Buyers Guide
Whether you have experience of buying a property, or you are a First Time Buyer, it can be unsettling if the process is complicated, causing unnecessary anxiety.
We aim to make the process as simple as we can, guiding all our Buyers along the road to complete their purchase, making the experience as comfortable and as stress free as possible.
Preparation is key. Here are our 3 top tips on how best to prepare:
1) Speak to a Mortgage Advisor
It is important to know your budget in advance of any property search. We all want to find a property that ticks all the boxes but you need to be able to afford it.
We recommend Kerr & Watson: https://kerrandwatson.co.uk
Contact Daniel Watson or Stephen Kerr and they will be happy to calculate the amount you can borrow, taking into account both the deposit you have and the latest mortgage rates, to find the best option for you, so you can begin your search with confidence.
Remember to factor in stamp duty costs, moving costs and if the property is Leasehold, the service charges and any other annual charges.
Note: There are also Government schemes that may be worth considering if you are eligible.
2) Ask Questions & Look Closely
It is always useful to know the background of a property and the intentions of the Seller. Why are they moving? Have they found a property to move to? Have there been any offers? These are all good questions to allow for room for negotiation if the Seller is motivated to move quickly.
Asking about the property structure, including the condition of the roof and windows, the age of the electrics, type of heating and water pressure all give you an understanding of whether any immediate upgrades or improvements to the systems are required, which you can factor into your offer.
What is the area like in terms of transport links, local schools, parking restrictions? What is important to you now, or in the future, if you intend to live in the property for several years.
If you are planning to extend or renovate, are there any restrictions you need to be aware of? Look at what the neighbouring houses have done, as this gives an indication of what can be achieved.
Discuss your search with friends and family, as they know you and those who have already gone through the process will be happy to help and another person to view a property with you, may see things both positive or otherwise, that you may not have noticed or considered.
3) Conveyancing
Once you have found a property and your offer has been accepted, we can recommend a Conveyancing Solicitor. It is imperative that you have an excellent Solicitor who is able to guide you through the process and be both efficient and communicative, to ensure the sale goes through smoothly and in a timely manner.
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