First Time Buyer - A little guidance needed

GMC1000

Hi all,

I am a FTB and I've just had had my offer excepted on a house in Manchester. The value is £124,000 and I've sorted a mortgage with the nationwide who have told me I need to get a valuation with them and its lokking at £445 for what they call a "homebuyers guide".

Also, I am now stuck for a conveyancing solicitor. I have found an online fixed quote of £250 plus vat with http://www.brownssolicitors.co.uk/

They have given me a Quote for the following additional fees:

Land Reg - £150
Searches - £100 - £200
Funds Trans - £29.38


Is this good value?


And finally, do I have to get a Survey as well as my Valuation???

It just seems that everyone is trying to screw me out of money!!!

Thanks in advance.

Ian_W

GMC1000 wrote:

Is this good value?

And finally, do I have to get a Survey as well as my Valuation???

It just seems that everyone is trying to screw me out of money!!!

It is reasonably cheap, whether that = good value, you'll only know when you experience their service levels, I'm afraid. Better to use a solicitor recommended by friends as speedy, available & reliable than the cheapest. Otherwise get other quotes both online and local. House buying can be a fraught and worrying time particularly as a FTBer so better a good solicitor who you can visit or at least speak to about any concerns than THE cheapest.

If you are having a homebuyers report it is a survey. Not a full one but more than a valuation. There is more about the 3 levels of survey at:
https://www.rics.org/Property/Residentialproperty/Acquisitionanddisposalofresidentialproperty/understanding_surveys.htm

Yup, it's an expensive venture buying property but BoL with your new home.

GMC1000

Thanks Ian W,

I've gone ahead with Browns Solicitors, they've been recommended on MSE by a few people and seem fine on the phone.

With any luck things will fall into place and the deal will go ahead quickly.