OUR BUYYERS GUIDE

Before you go viewing speak to a mortgage advisor. They will run through how much you can borrow, how much it will cost to move, and what your monthly payments will be. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can spend and make you "offer ready".

Keep an open mind. When you are looking for a property this search will evolve over time. Buying a home is very much an emotional purchase and most people will know the right one within a couple of minutes of entering a property.

So you have seen a property you want to buy. Now go back for a second viewing with a family member or a trusted friend. However go back at a different time of day. This  allows you to make sure it is the right one and the neighbour is not a nightmare, for example.

So you are sure this is the property for you, call the agent and make an offer. The agent must put your offer forward to the owner. The agent may ask you to speak to their mortgage advisor to make sure you can afford your offer. However the agent  can not imply, force or insist you do the mortgage through them.

Time to arrange your mortgage and solicitors. If you have a recommendation from a family member or friend, that's great. If you are using a mortgage broker, they can help you arrange this and discuss your survey options and how much they will cost.

So you have run around frantically arranging solicitors, mortgages, completing forms etc and now nothing. Although this is frustrating this is normal so be patient. Typically a house sale can take three/four months and sometimes longer.