Advice for Buyers

Buying a new home is a big step. Take the time to gather information, consider the long term financial commitment, and think hard about what you can afford.

Mortgage
Shop around. Speak to your own bank, search the internet and speak to an Independent Financial Advisor. It is key to secure a mortgage before starting the search process, this way you will know that once you identify the right property, you will be in a position to proceed to purchase.

Finding the ideal property
Although it sounds obvious, write down the most important aspects of the property to you. Start with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, then think about the living room, kitchen, garden, conservatory, etc. Set down your budget and decide how much work you would be prepared to undertake. Try to tell us exactly the type of property you are looking for and what elements you would be most prepared to compromise on, and of course let us know that you have a mortgage prepared in principle.

Viewing
To get the most from a visit to a new property, make sure you have a copy of the details to take with you. The pictures and floor plans will help you to recall the details of the property later on. If there are not sufficient pictures please ask us or the vendor if they mind you taking pictures.

Negotiating and making an offer
Once you have identified the right property the next step is to make an offer. There are a number of factors to consider in deciding what level to offer – consider your own position, are you a first time buyer, do you have a house to sell, do you have a prearranged mortgage? Make sure that we understand exactly your position so we can describe to the vendor what a good purchaser you would make. We will advise you of our vendor’s position and whether they are in hurry or have time to sell and if we have instructions from our vendors that they are prepared to consider offers.

When you make an offer make sure it is clear that it is subject to contract and satisfactory survey. If you are buying from a developer, while selling an existing property, see if they will offer a part-exchange.

Legal
Once you have agreed terms it is time to instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to carry out the process of transferring the legal ownership of the property from one person to another. Just as you would choose an estate agent, when you choose a solicitor or conveyancer you need to be clear of the service you require. Our suggestion is that you speak to three providers, perhaps by taking the recommendations from friends and family and indeed your estate agent. Ask for a quotation and seek guidance as to how long it will take to carry out the process.

Preparing for moving day
Use a good removal firm. Seek recommendations from friends, colleagues and again your estate agent. If at all possible try to stagger your moving date so that everything does not need to be completed on one day. This would also give you time for any essential works at the new property, such as carpet cleaning, decorating, cleaning, etc. Try to avoid Mondays or Fridays which are the busiest days on the road and save time and cost by packing yourself. Check out the best value utility contracts for your new property well in advance and ensure you read the meters both at your old and new address. Redirect your post well beforehand and complete our Boyce Thornton key contacts checklist.

Enjoy your move!