We completely understand how stressful buying a new property can be. We also recognise that it is probably the most important and expensive transaction you're ever likely to undergo.
We're here to help you every step of the way, making sure your journey to buying your property is as stress-free as possible. So, to enable you to unravel the complexities of this process, we've set out below a brief overview of the various procedures involved.
Registration: The first requirement is for you to register your details and property specifications with us. Our database features hundreds of properties and we're sure that with our local knowledge and expertise, we'll be able to find you a property to suit your needs, be it a straightforward move or a 'Buy to Let' investment.
Viewing: Our offices are open Monday - Friday 9am until 6pm and on Saturday from 9am until 5pm and often later to arrange those all-important viewings of your selected properties.
Making your offer: Once you have located your ideal property, your offer will be submitted by us to the vendor for their consideration.
Instructing solicitors: Whether you already have a solicitor in mind, or need a good local recommendation, we can help steer you in the right direction.
Survey: The next step is to obtain the mortgage valuation. This will be conducted by a Chartered Surveyor acting for your lender. The report is to provide a valuation to determine whether the amount to be loaned is secure and also deals with the basic condition of the property.
Searches: These are conducted by the buyer's solicitor who submits a local authority search to the local borough council. Its purpose is to ascertain if there is any planning consent previously granted on the property or if there are any other local issues which may have an impact on the purchase.
Draft contracts: The draft contract is drawn up by the seller's solicitor and is forwarded to the buyer's solicitor for consideration.
Mortgage offer: The lender is now in possession of the mortgage valuation survey and, subject to the findings of this report, receipt/approval of the mortgage application and provided all references and checks have been conducted satisfactorily, the lender will send a formal mortgage offer to the buyer and their solicitor. The document is then signed and returned and funds requested by the buyer's solicitor.
Exchange of contracts: Once the contract has been signed by both parties, a deposit (normally a small percentage of the purchase price) is paid by either bank transfer or banker's draft. At this stage, the parties agree on a date for completion.
Completion: Completion usually follows a few days or weeks after exchange of contracts. The balance of the purchase price is transferred by the buyer's solicitor to the seller's solicitor and the keys released.
And that's it. But don't worry, we are there every step of the way. We help liaise with the solicitors, brokers and the buyer and seller to ensure everyone knows exactly what's going on, and when you're likely to move.
