The Buying Process

The Buying Process
We know and understand purchasing a home is a big deal.  As with any significant financial commitment, it can be daunting, especially if you are a first-time buyer.

With this in mind, we have compiled a step by step guide to the buying process to help you see the big picture. However, remember that your solicitor and your estate agent are always there to talk the process through with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

As a prospective buyer:

  1. Start by determining your budget
    You need to be realistic about the budget you can afford to spend on your dream home. Consider monthly mortgage payments, deposit, fees and stamp duty. You should even consider what would happen in the event of interest rates rising or a change in your financial situation.
  1. Seek mortgage and financial advice
    When it comes to getting a mortgage sorted, there’s no such thing as too early. Find out your options at the start of the process – before you’ve even looked at properties. That way you will be equipped with more knowledge of your price range and will have begun a time-consuming process in good time. You can get mortgage advice from an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), mortgage broker or lender.
  1. Find your new dream home
    This is the fun bit. Enjoy browsing and remember to keep us informed of any properties you like and give us an idea of the kind of home you’re looking for.
  1. Make an offer
    When you see your dream home, you’ll just know. It’s time to make an offer through the estate agent. The buyer doesn’t pay for this service, the seller does.
  1. Once your offer is accepted, inform your solicitor
    Your solicitor will be the one to manage the legal side of the purchase. This includes handling enquiries to the local authority to check whether there are any planning or local issues that might affect the property’s value.
  1. Apply for your mortgage
    This needs to be arranged as soon as your offer is accepted.
  1. Arrange a survey
    This is an important step that should be arranged asap, either independently or through your mortgage provider. Through the survey you will learn all about the condition of the property and can plan for any possible repair costs.
  1. Liaise regularly with your solicitor and estate agent
    Communication is important key at this sometimes stressful stage in the buying process. Keeping everyone regularly informed will ensure a smooth transaction.
  1. Exchange contracts and pay your deposit
    Upon completion of the legal work and the mortgage offer has been made (if applicable) then the purchase is underway. You will need to sign the contract and pay a deposit. A date for completion is fixed when the balance of the purchase price is paid.

CONGRATULATIONS! The sale is complete, and you own your dream home!

What Our Customers Say

  • We found Andrew and Kathy to be extremely professional. They guided us through the whole process seamlessly. Cannot recommend H&H highly enough. Thank you.

    Rhona King

    28th February 2019

  • Friendly and professional service at all times. Great service. Tracey is fabulous.

    Saiorse Cosgrove

    10th September 2019

  • Excellent service from valuation through to completion. Very friendly staff and extremely professional. Thank you very much Andrew and Kathy in the Penrith office for your help. Can’t praise them enough.

    J Carver

    13th September 2019

  • Personal, professional and friendly, the team at H&H in Penrith truly give you five star treatment. They help you through all the issues which always arise when buying a property and give you peace of mind that everything is being dealt with. We would definitely recommend this great team and would use again in the future.

    Carol Edmondson

    15th September 2019

  • Thomas, Shirley & Alan, we would like to show you our appreciation for everything you did in the preparation and sale of the (now successful) sale of the farm. Thank you.

    The Hill Family

    1st November 2019

  • Over the past few months, I’ve been dealing with Jenna to sort out some issues with a tenant that left and to find a new tenant for my property. You’ve been the managing agent for my flat since 2005 and the service that Jenna has given me recently has been nothing short of superb. She has promptly answered questions, given me reassurance and generally been a godsend over a fairly stressful time. You have a tremendous asset in Jenna.

    J Rowe

    25th February 2020

  • From my first dealings with the valuer who came out to look at my property and telephone dealings with the staff in the office, I have had nothing but excellent service and I would like to thank them all for that. My biggest thanks must go to Gillian, who has helped me all the way from start to finish, she has gone beyond my expectations and helped me in every way possible, her enthusiasm and humour along with her professional service has made my experience of selling my property a very pleasant experience and for that I am very grateful.

    J Hill

    21st August 2019

  • Nothing but praise for the service offered by Andrew and Kathy at H&H King, Penrith. They really put themselves out, not only to ensure that we sold our house but also to find us a house that suited our requirements in the right area. We have no doubts that they are worthy of a 5* rating. N&T

    Neil McGeown

    1st October 2019

  • Thank you so much [Mike] for all your help with the Mid-Tier Application. I couldn't have possibly done it myself and it was such a relief to be able to hand it over to you.

    L. McArthur

    22nd August 2018

  • We are very pleased with the way you dealt with the Scroggs Wood programme. There seemed to be a number of difficulties, but you overcame all these problems and got the timber extracted in good time, and sold it well - we were delighted with the cheques we received. So we wish to thank you warmly for all your efforts, your expertise and your thoroughly professional approach.

    H. Summerson

    31st January 2020