I have no idea what i'm doing

missmoose

I think it's clear from this post and my previous posts that I'm a first time buyer
Just had an offer accepted on a house,
contacted the solicitor and they're sending me some forms to complete, is there anything I can do whilst I wait other than twiddle my thumbs?
Do I have to wait until the solicitors have done their thing before applying for a full mortgage?

I'm itching to get in to my first home and want to do things ASAP.

hannahbond37

No - if you are itching to get in you need to do your full mortgage app asap - the valuation will need to be arranged

G_M

While waiting for the forms from the solicior, you could practice your signiture so you have it off pat once the documents arrive.

If you plan to get a survey done, contact an RICS surveyor to arrange this, or if getting a mortgage ask your lender to do it at the same time as their Valuation.

Again if getting a mortgage, get you application in.

Go to your locallibrary and borrow a book on house-buying (free) which will explain the whole process, step you through it, warn you what to watch out for, and anwer the 326 other questions which you'll otherwise be posting here.

csgohan4

takes about 3 months give or take to buy a house

missmoose

I know it can take three months, expecting about feb we will be in, just don't want any hold ups to be on us.

HouseBuyer77

missmoose wrote: »

I'm itching to get in to my first home and want to do things ASAP.

Is the house you're buying chain free? If not is the chain complete? FTBs rushing to get everything done before the chain is complete is a common mistake. Best to commit as little money as possible until it is.

ST1991

Make sure the house is taken off the market
Ensure you have actually instructed your solicitor (not just asked for a conveyancing quote) they will ask you to sign t&cs etc
Get your mortgage application in ASAP
Arrange survey
Look at quotes for home/contents insurance
Look at quotes for life insurance (if you want/need it)
Ensure you give yourself enough time to close help-to-buy accounts (if you have one)
Make a list of utilities that you need to switch
Make a list of items that need a change of address (driving licence, logbook etc)
Start planning how you will have your furniture or room layouts in roomsketcher (or something similar)
Take deep breaths and understand it will take longer than you think...

There are some things to keep you busy

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Read Martin's guide to property buying; my mortgage provider (a High St bank) also sent a very useful booklet explaining every stage of the process. A good solicitor (ie not a cheapo call centre) should also answer logistical queries.

missmoose

"Read Martin's guide to property buying"

I have read this but it doesn't rally give a good time scale, am I allowed to get a mortgage before any searches etc. have been done? What if I apply for a mortgage now, and then the sale falls through? what happens?

The house is still for sale on right move even though I said for it to be put under STC or under offer when I made my offer.

chopper78

Personally, when I have bought a house, I have applied for the mortgage and only then once approved have I started formally instructing a solicitor. No point sinking more money into a house purchase if you fail at the formal mortgage application stage.

hannahbond37

Okay firstly you need to make absolutely sure that they put it STC or threaten to pull out - they might be looking for people to gazump your offer
Secondly - buying a house is always a risk, until you exchange there is really no certainty that the sale won't fall through, but mortgages take a long time to arrange and it's not worth being the one to hold things up because you haven't sorted. If the sale falls through you loose the valuation money - just one of those things unfortunately