Hints and Tips

Lane & Holme - Buying hints & tips

Even if it’s not your first time, buying a home can be a daunting experience, but if you are well prepared it can be one of the most exciting and memorable events in your life.  To give you a headstart, here are our top five dos and don’ts

Do

Get a written agreement in principle from a mortgage lender – demonstrates you’re serious and should help speed the process once sale is agreed.

Multiple viewings – try and view more than once, at different times of the day including rush hour, to check how local roads may be affected by congestion.

Look beneath the surface – colours and bathrooms can be changed, but get estimates for any work needed.

Know your price – research what comparable properties have sold for in the area, ask estate agents and check with the land registry.

Protect yourself – surveys maybe expensive, but they can uncover any major defects which may make you renegotiate on price or even reconsider the purchase.


Don’t

Let your emotions take over – remember you’re spending a lot of money and don’t get pressured into making an offer before all your questions have been answered.

Forget the location – research the local schools, shops, parking, transport and neighbours to get a good feel of what it will be like to live there.

Rule out offering the full asking price - if you find your ideal home and it is priced correctly consider offering the full asking price to avoid losing out.

Be afraid to ask lots of direct questions about the property – have these worked out in advance of viewings.

Forget the estate agent works for the vendor - be willing and eager to view properties so that you’re top of the agent’s list to call and stay in regular contact.

Be put off by a property that is on the market at a low price, compared to others in the area - some of the best deals on the market are white hot properties; those sold on behalf of developers and lenders that have been acquired in part-exchange, repossession and probate transactions. They are priced to sell quickly and are the market's 'hidden gems'.


Remember, if your offer is accepted always insist that the property is taken off the market and a sold board is put up

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