Buying

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Buying a home is an exciting time but can be daunting, it is often regarded as one of the most stressful experiences in life. It is most likely to be the biggest purchase of your life. Therefore, it is so important to choose an Estate Agent that is capable of helping you through every stage of the property buying process.

Our friendly professional service is designed to eliminate the stress and help you along your property buying journey with relevant, expert advice and locally tailored information.

Ridgeway residential offer a fully comprehensive online property search for you allowing you to easily browse through our properties. You can register with us either online, telephone or by making an appointment to visit our office where one of our friendly, helpful staff can help you with your search. Please feel free to consult Ridgeway Residential at any point of you journey!

The Buying Process - Ten steps to the house buying process

Buying

1. What is the budget and how much can you borrow?

Before getting serious with your search, it's a good idea to work out how much you can afford to borrow. We generally recommend you consult an independent mortgage adviser. At Ridgeway Residential, we work with a panel of independent mortgage brokers who will be more than happy to help. Our panel of brokers will usually arrange a mortgage decision in principle certificate to put you in the driving seat to view properties.

2. Know your price range

Now you know what you can afford, you can begin your search. How many reception rooms, How many bedrooms, how many bathrooms? Car parking or a garden? Local Schools? Property style?

Register with Ridgeway Residential for property updates.

3. Be ready to make an offer

When you have found your ideal home, it's important to get your mortgage arranged as quickly as possible. If you work with one of our Ridgeway Residential panelled brokers they will ensure that things move as quickly and smoothly as possible so you are in the best and most attractive position for any seller.

Get in touch with a mortgage broker

4. Make an offer

Remember that the price the seller is asking for is not necessarily the price they will finally accept. Your first offers can be lower than the asking price. Although, if there has been a lot of interest in the property it could be wise to make an offer close to the asking price. Once your offer is accepted, it will be confirmed in writing. But do remember, the property is not officially yours until legally binding contracts are exchanged.

5. Choose a solicitor

Your solicitor carries out the conveyancing which is the legal process of handing over a property from one person to another. They also have a duty to protect your interests so they will investigate the legal aspects of the property such as its boundaries and exactly what is included in the sale. Most solicitors will charge a fixed fee and it is usually a percentage of the agreed sale price. Ridgeway Residential works with a panel of solicitors who we know you can trust.

Contact Us about finding a conveyancer.

6. Get a survey

A survey will give you a good idea of the property's condition and value. There are different types of survey, from a basic mortgage valuation indicating how much the property is worth, to a full structural survey. If problems do come to light, you are within your rights to try to re-negotiate your offer price or even withdraw from the purchase.

7. Mortgage offer

If you are getting a mortgage, once the lender has completed their underwriting and happy with the survey they will issue your formal mortgage offer.

8. Exchanging contracts

If there are no problems with the survey and mortgage offer (If relevant), the solicitors from both sides will draw up formal contracts for you and the seller to sign. This is the legally binding part and your solicitor will confirm once all parties are in a position to exchange contract.

9. Moving day

Once the day has finally arrived! Remember to book a removal firm to help you with this part. You should contact the utilities companies, redirect your post and notify the authorities as soon as you are the legal owner and remember to pick your keys up from Ridgeway Residential!!!

10. Relax

Relax in your new home!