Jalexa:

Chopstick:

Obviously, we're 3 weeks into the process so credit checks will be showing - and presumably showing as turned down -

No, the "footprint" is a record of a search, not a record of failure.

That said it would be money well spent to find out just how many searches HSBC has made during the process as you are probably aware too many searches in too short a time will adversely impact your rating.

Regarding the loan, from here as described, it doesn't look a well focussed excercise. You talked, or got talked up from £60k to £97k. The trouble is a good joint salary and employment these days is not necessarily risk free in lenders eyes. Your didn't reveal your outstanding debt here, and that is your business, but presumably you did in your application. Sorry in the lenders eyes you are scr*wed both ways. Is it debt consolidation or home improvement? There is a limit to how much a £171k house can be improved and to what extent increased value reflects the improvement cost. I think a £25k unsecured home improvement loan would have been about adequate, except that not what you asked for.

It pains me but I'm with HSBC here.

Hi Jalexa

Thanks for replying. Just to clarify, we were offered UP TO £97k but stayed at our requested £60k. I've got membership of a credit reporting agency so I'll go and check what is showing up now. We're now in talks with them to hopefully come up with a package that works for all sides so will keep the thread updated as and when we have a decision.