First time buying-what happens?

[AlecG]

Myself and my OH have found a house, had an offer accepted, got an agreement in principle, appointed a solicitor to which we've given all the details etc, but what happens next?

We're off to see the bank manager about the mortgage during the week (HSBC), is it worth speaking to a broker as well?

Any help or advice on what to expect is much appreciated!

[AlecG]

Thanks scenario8, I'll speak with a broker tomorrow! that's the sort of information I wanted!

HSBC seem to offer the best bank rate FTB mortgage at the moment, we've got an agreement in principle and are aiming at borrowing far less than we could!

[AlecG]

That sounds good thanks! Yep we're buying through an agency, we spoke to the people we are hopefully buying it off are upsizing, but as we want to get in before the stamp duty comes back Ito play will happily rent, which is good!

[AlecG]

Thanks for all the advice on this. I've been sitting on top of the Solicitors who seem to be doing everything we ask of them, in good time (according to my folks!).

We've had the Survey done and all is good (went for a home buyers report), the mortgage went through fine, all the searches are done, we're just awaiting the banks solicitors to do their thing before we exchange contracts....

Fingers crossed it'll be done in time for March 24th, not only does that mean no stamp duty, but our rental property is up then!

I'm really looking forward to getting in there now!

[AlecG]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Sorry, I don't really know what you mean?!

All the paperwork should be done this week by the sounds of things, am keeping in contact with the solicitor and mortgage chap once or twice a week, it seems to help iron out any creases!

[AlecG]

And relax. Contracts are exchanged, and a moving in date of 22nd is on the cards!

Jeebus H Christ that was a stressful process...

[AlecG]

We exchanged contracts a couple of weeks ago, and we completed about an hour ago!

Picking the keys up in a bit!

As well as all the stuff involved with buying a house I also start a new job in a few weeks. If you're stressed you may as well add to the load?! Not quite like brother though who bought a house, got married, and got made redundant and got a new job in the space of 2 weeks!

[AlecG]

King Herald said:

So, three months, about average I guess.

Enjoy your new maison, there is a certain satisfaction from moving into your own home.

It's been a hectic and expensive weekend! Friday night saw us moving 2 car loads of boxes in, after walking in and thinking what have we done-it was a st tip!

2 trips to B&Q later and busting a gut from 5pm until 1 pm we had stain free carpets and a fat/grime free kitchen! Saturday saw us moving the rest of our stuff in, after an early start for remedying a few bits on the rented house. A few more trips to B&Q (thankfully it's down the road!) and a lot of dad/older brother know how when we sat down for a well earned beer at 7pm we had something resembling a house!

Today the OH unpacked after we went to B&Q again and bought other bits, which I spent most of the day fitting!

It's been a long, stressful and emotional weekend but we're in and I'm very happy :-)

[AlecG]

King Herald said:

We moved house last 23rd December, using just our family car! probably 50 trips, back and forth, couldn't rent a van or truck as it was last-minute, and so close to Xmas. Utter frustrating chaos. Luckily we only lived 500 yards away.

Haha! I can only imagine how stressful moving over the festive period must be!

I'm suffering withdrawal symptoms from B&Q so off there again at lunch, hopefully for the last time in a while!