OFFER ACCEPTED!! WHAT NEXT?

Reaper

Nope, no sarcasm, just enthusiasm.

(no, that' not sarcastic either!)

Bozzy20

Which mortgage company are you using? free legal fees if you use their conveyancer is a good deal. I want to do the same!

Travelqueen

A lot of lenders offer you free legal fees - or money towards legal fees (e.g. £150 - £250) for first time buyers - they know you're strapped for cash, and generally they tie you in for longer - i.e. 5 years instead of 2. (Scottish Widows offers money for eg)

It's also worth bearing in mind that if it is a contribution that will not cover it. Generally you have to pay surveyors fees (a valuation is about £200 - £250 but tells you nothing about the state of the house, just tells the mortgage company they will get their money back if you default, a homebuyers will tell you basic things like if your guttering needs replacing (£500), a full survey looks at the house in details - good if it's a wreck (£1000ish)) also.... plus, if you have a fixed mortgage, arrangement fees, and look out for Mortgage Indemnity Premiums of high value mortgages.

FYI my solicitors fees topped £1000 when the original quote was nearer £600 - this is because of difficulties with the seller, but no major problems - tried and get a fixed quote if possible, and go with a personal recommendation if you can. Also helps to be closeish to your solicitor unless you want to courier exchange documents to them before midday for e.g. and cost yourself loads.

Don't forget stamp duty either unless its in an exempt area of below the threshold....

Some mortgage companies can give you an agreement in principle over the phone - but this only helps to prove to the seller you're serious. However, I know a friend of mine got hers confirmed in 2 days & a surveyor round in 3, but she did sit on the phone and beat them to make it happen!

Good luck, and don't be scared to ask everyone questions - especially the mortgage company, they are used to babysitting FTBs through the process.

Most will give you a step by step process too, and there is lots of advice online...

Most importantly, don't let the seller get away with murder either, as a FTB with no chain you are highly desirable and don't let them browbeat you to give them what they want when actually they need you more... Know your strengths but play fair.

TQ