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Buying a property is one of the most exciting times and so it should be! There's a lot to prepare for though.
At G8 Property, we educate and help our clients make the best decisions to help them get their dream home. With plenty of experience helping thousands of buyers to find the right property, we have simplified the process to just 8 SIMPLE STEPS to consider prior to starting your search.
In our mind, there's no doubt - SELLING FIRST puts you in the strongest position to find and secure a property and helps you,
I often hear buyers say, “I’ve been looking on Rightmove but I can’t find anything!” That is why! Not all properties at the upper end of the market go on Rightmove or Zoopla.
We work closely with our buyers taking time to understand exactly what they need from their next home. This means as soon as we take on new properties, we know exactly who will be interested in that home.
Building a relationship with your estate agent is vital! Allow them to get to know you well. Meet them for a coffee or pop into their offices for a relaxed chat. The more your agent knows what you need, the better they can help you. An example of your list of WANTS may be:
At G8 Property, we look at your ‘WHY’. Your NEEDS list based on your ‘WHY’ might look like this instead:
It’s also worth widening your search radius. It is a fact that the upper end of the market has less properties in smaller geographical areas so ensure you have as much choice as possible by considering other locations. If the property meets your needs, then your dream home could be only a few extra miles away.
Make sure you have your financial arrangements agreed before you start to look at properties. If you need a mortgage, start the arrangements. Work with a trusted financial advisor who if you are accepted will arrange a ‘mortgage agreement in principle certificate’ which supports you as a serious buyer! If you have cash, prepare a letter from your bank/accountant or solicitor to show the estate agent when you offer. The agent has to check this, and it will remain confidential.
Look for recommended local solicitors who have the experience, the personal communication service, and the desire to help you to reach your goal of buying your new home. A good relationship between your appointed legal representatives and your agent are vital for a swift sale and for any problem solving which may arise.
No, not all agents just list on Rightmove, good old fashioned Estate Agency is still going strong so speak to your local agent, register with them, and keep in touch so that you’re always on their mind.
Register with us to stay ahead of the crowd.
At G8 Property, we understand how valuable your time is and that you may lead busy lives. We will always do our best to accommodate viewing appointments at a time that suits both yourself and the vendor. Have options, try, and view with your NEEDS list at the ready so you feel confident they are met.
So, you've found a property you're sure you want to buy – fantastic news. Now the nerve-racking part of getting it secure begins. You should Establish the seller’s circumstances and timeframes, to ensure expectations are set from the start.
Regular communication between all parties will reduce assumptions and avoid disappointment when an offer is made. Be clear with your offer, your reasons, and your walkaway price! Be clear on why you need the property and be available to help answer any important questions to place you in a great position to be considered.
Here’s what we’ll need and if you have it all to hand you can get stuck straight into the negotiation!
We’ll need everyone’s names, their current addresses, telephone numbers (and email addresses) plus a copy of photographic ID for everyone.
Are you a first-time buyer? Do you have nothing to sell? Are you buying with the proceeds from a property? Is that property sold (great!) or still on the market (not so). If your purchase is dependent on your sale, must hand your estate agents details, the person that you are dealing with there and provide us with as much information about your buyer's position as possible. We’ll check all this information out with your Estate Agent to understand your purchase position.
Cash buyer must be the most misunderstood term in Estate Agency. Be clear on your position. Are you paying the whole purchase amount 100% in cash or is it cash from sale, perhaps you have a cash deposit but are getting a mortgage? Make sure you know the difference and are prepared to provide us with proof of funds (the source of those funds) and any written agreement of lending.
We’ll have to see this to ensure affordability.
Just like in estate agency (!) industry standards can vary wildly, and, over the years, we’ve worked with most. Of course, we can recommend the very best and we highly recommend you talking to us about who is hot (and who is not) as a good solicitor can help keep those levels of anxiety under control and ensure that your sale runs smoothly. We’ll need the case handler’s name, the name of the firm and all their contact details.
Have a suitcase full of cash? Whilst you may be a seller's dream we can’t get as excited as we adhere to stringent anti-money laundering regulations. When you offer, we’ll provide you with an anti-money laundering form and we’ll be wanting to know not only do you have the money but what is the source of that money and is this proposed purchase legitimate. It’s down to you to prove this to us and we’ll need to be completely satisfied to be able to book the sale for you and remove the property from the market.
Congratulations! You’re buying a house! Fantastic news, this is where the hard work starts.
There are two things we ask our buyers to do as soon as the sale is agreed. The first thing you must do straight away is instruct your solicitor, fill out their forms and return them in the first week. Get them working on your purchase as soon as your offer is accepted and ensure that you pay them the fee for ‘searches’ right away. Searches are obtained from third parties (either councils or third-party search providers) so don’t be delayed by their timeframe, get these underway as soon as you can!
The second, if you need a mortgage is to formalise your mortgage application on the home you are buying. Get this done early and make sure the lender is instructed as soon as possible to carry out their valuation survey. If you’re a cash buyer and not reliant on a mortgage, you’ll need to make the arrangements yourself. You’ll either want a homebuyers report or a full buildings surveyor.
Dates, dates, dates. We get it! You’re excited!
Be wary though, the average sale takes about 12 weeks to complete. This can be faster (say for example there is no chain) but it can also encounter unforeseen delays. This makes completion dates very difficult to target in the early stages.
Unless you have a very specific requirement to consider, say you’re coming towards the end of a tenancy, concentrate on exchanging contracts and, once you’re there, that’s the time to start providing some potential dates when you can move.
When you’re at the later stages of the purchase, that is the best time to sound out potential moving dates to everyone else that’s related to your purchase and/or your sale.
…and if you have a holiday booked, make sure everyone knows when you are unavailable well in advance.
There's nothing quite like a face-to-face chat with us, but if you can’t make it to the office simply contact 01226 397 665 or email us at sales@g8property.co.uk
