from people who need to clear their personal debts but who also have their property currently on the open market for sale. Where is the problem you ask?

If Mr & Mrs A own a property, that they believe is worth and currently being marketed for £300,000 and the house has been up for sale for 3 months without any viewings, it is likely they will have to asses what is going to be the reason why a potential buyer would buy their house before the next one available at the same or slightly lower price, it is about knowing the market in which you are selling your home!

This is not the point though, most people think their house is the one that will sell, it is our nature to prefer our own houses, cars, holidays etc....

However, Mr & Mrs A also have unsecured credit card debts and personal loan agreements outstanding that total approximately £35,000. The interest on the personal debt is accruing daily and their ability to repay more than the minimum payments is limited and becoming more so as the months move on. Mr & Mrs A believe that when they sell their house they will pay off their personal debts, it is quite simple!

Or is it?

Mr & Mrs A may not sell their house for another 6 months, it may not sell at all!

In the current climate, the case could be that Mr & Mrs A sell their house for a lot less than they originally thought meaning less equity to pay off the debts after the sale. Whilst waiting to sell the house the interest and charges on the personal debt has increased the total amount now owing to possibly £37,500-40,000. It all depends on the interest accruing on the debt outstanding!

The point is simple, people should not put all their"eggs in one basket".

Mr & Mrs A should make plans to deal with or take advice regarding the unsecured debt level and possibly reduce it whilst trying to sell the house. The concern of keeping the credit score in tact is a little like "shutting the stable door once the horse has bolted".

For more advice regarding personal debt problems and ways around managing your debt through the sale of your home in a volatile market, please call today using 0800 018 6868, our lines are open 24 hours, your call is FREE and dealt with in total confidence.