THINKING OF BUYING
THINK BROWNS

As soon as you register with Browns we can start to help you to search for your ideal new home, using our database of properties in all areas of Leeds.

The more detailed information about your requirements you can give us, the more help we can give you in finding the right home.

You can register with Browns by calling our office on 0113 239 22 33 or by filling your detials HERE and we will call you back to discuss your plans.

Mortgage Enquiries

Reviewing current mortgage options available, obtaining advice and a mortgage offer in principal, should be investigated as early as possible in your property search process. This can save considerable time once you have found your ideal home. Call us now on 0113 239 22 33 for you FREE personal mortgage quote.

Viewing a Property

We will try to arrange appointments to view suitable properties at times that are most convenient to you, and usually we will accompany you to the property from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Making an Offer

When you have found a suitable property and wish to make an offer, we will submit this to the seller verbally and in writing.

Any offer you make on a property will be subject to contract, and is not legally binding on you or the seller until exchange of contracts.

Costs to Consider

There are a number of costs to be taken into account when buying a property and it is advisable to work out your budget. Typically this will include:

Solicitor's fees
Stamp duty
Local authority search fees
Mortgage arrangement fees (if applicable)
Survey fees (if required)
Removal costs
Our staff will be happy to advise you.

Sale Agreed

Once the seller has accepted an offer, we will arrange for the agreed sale terms to be confirmed in writing to all parties. It's at this stage of the process that exchange of contracts and completion dates should be agreed, you should formally instruct your solicitors, arrange a survey if required, and ask your financial adviser to proceed with your mortgage application.

You should be aware that although this stage is commonly referred to as 'sale agreed', the terms are not legally binding (England and Wales) until the contracts have been signed and exchanged.

Appointing a Solicitor

Before a sale can proceed, you will need to appoint a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to process the legal work. The mortgage lender will probably appoint the same person.

If you've not used a solicitor before, we are happy to recommend one.

Legal Process

Once the seller's solicitor has obtained the property title deeds and other relevant documentation, they will prepare a draft contract of sale. Your solicitor will examine all the papers and raise enquiries and related matters about the property, and also carry out a Land Registry search.

A local authority search will also be submitted, to reveal details of planning consents, related matters concerning the property and any other relevant local issues.

Once your solicitor has received all replies to their enquiries, a satisfactory local search, your mortgage offer, a signed contract and deposit, they will then be in a position to proceed to exchange of contracts.

Appointing a Surveyor

If you are obtaining a mortgage, the lender will normally require a surveyor to carryout a mortgage valuation to check for any major structural problems. This does not involve a detailed survey of the property and puts you under no obligation.

However, you may choose to instruct a surveyor to carry out a Homebuyers survey and valuation report, or a building survey, which provides a more detailed inspection of the property and highlights any potential problem areas.

Our staff will be happy to recommend a local surveyor on your behalf.

Mortgage Offer

Once your formal mortgage offer has been issued it will be sent to your solicitor, and you will receive a copy. This will confirm the terms of the mortgage and the deposit amount that you will be required to pay.

Contracts Exchanged

Subject to all formalities being completed, the purchaser and seller sign the contract. The deposit, normally 10% of the purchase price, is forwarded to the vendor's solicitors, and then contracts will be formally exchanged. At this stage, the transaction becomes binding for both the seller and purchaser.

The completion date will be agreed between both parties before contracts are exchanged - completion itself will be about two to four weeks after the exchange.

After Exchange

After contracts have been formally exchanged, you will need to plan your moving arrangements. If you are selling and buying a property, this will involve a considerable amount of organisation and it is advisable not to leave it until the last moment. Key issues will be:

Removals Confirm change of address

Contents insurance
Utilities to be transferred
Buildings insurance (if necessary)
Redirection of mail

Completion


Your solicitor to the seller's solicitor. Once the property has been vacated and the seller's solicitor confirms that the money has been received, completion can take place.

Once this has happened, congratulations are in order as you can now collect the keys to your new home!