Maxwell Valentine recognises that buying a property is one of the biggest purchases of your life. We are sure that with our local knowledge and expertise, we will be able to find you a property to suit your needs, be it a straightforward move or a 'Buy to Let' investment.
The first requirement is for you to register your details and property specifications with us via email, phone, or by completing our online registration form. This will give us an insight into your personal requirements, enabling us to modify the details sent to you.
Once registered with us, you can choose to receive details from us via email or download and print them from our website.
Whether you're buying your first home or taking your next step on the property ladder, securing the right mortgage is fundamental to your house purchase. To speed up the buying process, it is advisable to get a mortgage agreed in principle before any final decision on your new property is made. A mortgage agreed in principle has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable, and makes you more attractive to sellers.
The amount your mortgage provider will be willing to lend will depend on a combination of the following factors:
When you find a property that meets all your requirements on paper, the next step is to arrange a viewing. Our experienced team are available to arrange viewings of your selected properties.
Once you have located your ideal property, your offer will be submitted by us to the vendor for their consideration. This is done both verbally and in writing.
In many instances vendors are open to offers. If you have found a property you like and you are ready to commit to the purchase it is advisable to think about the price and decide if you would like to place a lower offer.
Maxwell Valentine will then provide you with the vendor's feedback on your offer. Should your offer not be successful we will usually be able to provide an indication of the vendor's position - you will need to review your own position and decide if you are able to increase the offer.
NB: Please note that all offers are "subject to contract" and therefore neither party is legally bound until the contract is actually exchanged.
As soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor you will need to instruct property solicitors who will manage all the legalities of the transaction on your behalf.
At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly.
The next step is to choose the type of survey you would like. A survey acts as checking mechanism and will ensure you're aware of any major problems or defects within the structure of the building. It is vital that a survey is carried out before you finalise the property purchase as any problems discovered later could prove expensive or problematic. If any issues are highlighted by the survey you are in a strong position to enter negotiations with the vendor which could involve a price reduction, or renovation work.
Your lender will require a Mortgage Valuation and this will be conducted by a Chartered Surveyor acting for your Lender. The purpose of this report is to determine whether the amount to be loaned is secure and also deals with the basic condition of the property. Since you as the buyer are also provided with a copy, it allows both parties to evaluate the findings prior to entering into a commitment to purchase.
There are different types of property surveys available and the one you choose will depend on a number of factors including; the property's age, design, and any problems you may have noticed at the viewing.
Prior to exchange of contract your solicitor will: