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How do you start...what order?

I would like to understand what order I need to do things to move from my current 2 bedroom flat to a 3 bedroom house in Scotland. I have only looked (via the internet) at houses but don't really know what to do next.

I contacted L&C (recommended by MSE :money: ) and they told me a rough price range. They said we cannot go into more detail as I need to have an offer accepted first. I asked him how long it takes to get a mortgage approved from this point and he said about 4 weeks. Is this correct?

Can I put in an offer without actually having the mortgage?

If so what happens if (for some reason or another) I cannot get the desired mortgage?

Is it rare that people cannot get the mortgage they require after getting an offer accepted?

Will people accept an offer subjects to getting a mortgage accepted by a lender?

So who do I speak to now (once I see the house I want)?

When do I speak to a solicitor first to ask them to put an offer in for me?

When do I speak to estate agents to get my flat on the market?

Comments

  • JoeK_3
    JoeK_3 Posts: 1,374 Forumite
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    I would like to understand what order I need to do things to move from my current 2 bedroom flat to a 3 bedroom house in Scotland. I have only looked (via the internet) at houses but don't really know what to do next.

    I contacted L&C (recommended by MSE :money: ) and they told me a rough price range. They said we cannot go into more detail as I need to have an offer accepted first. I asked him how long it takes to get a mortgage approved from this point and he said about 4 weeks. Is this correct?

    Can I put in an offer without actually having the mortgage?
    Yes but it is advisable to get a mortgage in principle first to see how much you can borrow.
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    If so what happens if (for some reason or another) I cannot get the desired mortgage?
    Get a mortgage in principle first and let your mortgage adviser guide you.
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    Is it rare that people cannot get the mortgage they require after getting an offer accepted?
    Only offer what you can afford. Once you have the mortgage offer, you will more than likely be able to complete your purchase.
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    Will people accept an offer subjects to getting a mortgage accepted by a lender?
    As above.
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    So who do I speak to now (once I see the house I want)?
    Make an offer to the esate agent or the vendor selling the house.
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    When do I speak to a solicitor first to ask them to put an offer in for me?
    When you apply to the lender for a mortgage application, they will ask for the name and address of the solicitor that you want to act for you. Sometimes this can be the lenders own solicitor if it's a free legals mortgage. Your mortgage adviser should be able to help.
    Ian1973 wrote: »
    When do I speak to estate agents to get my flat on the market?
    [/QUOTE]
    As soon as you have decided to move.

    JoeK
    I am an Independent Financial Adviser.
    Anything posted on this forum is for discussion purposes only. It should not be considered financial advice. Different people have different needs and what is right for one person may be different for another. If you feel an area discussed may be relevant to you, then please seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser who can advise you after finding out more about your situation.
  • Now I can get the ball rolling properly! :T

    Thanks JoeK
  • kingkano
    kingkano Posts: 1,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    i thought in scotland offers are made as sealed bids to the solicitor not the EA?
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