01582 211424
141 High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1JW
info@auraestates.co.uk

Buying Guide

Your step-by-step buying guide

Buying for the first time, or an experienced buyer? Whatever your buying history, our handy step-by-step buying guide should help. When you are ready to look, browse our properties for sale.

Step 1: Address your finances

Before you start browsing properties, determine your exact budget. Speak with a mortgage adviser to discuss your borrowing capacity. If you don’t already have a mortgage adviser, contact our sales team and we can point you in the right direction. Also, remember to include money for renovations, removals and stamp duty within your budget.

Your mortgage adviser can provide a Decision in Principle certificate. We will ask to see this document when you make an offer. You must also show proof of your deposit, such as savings or gifted funds. Are you funding the deposit through another property sale? Show us proof of your outstanding mortgage. We will check the chain with your estate agent and calculate your equity. This allows us to provide solid proof to our vendor.

Buying guide step 1: calculator and papers for working out your budget

Step 2: Get registered and property search ready

Once your mortgage adviser qualifies you, visit our office or call us on 01582 211424. You can then register your details with our friendly team. We need to know your budget, property type and all your specific buyer requirements.

Visiting our office is the best way to start your property search. It allows us to build a relationship and understand your exact needs. Our friendly team is always on hand. We will contact you the moment a suitable property hits the market, and our team will send the details and instantly book your viewing.

Buying guide step 2: two people discussing a property search

Step 3: Find a solicitor

Securing a solicitor early shows potential sellers you mean business. It also saves significant time later in this buying guide process. Solicitors handle the “conveyancing” process, which includes all the legal work happening behind the scenes during a purchase. Good solicitors make a massive difference to your purchase. Speak to us today so we can arrange a reliable quote for you.

Buying guide step 3: a solicitor holding a folder

Step 4: Make an offer

Found your perfect property? Speak with our team to discuss the figures our vendor might accept. You can then offer a figure you feel completely comfortable with. We will present your offer and timescales to the vendor. At this stage, we must also verify your purchase funds. Since you have already arranged your finances, we can present your offer in the best possible light.

Negotiating and the Memorandum of Sale. After verifying your funds, we will negotiate the offer between you and the seller. Once agreed, we issue a “Memorandum of Sale” to you, the seller and both solicitors. This forms the basis of your draft contract. We also forward the property brochure, the full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a list of included fixtures to the legal teams.

Securing the deal smoothly. We work on behalf of the seller to maximise their property’s value. However, we provide honest advice to ensure a smooth sale. Both buyers and sellers must be completely happy with the final agreement.

In England and Wales, offers are not legally binding until both parties exchange contracts. This milestone often occurs several weeks later, so keep in mind that either party can still withdraw from the deal, and you may still be liable for your solicitor’s costs up to that point. Our team works hard to keep both parties secure, ensuring the property reaches the exchange stage smoothly.

Buying guide step 4: a family outside the home they are buying

Step 5: The survey process

Your mortgage lender will arrange a valuation survey. This ensures your offer price is realistic for their loan. An independent survey should also pick out any major problems with the house that were overlooked previously.

Aside from the valuation, you can choose from two main surveys:

  • Homebuyer report: the surveyor will test the walls and floor for problems like subsidence and damp, and highlight any urgent repair work needed.
  • Building survey: this suits older houses or “non-standard construction” buildings. The surveyor will look under floorboards, behind walls and in the cellar to tell you everything about the house.

Once the surveyor finishes and everyone accepts the property’s condition, you are ready to exchange contracts. We hope this buying guide helps you move in smoothly. If the surveys reveal any adverse issues, we are happy to negotiate further with the seller on your behalf.

Buying guide step 5: a surveyor checking a house

Ready to put this buying guide into action?

Visit our office, call us, or browse the properties we have for sale. If you are also selling, see why sellers choose Aura Estates.