How do I contact the seller?
Click on the email link next to the advert. You can then ask for further information or arrange a viewing as required.
How do I make an offer on a property?
Presuming that you have already made contact with the seller in order to arrange a viewing, you simply contact the seller and tell them what you are offering. If they accept it, the conveyancing process will continue with both your and the seller's solicitor. As soon as the solicitor's have completed the necessary conveyancing, you will be required to exchange contracts. As soon as contracts have been exchanged, your offer becomes legally binding.
Will I be required to leave a deposit?
Some sellers may ask you to leave a small deposit to demonstrate your commitment to the property. If this is the case it is recommended that you take advice from your solicitor. There are many things to check, for example it would be wise to check if it was refundable in the event that the seller is unable to exchange contracts.
Where can I get mortgage advice?
Most high street banks and building societies will provide advice, and whilst they are all generally competitive they tend to stick to their own products. Independent Financial Advisors have access to a selection of different products and are paid commission by the companies whose products they are recommending. Alternatively, you can trawl through the wealth of information that is available on the internet.
How do I arrange a survey?
Your mortgage company will require the property to be valued, for which they will arrange a surveyor. You are likely to require a more detailed inspection. The same surveyor can also provide a homebuyer's survey and valuation. It is up to you whether you wish to use the same surveyor that is working for your mortgage lender. For further peace of mind (or indeed that of your mortgage lender!) it is possible to get a full structural survey. You should be able to locate a local surveyor in your yellow pages. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are located at 12 Great Geprge Street, Parliament Sq, London, SW1P 3AD.