1. You will visit someone’s home or a new build

As a potential buyer you will want to see every part of the property, so feel free to look inside storage spaces like cupboards and lofts. 

2. Making an offer.

We will notify the sellers of your offer by phone and in writing. Consider the amount you are offering, the financial position of yourself, your chain if you are selling another property, and the sellers timescales.

3. Find a solicitor.

It can be a confusing process and you need a solicitor to deal with this for you. I can introduce you to a solicitor.

4. Sale agreed.

The solicitors for both parties will confirm that the sale is agreed, subject to contract. At this stage either party can still withdraw without penalty.

11. You will arrange a house survey.

You will arrange an appointment, and the results will be sent to you. The five key things a surveyor will be looking for are problems with utilities, damp, cracking, problems with roofs, and timber defects.

12. Mortgage valuation.

In addition to the house survey, your mortgage lender will arrange a valuation to confirm that the property is worth what you are being loaned.

13. Your solicitor drafts the contract.

The seller will need to pass the title deeds for the property onto their solicitor, along with a Property Information Form. Their solicitor will then draw up a contract. This will be sent to your solicitor. 

 14. Your solicitor will confirm the details of the property.

Your solicitor will contact the seller’s solicitor to confirm exactly what is included in the sale. Your solicitor will be asking about things like the boundaries, any disputes and any alterations that have been made.

15. Your solicitor will perform searches.

Your solicitor will perform searches of Land Registry and Local Authority information. They will be checking for planning history, and any potential developments around roads, drainage and mining near the property.

16. Sign the contract.

Your solicitor will advise you when it’s time to sign on the dotted line.

17. Agree moving dates.

Your solicitor and the seller’s solicitor will agree a date for the exchange of contracts and for completion (ie move in day). It’s a good time to start getting quotes for removals too as you can set a provisional moving day. I am happy to share local movers with you if you would like.

18. Exchange of contracts.

The sellers solicitor will receive your deposit along with the signed contract. Both parties are now legally bound to the purchase.

19. Removals.

It’s time to contact your chosen removal company to confirm your move. And it’s time to start the packing too!

20. Advise every one of your change of address.

You’ll need to inform all your utility companies who will need to take meter readings and cancel contracts. And don’t forget everyone else who needs to know – the bank, your employer, family and friends. If necessary, the Royal Mail can organise a mail redirection.

21. Completion.

Payment is made between each party’s solicitors and the keys are exchanged.

Throughout this whole process, I am there with you, chasing up both buyers and sellers solicitors, engaging with all parties involved include mortgage providers, surveyors etc and can offer local recommendations to reputable builders, removers, gardeners etc