FTB offer help!

tony_baduk

Just a quick update I've had an offer accepted. It's not the same house as the one mentioned earlier on this thread but it's much better IMHO. It's a four bed with conservatory and cheaper than the original house that we liked.

We're going to EA tommorow to speak to their advisor about mortgage and solicitor costs etc. Is getting a package deal from the EA a good idea?

Just wanted to thank everyone on this thread for their excellent input.

Will update you when more developments occur.

movilogo

Is getting a package deal from the EA a good idea?

I am buying now and I found that it is usually not a good idea. My EA appointed solicitor/conveyancer (not even in my town) gave a quote. Later when I searched for solicitor, I found one near my current house at a lower cost!
Also, EA's conveyancer asked £260 local search fee compared to £130 of my own solicitor's.

gordonstights

tony_baduk wrote: »

Just a quick update I've had an offer accepted. It's not the same house as the one mentioned earlier on this thread but it's much better IMHO. It's a four bed with conservatory and cheaper than the original house that we liked.

We're going to EA tommorow to speak to their advisor about mortgage and solicitor costs etc. Is getting a package deal from the EA a good idea?

Glad you found somewhere better! Not sure about using the Estate Agents you are buying through for mortgage/conveyancing. It's ok to get a quote but if I were you I'd go and see an independant broker regarding mortgage. Regarding the conveyancing; the costs you will be quoted vary so greatly, for instance, I was quoted by the agency I was buying though at just over a grand, then got various other quotes inbetween down to £550. Didn't choose the cheapest, went for one at £680 in the end. Probably best to get quotes asap though so the Estate Agents don't think you are dragging your feet if you tell them you want to think about it tomorrow.

Hope you get a good deal! Good luck

Markinjapan

tony_baduk wrote: »

Just a quick update I've had an offer accepted. It's not the same house as the one mentioned earlier on this thread but it's much better IMHO. It's a four bed with conservatory and cheaper than the original house that we liked.

You lucky, lucky thing! Just looked at the house you're now NOT buying and it looks lovely, very similar to one we're considering buying... except 30,000 pounds cheaper!

Damn! Why do we have to live in Essex, maybe we should move round your way!

Good luck!

tony_baduk

Yes must say I am lucky and excited in all honesty.

Any good fixed rate mortages any one knows about? It's quite a hassle finding the best deal.

Will speak to the EA about package deal but if they're too expensive then I'll look elsewhere.

tony_baduk

Okay, just wanted to update you on this old thread.

The first house vendor never came back to me so I decided to "pull the plug" on that house.

The second house (where we had the offer accepted) is now ours! We moved on mid-April and we are loving it. It really is a lovely house and god it is well maintained.

Just wanted to thank you all for your help on this thread.

It feels good getting on the property ladder.

Doozergirl

Congratulations :beer:

It's always nice to hear the end of the story