You have finally, gone sale agreed after a tough few months but what happens now? Many first-time buyers may not be aware of what happens once the property goes sale agreed but we have some information here to make the process, as easy as possible:
Estate Agent – The Estate Agent, dealing with the sale will forward the details to you regarding the sale and to your solicitor as well as the vendor and the vendor’s solicitor. This will include everyone’s contact information and the price of the property. You are advised to check the details properly and contact the Estate Agent if anything is not correct.
Surveyor/Valuer– You will need to get a surveyor to survey the property in line with the bank requirements and this will be done as quickly as possible after agreeing on sale agreed. A surveyor does an extensive check and will look for structural flaws or anything that may be worrying. It is expensive but it is something that could cause a lot less hassle in the long run. The bank will send out a valuer to check the property you are buying and its market value. Your mortgage provider will want to value the property to ensure that it’s worth the asking price.
Solicitor– Your solicitor will be involved in every aspect of the sale and it begins before you go sale agreed by you choosing a good solicitor and having them ready for your property sale. Throughout the process your solicitor will check various things with you. The solicitor handles the legal documents and solicitor fees are quite dear so please be sure to have requested a quote and have that money aside. A solicitor sorts out the cost of stamp duty too and will send the signed paperwork and deposit to the vendors solicitor. They will also return the loan acceptance and paperwork to your mortgage provider and finalise the deeds etc.
Insurance – Once you have a mortgage you will need life insurance or as some refer to it, mortgage protection. It is to ensure that the mortgage costs are covered if anything happens to you or your partner. You and your partner may need to do a medical as part of the process and home insurance is another thing to consider as well as fire insurance.
Start packing– Pack up everything as much as you can and plan for the big move. You may have lots of things to move especially if you have rented for years or you may be moving from your childhood home. The main thing is to box up as much as possible and label everything.
Shop around – Choosing the right utility companies is vital as it means saving money and with a new mortgage you should be wary of your expenses. There are loads of apps now to help you save money and document your spending. Check out the electricity, gas and TV/broadband before choosing wisely.
Change details– You will need to change your address and set up with new doctors or vets if you have pets. You’ll have to pass over the details and do it ahead of time. If you have kids, you may need to change their schools and look at the area for clubs and groups for your child. This depends on if you are moving to an entirely new area obviously.
Wait for the call and good luck! You’ll be in your new home soon!
