Be Buyer Ready
Finding the right home is exciting, but when you do find the one, being prepared can make all the difference.
Getting yourself buyer ready before you start making offers puts you in a stronger position, helps sellers take your offer seriously and can make the whole buying process much smoother.
Here are four things we recommend getting in place.
Finances
Before starting your property search, make sure you have a clear understanding of your finances and what you can comfortably afford.
If you're buying with a mortgage, speak to a mortgage adviser and arrange an Agreement in Principle. This gives you an indication of how much you may be able to borrow and demonstrates to an estate agent and seller that you've already started the financial process.
You'll also need to have your deposit accessible and be prepared to provide proof of funds when making an offer.
Remember to factor in the additional costs of moving too, including solicitor fees, surveys, mortgage fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax where applicable.
Having your finances organised means that when the right home comes along, you're ready to act.
Solicitors
You don't need to wait until you've had an offer accepted to decide which solicitor you're going to use.
Research conveyancing solicitors beforehand, obtain a quote and have your chosen solicitor's details ready. You can even complete some of their initial onboarding, identification and anti-money laundering checks in advance.
If you're unsure who to choose, ask one of our team for recommendations. We work with a number of reliable and experienced conveyancing solicitors and can point you in the right direction.
Once your offer is accepted, we will need your solicitor's details to issue the Memorandum of Sale and get the legal process underway.
Choosing your solicitor early means one less thing to organise when you've found your new home.
Do your
Homework
Buying a home is a big decision, so get to know the areas you're considering before you start making offers.
Take a drive around at different times of the day, explore the local area and consider what's important to you — whether that's schools, transport links, countryside, shops or your journey to work.
When viewing a property, think beyond the décor. Consider the location, layout, garden, parking and whether the property will work for you in the years ahead.
If you find a property you love, ask questions. We're here to provide as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision.
Ask one of our team for a copy of our Buyer Ready Pack. It brings together useful data sources for the property and surrounding area, giving you the tools to carry out your own research and get a better understanding of the home you're considering before making an offer.
The more you know beforehand, the more confident you can be when it's time to make an offer.
Communication
Good communication can make a huge difference when buying a property.
Keep in regular contact with your mortgage adviser, solicitor and estate agent, and respond promptly when information or documents are requested.
If your circumstances change — perhaps your own property sale progresses, your mortgage position changes or you're going away — let us know.
Once your purchase is underway, there will be different stages where your input may be needed. Staying engaged and responding quickly helps prevent unnecessary delays and keeps everyone moving in the same direction.
Buying a home is a team effort, and great communication helps keep everything on track.
Being buyer ready doesn't mean you need to have everything completed before viewing properties. It simply means putting yourself in the strongest possible position.
Get your finances organised, solicitor chosen, homework done and communication flowing, and when the right property comes along, you'll be ready to make your move.
Ready to find your next home? Start your property search with Tate & Co.