Top Tips For A Smooth Move
The residential property team at Forbes use their experience to guide clients through a house move with as little stress as possible
Whilst the majority of property transactions go through smoothly, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of things not going to plan and alleviating stress levels at the same time.
Do your sums
• Make sure you know what the total cost of the transaction is going to be.
• If you have an existing mortgage that needs to be redeemed, are there any penalties for early repayment?
• Have you factored in estate agents’ fees?
• Do you have to pay the higher rate of stamp duty?
Consider what type of service you are going to want from your solicitor
It is easy to go online and obtain a very cheap quote for someone to do the property work for you on a sale and purchase, but will they be able to deliver the service levels you require?
• Are you wanting to see the solicitor face to face, if so, the cheap online quote, or the call centre type service is not likely to suit you.
• Check that the quote covers everything you require and that there are no hidden extras. It is not unusual for the cheap quote to be very basic and for extras to be charged, for example if the property is leasehold.
Survey
We strongly recommend to all clients that they have a survey done on any property they are buying. A survey is more thorough than a valuation which is done for the benefit of your lender.
If the survey reveals defects, then you have the opportunity to negotiate the price or back out altogether if the issues are serious.
Communication
• Talk to your solicitor at the outset about any specific requirements you have, for example, you have a certain timeframe you need to work to, or if you are wanting to extend the property you are buying, or you want to run a business from the property.
• Look at the plans the solicitor sends out to you. The solicitor generally doesn’t see the property and will rely on you to confirm that the boundaries are correct. If there are any discrepancies between the plan provided and what you are expecting to buy, then flag this up to your solicitor immediately so that they can establish the correct position.
Inspect the property prior to committing yourself to a purchase
We advise all clients purchasing a property to do a final inspection prior to exchanging contracts. Once contracts are exchanged you are legally bound to buy the property.
For more information contact Michelle Thompson by email: michelle.thompson@forbessolicitors.co.uk or call:
Blackburn Office: 01254 222399
Preston Office: 01772 220022
www.forbessolicitors.co.uk
