Don’t ignore that tingling feeling because it could be a sign that you’ve found your dream home. And when you are sure you have found it, it’s time to make an offer. This is a big step and you want to make sure you are ready. Having answers to the following questions will make it easier for you.
Tips
Talk to the estate agent to find out as much as possible, for example whether the seller wants to move quickly. Remember, estate agents work for the seller and is often trying to get the best deal for them rather than you.Get in touch with the seller’s estate agent and tell them how much you would like to offer for the property. If they don’t accept, you can increase your offer, but make sure you don’t pay more than you can afford or what the property is worth.
Once the seller has accepted your offer, the seller’s estate agent will write to confirm this.
Give the estate agent your conveyancer’s name and contact details.
If you don’t already have a conveyancer, you need to appoint one straightaway.
Give your conveyancer details of the property, the estate agent, the price and your mortgage lender.
If you don’t already have a mortgage lender lined up, you need to do this now.
Once your offer has been accepted, the property might still be advertised as ‘sold subject to contract’ or ‘under offer’. This means you have agreed to buy, but you or the seller could pull out without penalty. You can ask for the property to be taken off the market, but it’s only when you exchange contracts that you make a financial and legal commitment.
