Buyer's Guide
How to buy a homeWhom do I deal with?
- You will be dealing with our agent or the vendor directly, depending on the package the vendor has chosen.
- In most cases, you will be dealing with one of our agents through the entire process, from viewing to completion.
- However, if the vendor is hosting viewings, they will receive your enquiries and details. They'll then contact you directly to discuss the property details and arrange a viewing.
- We're always at the other end of the phone should you need assistance or help with instructing a solicitor if you wish to proceed with the sale.
Step 1. Register with us for 24/7 access to MyArea
- To find your dream home, we need to know your property requirements. Just register with us either online, by phone or by visiting our office.
- Once you've registered with us, one of our agents will assess your property search criteria and send you details of all the suitable properties by SMS or email.
- You'll have 24/7 access to MyArea, where you can amend your property search criteria, property alerts, request viewings, make offers and more.
Step 2. How much can you afford?
- Before you begin your search, it's advisable to arrange your finances and (if required) get a "Mortgage in Principle". It's a conditional offer made by a mortgage lender that they will "in principle" give you the loan you had discussed with them.
- Our partners, a firm of professional and independent financial advisors, would be pleased to provide you with a free no-obligation consultation on what mortgage options are available to you, and the associated costs. Contact us to find out more.
Step 3. Put your own property on the market
- If you're also selling your current home, it is advisable to put it on the market before looking for a new one.
- It puts you in a better position and increases your chances of buying your dream home before somebody else does.
- We can help you sell your home. Click here to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation of your home or contact us.
Step 5. Booking a viewing
- Once you've found a property you'd like to view, you'll need to get in touch to book a viewing. You'll meet either one of our agents or the vendor - depending on the service they've chosen.
- 1. Register here, 2. Search for a property, 3. Click the button “Book a viewing” found on the property details page.
- This will take you to MyArea and automatically add the property to your Portfolio, giving you the option to select a preferred viewing timeslot.
- Or you can always book a viewing by calling us on: 0121 828 1777
Step 6. Making an offer
- Once you find your perfect property, you can make an offer through MyArea or your agent.
- If we are managing the offers on behalf of the vendor, we'll put your offer to them directly.
- Sometimes there may be a process of price negotiation. Working with us, both vendor and buyer can benefit from the expertise of our agents, who will work hard to facilitate an agreeable outcome that delivers the best result for all.
- At this point, you may need to demonstrate that you can proceed by providing evidence of your mortgage in principle.
- There are no legal obligations by either party until contracts are signed.
Step 7. Offer accepted
- Prepare a memorandum of sale.
- Confirm the agreed price with all parties.
- Confirm your solicitor & mortgage details.
- Now is the time to proceed with the conveyancing process and your mortgage application.
Step 8. Instruct a solicitor
- Instructing an efficient and experienced solicitor is the key to ensuring your purchase goes smoothly. If you need a hand with finding a solicitor, contact us and we'll talk you through our options.
Step 9. Conveyancing process
Your solicitor will:
- Receive draft contract from the seller's solicitor.
- Carry out search and investigation of title.
- Agree on a date for exchange of contracts.
- We will assist your solicitor throughout the process, and keep you informed every step of the way via our live sales progress tracker in MyArea.
Step 10. Survey and mortgage offer
- A property survey will be carried out by a surveyor on behalf of the mortgage lender to identify any structural problems and advise on the property's value.
- Once the survey report is received by the lender, a formal mortgage offer will be sent to you and your solicitor which you will need to sign before it is returned.
- There are no legal obligations until contracts are signed.
Step 11. Exchange of contracts
- The transaction and completion date become legally binding on the exchange of contracts. The deposit will be sent to the seller's solicitor and a request for your mortgage advance from your lender.
Step 12. Completion
- Completion happens on the eagerly awaited moving day and when the full purchase amount is transferred to the seller's solicitor. We will release the keys once the money has cleared in the seller's account.
- Congratulations on your new home!
- Please leave us a review, tell your friends and family of your experience. Receive commission on any positive referrals. Visit Earn Commission page.