Make Offer
When you find somewhere you like, make an offer. But if you want to be sure you get the property you like - and you think it is worth the asking price - you may want to offer the full amount straight away.
Acceptance
If your offer is accepted. You now need to instruct a solicitor. If you need to find a solicitor, ask one of us and we give you some names and numbers of local solicitors.
Getting a mortgage
Once your offer has been accepted, call your financial advisor or a lender to sort out your mortgage application. At this point you will need to provide lots of paperwork showing your income and outgoings.
Paperwork
Instruct your solicitor who will receive a draft contract and apply for searches and raise a list of standard questions to answer, including a questionnaire asking which fixtures and fittings they intend to leave when they move out.
Surveys
Your lender should arrange a surveyor to value the property within a few days of agreeing the mortgage in principle. Its valuation will be very simple but you can opt for a more in depth survey to get an idea of what problems there may be with the property.
The most expensive and comprehensive option is to ask private surveyor for a full structural survey of the building, and this is particularly worth doing if you are buying a property that is very old, has been extensively renovated or clearly needs work. It is also a good idea if you are planning to build an extension or structural changes to the building. However, a cheaper - albeit less comprehensive - homebuyer's report should highlight any major problems and is a good option in other circumstances.
A good surveyor will talk to you before the survey to find out if you have any particular concerns and afterwards to highlight and explain any issues. We can provide information on local surveyors, just ask!
Exchange of contracts
You are happy with the survey and wish to proceed plus your solicitor or conveyancer has completed all the necessary checks you'll be asked to sign a contract legally committing you to the purchase. At this point you will need to pay a deposit for the property - usually 10% of the purchase price. At this point you will have agreed a date to complete the sale.
Book your removals
When you know your moving date you can start organising how to get your possessions to your new home. In most case this will involve hiring a van or removal team, again we can offer you some local companies who can help. Otherwise you move your belongings yourself. Either way, you should act fast to give yourself the best chance of finding a company who is available on the specific date
Have you bought building insurance?
At the point of exchange of contracts you should have bought building insurance. In some cases the solicitor will ask for a copy before you have formally exchanged. Your lender will expect you to have buildings insurance in place prior to completion.
Completion
This is when the property finally becomes yours. When your solicitor tells you that the sale is completed you can pick the keys up from us! This will probably be the day that you move in, unless you are having work done in advance. It is likely to be a stressful day, even if everything goes according to plan, but should feel worthwhile after your first night in your new home.
