1. Before looking at properties, contact West One Mortgages for guidance on borrowing capacity and costs.
     We can arrange to get a mortgage agreed in principle.


2. Once your offer has been accepted by the seller we will submit your mortgage application form. Lender 
      will commision a valuation report through an approved surveyor. If the property is older we suggest that you 
      take out a homebuyers report. 


3. Instruct a solicitor to work for you, and provide them with full details of the property estate agent/seller and your
     lender. We recommend Ashfords for their quality of service and competitive fee structure.


4. Valuation report arrives at the lender.

    a. Lender agrees mortgage subject to conditions - such as work needed on the property.

    b. If work needed, get at least three quotes for every job. Get the seller to pay for the work, or negotiate a reduction
        in the asking price.


5. Assuming all is in order the lender issues the mortgage offer letter. 


6. Solicitor carries out searches which you pay upfront. They also investigate title and other issues. If all is in order, 
     they will draw up and send you legal paperwork - and bill for costs to date. 


7. You sign and return the contract and give the solicitor the deposit (normally 5% or 10%), and they arrange a completion date. If you are 
      buying a freehold property, you must get adequate building insurance cover in place immediately. 


8. You are now legally committed to the purchase. You will move in on completion date, so start planning your move.
     Set up direct debits for your new property. (Some utility companies can transfer bills directly across to your new 
     property.


9. On completion day, call the sellers Estate Agent to pick up the keys. You must have buildings insurance in place already,
    and contents insurance is now recommended.


10. Pick up the keys and move in! 


Solicitor Services are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority