To a certain extent, sponge, there is "the secret sect of sympathetic IVA lenders" --- in that the brokers know from experience which high street lenders will absolutely refuse if they get wind of the IVA, which might be swayed, and which might not ask.
Yes, wandering into the local high street branch might get a mortgage offer right away --- walk into the wrong one gets you a search recorded on that clean file --- walk into another tnad they will surmise the search resulted in a refusal and will think about it a bit harder -- try a third or a fourth and your chances go down the toilet.
To be blunt -- I do not give a fig about what the Experian fox selling chicken protection said. I have first hand experience of dealing with lenders ( albeit a couple of decades ago, and I accept that things do change )in the capacity of a criminal investigator and that experience would lead ME to tread carefully when replying to any onerous questions on a mortgage application -- what others do is, of course, down to their own moral compass.
I fear we will always be at loggerheads on this thorny subject, Sponge, so I will say no more as it is getting a mite tedious.
If we ever meet I shall still buy you a pint
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
