HEYWOODS recognise the fact the purchase of your home is the most important and expensive transaction you are likely to undergo.
Our expert local knowledge and experience in selling property means that we are here to help you find your new property and ensure that the whole buying experience goes as smoothly as possible.
Use the Property Search on the right to view a list of our current properties, complete with photographs and plans.
To enable you to unravel the complexities of buying your home, we have set out below an overview of the various procedures involved:
FINDING YOUR NEW PROPERTY
The first requirement is for you to register your details and requirements. The more information you give us as to what you are looking for the more we can fine tune your search. This can be achieved in a number of ways i.e. by email, fax, telephone, in person or by completing our registration form on the right. We will then contact you, again by your preferred means, and tell you of what properties we have which suit your requirements. We will take time discussing with you what you are looking for so that we can be specific in what properties we tell you about. We do not want to waste your time sending you details of properties which are not suitable.
VIEWING
Our helpful experienced team are available to arrange viewings of your selected properties. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time.
MORTGAGE
In order to speed up your house buying process, it is advisable wherever possible, to get a mortgage agreed in principle before any final decision on your new property is made. This has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable and will speed up the whole buying process. As independent Estate Agents we are not linked to any financial body and we do not offer advise or arrange mortgages. We feel this should be done by experts (the same as selling property) and we would be happy to recommend to you an independent financial adviser.
MAKING YOUR OFFER
Once you have located your ideal property, you will put in an offer to us which will be submitted to the vendor for their consideration. This is done both verbally and in writing. NB: Please note that all offers are “subject to contract” and therefore neither party is legally bound until the contract is actually signed.
ACCEPTED OFFER/INSTRUCTING SOLCITIORS
As soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor, you should instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Your solicitor will handle all legal requirements of your purchase (property conveyancing). We would be happy to recommend to you a solicitor if you do not have one. At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly.
SURVEY
The next step is to obtain the survey/mortgage valuation. There are a number of options as this can either be carried out by one surveyor, normally appointed by your lender, or you can instruct your own surveyor to carry out a survey on the property and your Lender will instruct a value to provide a Valuation. We would be happy to discuss the different options with you.
HOME INFORMATION PACKS (HIPs) /SEARCHES
Since 14 December 2007, Home Information Packs (HIPs) have been legally required for all properties placed on the market. A Home Information Pack will contain the following information that may be of use to your solicitor. Please note that some solicitors do not accept the Searches within the HIP. An Index of Contents An Energy Performance Certificate A Sale Statement Evidence of Title (for registered properties) Searches Leasehold/Commonhold documents where appropriate
DRAFT CONTRACTS
The draft contract is drawn up by the seller’s solicitor and is forwarded to the buyer’s solicitor for consideration. Any additional queries or questions will be asked and answered and the contract amended accordingly, subject to final approval.
MORTGAGE OFFER
Before you will be able to exchange contracts (if you are buying on a mortgage) your solicitor will need to be in possession formal mortgage offer from the
EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS
Once the contract has been signed by both parties, a deposit (normally a small percentage of the purchase price) is paid. Once contracts have been exchanged the transaction becomes legally binding on both sides.
COMPLETION
Completion takes place on the date agreed by both parties just before exchange of contracts. At this point the balance of the purchase price is transferred by the buyer’s solicitor to the seller’s solicitor and the keys released – Congratulations! You are now the owner of your new home!