Buying Process

Step 1 Decide on the basics

Before you start your search, it helps to put some thought into exactly what you’re looking for.

Make a list of what’s important to you, including the essentials and the things that are just nice to have, and go from there.

Area

If you’re buying a property, it’s likely you’ll own it for a while, so location is doubly important. Do you want to be near work? Do you want local shops and restaurants? Are good schools important to you?

Make a list of the postcodes or even streets that appeal to you and take time at a weekend to have a good look round the areas with flats and houses for sale.

Transport links

Getting around in your chosen area can be just as important as the area itself. Are you happy to travel some distance to work or do you want to walk? Do you need easy access to a tube or mainline station? If you travel out of Essex, do you need to be near a main road?

Size and type

A few things to consider

Step 3 Find the right property

Once you’ve sorted out your mortgage and you know the kind of property you’re looking for, it’s time to get out there and find it.

After talking to us so we know what you’re after, we’ll keep you updated by email, post and telephone.

When we've found you a suitable flat or house, we’ll set up a viewing appointment as soon as possible. A quick tip: make two visits, one during the day and one at night.

Step 5 Sale agreed

So, you’ve made your offer and it’s been accepted. This stage is known as sale agreed. This is where your solicitor gets involved to check out all the legal aspects of the sale.

This is also when you (or your mortgage advisor) will go ahead with your formal mortgage application, to check that your lender’s willing to lend on that specific property.

Conveyancing
The property needs to be legally transferred from its current owners to you. This process is known as conveyancing.

The seller’s solicitor will

• Get copies of the property’s title deeds and other relevant documentation e.g. lease
• Prepare a draft contract of sale

Your solicitor will

• Check the title documentation and lease for any problems or inconsistencies
• Check the contracts
• Obtain relevant searches e.g. drainage and water
• Raise enquiries on all documentation received
• Report to you on all information obtained and plan search if required

Assuming there are no problems and your solicitor has your mortgage offer, deposit and a signed contract,they can exchange contracts and set a completion date.

Step 7 Exchange contracts

You’re on the home straight now. The formal exchange of contracts agrees the terms of the sale and makes them legally binding on both you and the seller.

Before the formal exchange, you’ll need to

• Finalise and sign your mortgage documents
• Send your deposit to the seller’s solicitor
• Sign your contract

This is also the time to sort out the practicalities of your move. Have you organised a removals company and storage? Do you need to sort out buildings and contents insurance? Utilities? Will your pets need looking after during the move?

Don't worry if all this seems a little bit overwhelming Keith Ashton will be with you every step of the way.

Once the exchange has happened, you can look forward to the completion date when the money gets transferred, and the property legally changes hands. This is normally four weeks later, but you can choose to exchange and complete on the same day if you need to.

The terms of the sale are now legally binding, which means that your deposit is non refundable if you change your mind. Equally, the seller is obliged to sell to you at the price you've agreed.