Tips on buying for the first time!

Elle7

So, my partner has spoken to a mortgage broker today and they took plenty of details. Came back and said they could offer a mortgage up to £181,000, and that we would be eligible for the first buy scheme. We are going up to meet them tomorrow, because we need to move ASAP.

So, a few questions - what should we expect tomorrow? To be shown around a show flat, and answer some questions?

Is there the possibility of offering under the asking price on new buy houses, or will the asking price stand? There are a few nice houses at around £188,000 on the estate we are going to view.

I'm very excited but also very nervous. The mortgage range she gave us was much lower than the rent in the area, so it'd be great for money-saving. I've never bought a house before and have no parents to ask, so any help is appreciated!

Wh05apk

Firstly the mortgage broker will sort the mortgage, and is nothing to do with showing you around the property, that will be an estate agent, or if buying new, the sales person on site.

"Asking" price is just that, an "asking" price, i.e. the price, the developer would like in their dreams, if you can go in as a first time buyer, and show you have your mortgage already sorted, and could move quickly they will snap your hands off, so bargain hard, find other similar properties locally to compare with and personally I would probably start the negotiations at £170k or even a bit less, they will say no, you can then come back a couple of thousand higher, don't be in any rush, I doubt they are selling over night, so make it clear you are interested and walk away, I am sure they will chase you within a few days.