found a house

furby-2003

the house is up for 157950. We want to offer 150000 to start as it needs a lot of decoration done.

We don't already have a mortgage. But how can you get one if you don't know how much your going to spend?

MortgageMamma

You work out your affordability first, then pick the mortgage you want, then get credit check by the lender to agree the mortgage in principle and the amount you want to borrow, then you put the mortgage application in once you have settled on a price for the property

furby-2003

oh right. Well i'm making the offer tomorrow. I've done what i thought was an agreement in principal but didn't go through to a credit check, I was a bit warey because I thought i may be going through to committing to a mortgage. I know who its with (ing). They said they eill lend over the amount we need. I don't know where the solicitors come in or who gets them. you, your mortgage lender or the estate agents!

MortgageMamma

Ok

You make the offer on the house and the agent puts it to the seller (vendor)

the seller accepts or declines

If accepts the estate agent will try and convince you to see their mortgage advisers (may not be a bad thing)

Mortgage advisers advises you or if you prefer you go direct to ING

You will have to get an agreement in principle off ING's website to give to EA to show you are good for the money

you then proceed to a full mortgage application and its at this stage you need to know the solicitors.

Phone around locally for some quotes, but you need the purchase price and address of the property you are buying before they will give you one

The estate agent and mortgage lender need to know who your solicitor is so best to get this info before you make your application

I hope this explains but post again if you want further help