Buyer's Guide

We hope this brief guide will help familiarise you with the buying process.

1. Register with Us

We need as much information as possible about the type of property you are looking for so that we can find you your perfect home. Please Register with us online, by calling us on 0121 360 4321, by emailing us, or by calling in at our office (contact us for details and directions.)

2. Property Search

Once we know your requirements, we will select any properties in our database that match. We can post brochures to you, or text you with details, or you can print and view full colour brochures straight from our website.

3. Arrange a Viewing

When you find a property that catches your eye, give us a ring and we will arrange a viewing of the property for you as soon as possible.

4. Mortgage

A mortgage should be agreed as soon as possible and Andrews Estate Agents can introduce you to a completely independent mortgage service. Please click here for more information.

5. Making an Offer

When you have found a property that you like, we will put your offer forward to the seller on your behalf. This offer is subject to a contract being signed and their are no legal obligations for either party until this is signed.

6. Legal Requirements

A solicitor will be required to handle the conveyancing. Please click here to obtain a conveyancing quote.

7. Agree Sale

When your offer has been accepted by the seller your solicitor must be instructed to proceed. The date for exchange of contracts and the date for completion will be agreed at this stage. You must also now instruct your mortgage provider to proceed with your mortgage application and arrange a survey.

8. Draft Contract and Land Registry Search

The seller's solicitor will draw up the draft contract and send it to your solicitor who will make some preliminary enquiries and submit a loal authority search to the local borough council. This will indicate such things as planning consents on the property and any local issues relating to the property.

9. Survey

A surveyor will carry out a survey on the property on behalf of your mortgage lender. This will identify any structural problems and advise the property's value.

10. Approval of Contract

Upon receipt of the local search and answers to any preliminary enquiries made by your solicitor, the draft contract will be approved by your solicitor.

11. Mortgage Offer and Exchange of Contracts

The mortgage offer will be sent to your solicitor for your signature. Upon signing and returning, your mortgage is confirmed and you can exchange contracts on the property.

The contract is signed by both yourself and the seller. The deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) is telegraphically transferred or paid by the buyer's solicitor by a banker's draft. The completion date is confirmed.

12. Completion

The date for this is usually anything from a few days to a few weeks after contracts have been exchanged.

Residual monies (usually 90%) are now transferred from your solicitors to the seller’s solicitors’ account.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW THE OWNER OF YOUR NEW HOME!