Information for Buyers
Getting started
Whether you are a first-time buyer, a home mover or a landlord you’ll need to know what your budget is and how much money you can borrow. We can help you with this by arranging a consultation with one of our in-house Independent Mortgage Advisors, where you’ll soon know how much you can borrow and what the monthly payments will be. Our advisors will also provide you with what is called an ‘Agreement in Principle’ certificate. You will need this as proof that you can obtain a mortgage to show other estate agents before they will accept an offer from you.
Viewings
Viewings
Now that you know how much you can borrow and you have got your proof of mortgage, you can start viewing properties. You need to know which areas you want to live in, how many bedrooms you need, your maximum budget and which type of property you want. We will enter this into our system, and you’ll be kept constantly updated with our latest properties via text, email and phone. We’ll show you around as many properties as you need, until you find one you’d like to make an offer on.
Make an offer
Make an offer
Once you have found a property that you are happy with, you’ll need to make an official offer through one of our sales negotiators. Simply call the office and make your offer. Remember, we all like a discount but be sure to not offend the owner with an offer that is too low!
Choose a solicitor
Choose a solicitor
Once you have found a property that you are happy with, you’ll need to make an official offer through one of our sales negotiators. Simply call the office and make your offer. Remember, we all like a discount but be sure to not offend the owner with an offer that is too low!
Apply for your mortgage
Apply for your mortgage
Now that you’ve got an offer accepted on the property you wish to purchase, we must apply for your mortgage as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. It can all be done within an hour and generally you will need to provide income and ID documentation. We can do this either at our office or we can visit you in the comfort of your own home.
Sales progression
Sales progression
Your file will be assigned to our sales progression team who will endeavour to look after your every need through the buying process. They will advise you and speak with all parties on your behalf throughout this process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Valuation or survey
Valuation or survey
When the mortgage company has approved the initial mortgage application, they will instruct a survey for mortgage purposes, to ascertain the condition and value of the property. Your chosen lender will contact us to arrange the inspection, and if everything is satisfactory, you can expect your mortgage offer to follow shortly after. If you require a home buyers’ report, we can arrange this for you.
Mortgage offer
Mortgage offer
Following the successful completion of the survey, your offer will be produced and sent out to you and your solicitor.
Signing of contracts
Once the solicitors have received all the information requested, before exchanging the contracts, both sellers and purchasers will be sent the contract to be signed in readiness for the exchange.
Exchange of contracts
Once everybody in the chain has signed the contracts and solicitors have received everything needed, they will then instruct a formal exchange of contracts. All parties will need to agree on a completion date and then the solicitors can exchange on the property, which means everything is legally binding.
Completion
This is the big day when all parties in the chain move. The keys will only be released once the transferred funds have reached the sellers solicitors (usually around midday). As estate agents, we often hold keys to the property before completion and we can only release these once we have had confirmation from the solicitors that the chain has completed.
All you have to do now is move in!
Oh…and don’t forget to contact us when you need to move again!
