If you are selling your home before buying, then get a valuation from a reputable Agent. This will give you an insight into your buying budget. We can do this for you with no charge and no obligation.
Arrange a meeting with an Independent Mortgage Broker and if possible, try to get a mortgage agreed in principle. This will confirm your borrowing capability, which will in turn influence your property search. We can recommend an Independent Mortgage Broker who can help find you the best mortgage available to suit your buying profile.
Start your search – let us have you details & requirements.
Once we have a clear understanding of the type and style of property that you are looking for then you will receive a selection of properties that match your criteria. We can also keep you updated by email and send you property details as and when new properties become available for sale.
Viewings
As soon as you see a house that you like, we recommend an early viewing. Think about questions that you might like to ask in advance of the viewing and maybe take note of the key features as you are walking around. This is a big decision, so don’t get carried away. You will know when the property feels right.
The offer process
Once you have identified a suitable property, then make an offer and this will be put forward to the seller or their agent. Notify them of any conditions that are attached to the offer (for instance, any fixtures that you would like to be included). You will be required to show Proof of Funding; a statement showing the available deposit and a mortgage promise.
There may be some negotiation required if your offer is declined. Once your offer has been accepted you will be required to confirm your solicitor's details and complete your mortgage application.
When your offer is accepted, this is confirmed in writing to all parties and a Memorandum of Sale is produced. The cheapest solicitor is rarely the best policy. A good recommendation can save weeks in the conveyancing process.
Survey and borrowing
A survey of the property will be required by the lender. The surveyor will contact the selling agents and will check the house on behalf of the mortgage lender to identify any structural problems and advise on the property's value. After the Mortgage Valuation Report is received, a formal mortgage offer will be sent to you and your solicitor which will need to be signed by you before it is returned.
Conveyancing
The length of time which the conveyancing process takes varies and there can be complications, but a couple of months is usually enough. Your solicitor will raise the preliminary enquiries on receipt of the draft contract from the Seller's solicitor. This will include fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale. They will request their own local searches and ask you to sign and return the Mortgage Valuation Report, then the mortgage is in place when your broker receives your Mortgage Offer. A date will be agreed for exchange of contracts and a date proposed for completion.
Exchange & completion
Exchange of contracts occurs when all enquiries have been confirmed and agreed. Once the contract has been signed by both parties the deposit will be transferred from your solicitor to the seller's solicitor and the date for completion will be agreed mutually. The sale becomes legally binding once the contracts are exchanged.
On the day of completion, the balance of the funds is transferred from your solicitor to the seller's solicitor's bank. The keys are released to you once the funds are cleared in the seller's solicitor’s account. You are now the legal owner.