1. When buying a Property always bear in mind that the term ‘buyer beware’ applies. If you do not check it thoroughly before you buy, you may have no claim if something goes wrong afterwards.
2. Do ask us if we can help either with sourcing an independent mortgage adviser, a builder etc. We have good local knowledge or reputable suppliers.
3. Always consider having a survey, either a full structural or a Homebuyers report. This will cost money but could save you thousands in the long term. A valuation carried out by your Mortgage Company is just that, it will not look at any structural issues, and you may never get to see it.
4. Always consider having the heating system or boiler checked out by a professional before you exchange contracts. The same principle applies to sewerage treatment systems. It could cost you a lot of money if they go wrong after you move in, and the Seller is not going to tell you if they are not working properly (nor do they have to).
5. You should be given a plan of the Property by your Solicitor. Always check this against the actual boundaries on the ground. If there is any discrepancy you must point this out to your solicitor.
6. Always check to see if the Property has been altered or extended in any way. Some changes may need Planning Permission or Building Regulations Consent, so inform us of any alterations, so we can then check with the Sellers that the relevant consents have been obtained.
7. Always inspect the Property just before you exchange contracts. You will contract to buy the Property in the state it is in at exchange, and this may not be the same as when you first saw it!
8. Also always inspect the Property as close as possible to completion as you can. The Seller may have caused damage to the walls removing shelves for example or may not have removed all their rubbish or belongings. If this is the case tell your Solicitor before they have sent the purchase monies to the Seller. If the money has been sent then your only course of action is to sue the Seller, and this takes time and costs money (not to mention the hassle).
9. Never agree a completion date with the Seller before you have spoken to your Solicitor. Sometimes the whole process can be very quick, but other times, because you are part of a chain or are buying a leasehold property for example, it can take longer.
10. Always use the Estate Agent. They are there to sell the Property, and therefore, will help in any way they can to do this. They can chase up the progress of the rest of the chain by calling the other Agents or Solicitors.
11. Keep your Solicitor informed of any specific queries or needs that you may have. If we know that you have particular requirements we will endeavor to ensure that these are met.
12. Many times it is the lack of a mortgage offer which holds up exchange of Contracts. Keep in regular contact with your Mortgage Company or Broker to get progress updates. You are paying them for their service so make sure you get it.
13. At the end of the matter keep the Property Report we send you. This will continue to be useful to you throughout your ownership of the Property and can also save you money and time when you come to sell in the future as it will include a lot of releveant information on a sale.
14. If you make any alterations to the Property once you have moved in always check with the Local Authority to see if they need Planning Permission or Building Regulations Consent. Always keep copies of all documents as this will save you time and money when you come to sell.
15. Lastly remain calm. Buying a house can be stressful but we are here to help as much as we can.
Please call if you have any concerns, queries or worries- don’t let them give you sleepless nights. If you would like any further information on buying a house or for a quotation for conveyancing costs please contact Fiona Ashmead on 01284 715675
