First time Buyer?
We're in your corner
Buying your first home can be a daunting idea but you can have by your side every step of the journey. Your Balanced Broker will support you from initial planning (you don't need to have found a home) right through to picking up your keys and beyond. At Balanced we believe in long term professional relationships and a strong foundation is the best way to build that.
Have a look below at our step by step guide
01
Establish what you can afford
It can be pretty tough to fall in love with your dream home, only to find its out of reach. We therefore suggest you take advantage of a BFS first time buyer planning meeting, Its free and you are under no obligation to work with us moving forward. This meeting will cover as much as we can give you, including an indication of deposit levels, maximum loans and what the process looks like for you
02
Get Deposit Funds together
Deposit funds are essential in almost all purchase cases. Usually at least 5% of the purchase price will be required. touch to learn more.
03
Full mortgage fact find appointment
This appointment / Meeting will enable your Balanced Broker to give you more detailed guidance on maximum loans available to you and potential costs at the time you start looking for properties. A decision in Principle can also be arranged if required. It will also be worth downloading out Welcome pack which will give you a detailed overview of the mortgage process and other useful information
04
Start property hunting
It You can register with estate agents, view properties online and check the internet for properties for sale. We recommend you research prospective properties as much as possible including the area, the properties history, local infrastructure plans, schools, services etc. Arrange in person viewings and maker an offer when you feel you have found the one.
05
Offer Accepted, Apply for your mortgage & Appoint a Conveyancer
Your Balanced Broker will handle the application and keep you posted throughout the process. The conveyancing can start as soon as you instruct your conveyancing solicitor but they will often wait for the offer for all works other than searches. Your broker will explain this process in more detail as you progress.
06
More research...
Whilst you await the legal work to be completed now is a good time to be researching removal companies, Home insurance and your financial protection requirements. To have this in place/decided on before exchange will help reduce last minute stresses
07
Exchange & Completion
Exchange is where the solicitors for buyer and seller exchange signed contracts and where applicable a deposit is paid. This is the point at which there would be possibly penalties and implications if you, or the seller were to change your mind.
Completion is the day, agreed by both seller and purchaser to hand over the cash and the keys. This is usually move in day.