KMJ Property (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd, Tunbridge Wells

First Time Buyers
Before viewing properties, speak to an independent Mortgage Advisor, who will advise you what you can afford to borrow and therefore your budget. From this you will know which properties to view. Although some vendors may accept a lower offer not all will, so please be honest with Estate Agents as to your budget, it will save you time in the long run. Don't be pressurised into 'in-house' mortgage advice, it's your mortgage and your choice.

Finding a Property

The internet is a useful tool for searching for properties but register
with agents as well. You may not be able to log on until the evening
to see that New Instruction and it may be too late, but if you register you could be one of the first to know, either by phone, email or text.

Viewing

View as soon as possible and try and be flexible. If you are buying
with someone else nominate one person to "do the weeding out"
viewings. Don't be afraid to revisit properties and always provide
feedback. If you have sold a property yourself you will know how
frustrating it is not to get any feedback. Keep in regular contact
with agents and build a rappor.

Offers

Everyone wants a bargain, that's natural so it's always tempting to
make a low offer, but if you think you have found your ideal property
and don't want to lose it, offer sensibly. The closer you are to the
asking price the less likely you are to lose out. If your offer is
accepted always check that the property will be marketed as under
offer or Sold STC.

Gazumping

This is when someone else comes in with a higher offer than the one already accepted. Unfortunately Estate Agents are powerless to stop this as we legally have to put forward every offer we receive. But you can help prevent it from happening by being sensible with your offer, by being flexible - be prepared to work to their timescale not yours, by building a rappor with the vendor via the agent, this will mean that they are more likely to be loyal to you.

Chains

Chains can fall through for a variety of reasons, including finances
not being in order and nasty surprises arising from surveys.But to
reduce the risk of it happening to you, keep in contact with your
Estate Agent and Conveyancer regularly and respond to enquiries as quickly as possible. Try and be as flexible as possible and where possible be prepared to break the chain by moving in with
family/friends or taking a short term rental.