We specialise in interesting properties in Somerset. For viewings or for more information visit our office in Pithers Yard, Castle Cary or call us on:
01963 351993
Register on our mailing list and we'll keep you updated with new properties, price changes and properties which may not be on the open market. With over 30 years experience we fully understand the emotional ups and downs that come with buying a property. We're happy to guide you through the process explaining every detail from procedures to legal and financial matters.We are totally independent and can introduce you to local or national solicitors and financial advisors. Having agreed a sale and a time scale we will monitor its progress closely all the way to exchange of contracts, at which point it becomes legally binding. We believe the long delays which are typically associated with buying a property are mostly unnecessary and avoidable. We will keep both parties well informed and take prompt action to clear any problems.
Viewing Call into our office, phone us on 01963 351993 or email cc@roderickthomas.co.uk. Our office is situated at Pithers Yard, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AN
Mortgage If you need a mortgage it is sensible to have it agreed in principle before making a final decision on a property. This makes the process easier for you and makes your offer more attractive.
Making an Offer Once you've made an offer we will inform the seller immediately and come back to you with a decision as soon as possible. At this point we like to agree all the points of the sale including the items included in the sale (fixtures and fittings, carpets, etc), the proposed completion date and any other conditions of the sale such as a survey etc.
Accepted Offer/Instructing Solicitors Once an offer has been accepted you will need to proceed with the full mortgage application and instruct a solicitor. Your solicitor will handle all the legal aspects otherwise known as the conveyancing.
Survey and Valuation Your mortgage lender, usually a bank or a building society will arrange a Mortgage Valuation which is normally carried out by a Chartered Surveyor. This Report deals with the value and basic condition. As the buyer you will receive a copy of the Mortgage Valuation but you may also wish to have a more detailed report done. The usual types of additional Reports are:
- Homebuyer Survey/Valuation - this is the mid-range option. It is more expensive than the Mortgage Valuation but less than the Building Survey (see below). It is a basic service which will highlight any defects and problems that could impact on the value of the property. Compared to the Mortgage Valuation it is a more in-depth report and will highlight any points of concern which may need further investigation.
- Building Survey - More expensive then the mortgage or homebuyer survey it deals with the condition of the property more than the value.This is a comprehensive survey dealing with technical details of the construction, materials and condition. It highlights the full spectrum of defects from the more serious down to the insignificant.
Searches Your solicitor will submit a local authority search. This checks local information on the property and the locality, these will then be outlined to you by your lawyer.
Draft Contracts The draft contract is drawn up by the seller's solicitor based on the title deeds and is sent to your solicitor for consideration. Any additional queries or questions will be dealt with and the contract amended if necessary.
Mortgage Offer When the Lender receives the satisfactory Mortgage Valuation, formal application, references and checks etc, a formal mortgage offer is sent to you and to your solicitor. The document is then signed, returned and funds requested by your solicitor.
Exchange of Contracts Once the contract has been signed by both parties, a deposit (normally 10% of the purchase price) is paid. At this stage, the sale is formalised and is legally binding.
Completion Completion usually follows, an agreed time after the exchange of contracts. The balance of the purchase price is transferred by your solicitor to the seller's solicitor and the keys released -
Congratulations! You are now the owner of your new home!