You may have already experienced independent living whether it was when you went to university for the first time or maybe you have already rented a home, but now the time has come for you to take your first step on the property ladder.  It can be a daunting and complex process but if you seek the correct advice beforehand then purchasing your new home will be made so much easier.

STEP ONE - MORTGAGE

You must seek professional advice before applying for a mortgage.  There are plenty of lenders across the market enabling you to be matched with the most appropriate lender based on your individual financial circumstances.

http://www.fraser-reeves.co.uk/services/mortgages

STEP TWO - LOCATION

You would need to choose your preferred location and style of home, do you need to be near local amenities or within walking distance of a school, a train station or even close to a motorway network?  These are all things which need serious consideration.  We recommend scoping out your chosen area meticulously during both day and night, even at the weekend.  We suggest registering your details with local Estate Agents for regular property updates, including Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation.

http://www.fraser-reeves.co.uk/register-with-us

STEP THREE - VIEWING

We ALWAYS recommend you view the property internally even if you know it will be your dream home.  Occasionally people make an offer on a home without viewing because they want to beat the rush, but often change their mind at the end when they realise it was not the house for them.  We strongly advise if you do not know the area to go and have a look at the house from outside prior to arranging a viewing.  Ask the vendor any questions about the home during the viewing, if the viewing is with your Estate Agent they can ask the vendor the questions on your behalf.  There is no need for you to leave your telephone number with the Vendor, keep it professional and let the Estate Agent do all the negotiations it is part of their job.

http://www.fraser-reeves.co.uk/properties-for-sale

STEP FOUR - OFFER

You have finally found your dream home and wish to make an offer.  Call your Estate Agent and let them know what your offer is and what your maximum offer would be, they will liaise with the Vendor and do all the negotiations on your behalf.

STEP FIVE - CONVEYANCING

Once you have appointed a Conveyancer they will obtain all the necessary searches and paperwork regarding the house sale.  They will liaise with the Estate Agent and all other parties in the chain (if any) and will finalise a completion date.

STEP SIX - COMPLETION DAY

Finally, the day has arrived.  Once you get the call from your Conveyancer/Estate Agent to confirm completion of your new home (hooray!!) you can go and collect the keys from your Estate Agent and move in.  Remember to keep a box of refreshments handy for all those family members and friends who are keen to help you move in.

STEP SEVEN - AFTER THE MOVE

Remember to notify everyone who is on your contact list your new address:- 

Royal Mail/Electoral Register/Water/DVLA/Breakdown Services/Employer/Bank/TV Licence/Council Tax/Gas Supplier/Electricity Supplier/Clubcards/Gym/Schools/HMRC/Broadband/Friends & Family.