Tea & Mortgage w/ John Coleman

What Do Banks Look for in Your Bank Statements When Applying for a Mortgage?
Your income might determine how much you can potentially borrow, but your bank statements can play a major part in whether a lender is comfortable approving your mortgage.
In this episode of the Tea & Mortgage Podcast, Norm Schriever talks with John Coleman of JC Mortgages about what mortgage lenders actually look for when reviewing your bank statements — and some of the transactions and habits that can create questions, delays or problems with an application.
John explains why one of the most important things you can demonstrate is repayment capacity. Lenders want to see clear evidence that you can comfortably afford the proposed monthly mortgage repayment, typically through a combination of rent payments and regular savings.
In this episode, we discuss:
• What lenders look for on your bank statements
 • Why consistent monthly savings matter
 • How rent payments can help demonstrate repayment capacity
 • Why the description on a rent transfer can matter
 • How far back banks normally review your accounts
 • Whether one missed direct debit can ruin a mortgage application
 • How lenders view overdrafts
 • Cash withdrawals and unexplained cash lodgements
 • Gambling transactions and mortgage applications
 • Why Revolut statements still need to be disclosed
 • How banks may treat cryptocurrency transactions
 • Bonuses, commission and lump-sum payments
 • Sending money to family abroad
 • What to do if your bank statements aren't currently mortgage-ready
One of John's main pieces of advice is simple: make your bank statements as clear and easy to understand as possible.
The aim isn't to have a completely unrealistic financial life. It's to present an application where a mortgage underwriter can clearly see your income, your commitments, your rent or savings, and your ability to afford the proposed mortgage repayment.
And if your accounts aren't perfect today, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to abandon your plans. JC Mortgages can review your current bank statements, identify potential issues and help you understand what you may need to improve before submitting an application.
If you're planning to apply for a mortgage in Ireland and would like help understanding where you currently stand, get in touch with JC Mortgages.
Subscribe for more straightforward mortgage advice from John and the JC Mortgages team.
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👉 Want to understand your options?
Visit: https://www.jcmortgages.ie

Or contact us if you have any questions or need anything at all!

- 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie

Thinking about buying your first home in Ireland? 🏡 Wondering what government grants and schemes are available in 2026—and which ones you actually qualify for?
In Episode 43 of the Tea & Mortgage Podcast, mortgage broker John Coleman breaks down the latest updates to Ireland's most important home-buying supports, including the Help to Buy Scheme, First Home Scheme, Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and refurbishment grants.
John explains how these schemes really work, who they're designed for, common misunderstandings that could cost buyers thousands of euro, and how to avoid making expensive mistakes before applying for a mortgage.
In this episode, you'll learn:
☕ The latest 2026 updates to the Help to Buy Scheme
☕ Changes to First Home Scheme property price limits
☕ How the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme works
☕ Whether you can combine ("stack") different government schemes
☕ The truth about equity sharing and what you'll eventually have to repay
☕ Refurbishment and vacant property grants
☕ Common mistakes first-time buyers make—and how to avoid them
Whether you're just starting your home-buying journey or you're ready to apply for a mortgage, this episode will help you better understand the options available and make more informed decisions.
If you'd like personalised mortgage advice based on your own circumstances, get in touch with John Coleman and the team at JC Mortgages.
🌐 Website: https://jcmortgages.ie
📧 Contact: https://jcmortgages.ie/contact
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to:
👍 Like the video
 💬 Leave your questions in the comments
 🔔 Subscribe for more mortgage tips, property advice, and practical guidance for buyers across Ireland.
First Home Scheme: 2026 Regional Property Price Ceilings
One of the biggest updates to the First Home Scheme for 2026 is the increase in regional property price ceilings, allowing more first-time buyers to qualify in higher-priced areas. The maximum purchase price depends on where you're buying and whether you're purchasing a house or an apartment. 

 Location / Local Authority | House Price Ceiling (2026) | Apartment Price Ceiling (2026)
Dublin City & Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown | €500,000 | €500,000
 Cork City, Galway City, Wicklow & Kildare | €475,000 | €450,000
 Meath, Limerick City & County, Waterford | €425,000 | €400,000
 All Other Counties (e.g. Donegal, Kerry, Mayo) | €350,000 | €350,000
 
- John Coleman

JC Mortgages 
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039 
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie 
💻 www.jcmortgages.ie

In this episode of the Tea & Mortgage podcast, John Coleman and Norm discuss how AI is rapidly evolving and how JC Mortgages is using it to improve client experience without replacing human advice. 

They share an update on a newly introduced AI phone agent that transparently contacts new leads to send a link and speed up getting clients connected with an advisor, noting mixed reactions but emphasizing authenticity and reputation. 

You’ll also hear the state of AI in everyday work described as a “caddy, not the golfer,” best used to eliminate drudge work (a 10-80-10 approach) so professionals can focus on nuanced, human-to-human guidance. 

But they also warn against generic “AI slop” from other companies and professionals, talk about faster file review and operational efficiency, and explore broader impacts on jobs, demographics, and society, while expecting continued demand for authentic relationships and in-person connection.

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As always, please contact us if you have any questions about the new Flex Mortgage or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages 
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039 
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie 
💻 www.jcmortgages.ie

00:00 Cold Open Banter
00:35 Why This AI Update
01:25 AI Phone Agent Rollout
03:08 Authenticity Over Automation
06:49 AI Ick And Staying Human
08:48 Faster Mortgage Journey
11:43 Humans Still Matter
13:05 Growth With Tech
15:12 Jobs And Skills Shift
18:41 Early Adopter Lessons
22:25 Building Tools Cheaper
24:28 Society And Economic Impact
31:06 Where AI Replaces Work
33:02 Tech Is Good And Bad
34:28 Wrap Up And Contact

You’ve gone sale agreed—great news. But what actually happens next?
In this episode, John Coleman of JC Mortgages walks you through the real step-by-step process after going sale agreed in Ireland, so you know exactly what to expect from that point right through to getting your keys.
From legal work and mortgage drawdown to surveys, valuations, and timelines - this is the behind-the-scenes breakdown most buyers don’t fully understand (until they’re in it).
☕ In this episode, we cover:
What “sale agreed” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
The role of your solicitor after going sale agreed
Mortgage approval, valuation, and loan offer
Surveys, snag lists, and potential delays
What can go wrong - and how to avoid it
Timeline from sale agreed to closing day
If you’re buying a home in Ireland, this is essential viewing.
📩 Need help with your mortgage?
 Visit: https://jcmortgages.ie
Or contact us if you have any questions or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie

In this episode of Tea & Mortgage, John Coleman from JC Mortgages breaks down one of the most common questions buyers are asking today:
Does it actually make sense to buy a home right now? 🤔

With rising prices, changing market conditions, and constant headlines, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next.

In this podcast, John gives a clear, honest perspective on how to think about buying a home in the current market — and whether it’s the right move for you.

If you're a first-time buyer or planning your next move, this will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

👉 Want to understand your options?
Visit: https://www.jcmortgages.ie

Or contact us if you have any questions or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie