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As one of East Yorkshire's Premier Estate Agents, we are here to make it as easy and stress free as possible. We will provide you with all the help and guidance you need to see you through.
This Planner is designed to help explain the whole house buying and selling process and highlight the important areas to keep in mind.
STEP ONE
Take some time now to think about the main reasons for moving .Having a clear idea from the outset will help you make the right choice later. Think about location, age, character, size and style. Be strong and stick to your requirements. Don't be swayed by a thatched roof and roses round the door, if it's not what you're really looking for.
Talking to people who live there already may give you an insight into everyday life in the neighbourhood. Being a local established estate agent, we pride ourselves on our local knowledge and we will be more than happy to provide you with any help we can.
Consider what's important in practical terms.
- Number of rooms
- Type of property
- Location
- Type of heating
- Garden, greenhouse shed
- Garage
and, what's important to your lifestyle...
- Restaurants, pubs
- Leisure facilities
- Proximity to shops
- Availability of schools
STEP TWO
Few of us have unlimited funds, so a clear idea of how much you can afford will help define what sort of property in what sort of area. Also remember, it's not just the mortgage payments you need to consider.
Sometimes its a case of finding a balance between a larger house in a less than ideal location compared with a small property in this year's hot spot.
STEP THREE
Step 3 already and we haven't even looked at a house yet!!
Yes...but first you need to find a lender and sort out who will cover all the legal aspects of buying, not to mention selling your current house, if you need to.
Nailing down what you can realistically afford NOW will prevent you wasting time later - and organising a solicitor/conveyancer means that once you've found your ideal home you'll be in a position to act speedily.
If you have a property to sell and haven't done so already arrange for one of our experienced valuers to visit your property and provide you with a realistic appraisal and valuation. We will be delighted to provide this information and it is without obligation.
STEP FOUR
Steps 1 to 3 help you decide what sort of property you want and how much you have to spend.
Now its time to look at some bricks and mortar! Most properties are still bought and sold via estate agents because of their access to a high street (or even virtual) shop window.
As a buyer you'll need to get to know about all properties coming onto the market, you can do this easily by contacting us and letting us know what you are looking for, alternatively our property search on this website is constantly updated.
Either telephone or email us and arrange to view some properties you feel could fit the bill.
There's no need to feel pressured - no one decides definitely to buy on their very first visit to a property. Always try to go with someone else - 2 pairs of eyes are better than one.
STEP FIVE
Sooner or later you'll find something you want to buy.
You'll need to make an offer
How close your offer is to the seller's asking price will depend on how much competition you think there may be - and how much you can afford. It is best to bear in mind however, that a low offer can sometimes be 'beaten' by another buyer. Even if your offer has been accepted verbally by the seller, the estate agent is obliged by law to submit all offers to the seller up to the point that contracts are exchanged ( see step six ) .
When a price is has been agreed, subject to contract, our lender will want to make sure the property is worth the price you have offered - you'll need to pay for them to do a Valuation.
At the same time, you may want a Survey done to satisfy yourself the house won't fall down the day after you've bought it!
Your legal team can now start work on the various checks and processes involved in transferring ownership to you.
The seller's team will also start their work.
STEP SIX
Assuming all is well with the Valuation and Survey and no legal obstacles have been found, your offer will now be firmed up by exchanging contracts - here the solicitors for the buyer and seller draw up an agreement which both parties sign.
After this point you are committed to the purchase. Often a deposit is paid to the seller at this point.
A 'completion' date is set - this is the date when the property finally becomes yours - and the date you can move in.
If you are in a long 'chain' of movers this date will be when all the linked house purchases are ready to proceed.
If you'll need a removal company it makes sense to start enquiring around the time of exchanging contracts.
Most popular, and so the most expensive moving days are Fridays and month ends. As with everything else - shop around for quotes.
Also start contacting utility companies to arrange for connections to gas, electricity,water, phones etc.
STEP SEVEN
Completion day - congratulations - its yours! Your solicitor gives the seller the balance of the money to pay for the property.
You'll need to make arrangements to pick up the house key - so you don't have to break into your new home!
Talking of break-ins is a good reminder about insurance.
You'll need to ensure that all insurances to do with the home (house insurance and any life insurance linked to the mortgage loan) actually started running from exchange of contracts - because that's the date when you were legally bound to buy the property.
Moving day can be traumatic and physically demanding - everything you possess is in boxes and the cat has done a bunk.
Good tips are to pack a survival kit for the day - eg kettle, coffee, tea, biscuits, sandwiches.
Remember to read gas/electric/water meters as soon as you walk through the door.
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