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What happens once your offer has been accepted?

Maybe you have discovered the home of your dreams and your offer has been accepted? Or, maybe you are intrigued to know what will happen when you reach this stage?

 

To get things moving, here are four things you should do after your offer has been accepted:

 

Confirmation of acceptance

 

Once your offer is accepted, your estate agent will almost certainly contact you to congratulate you, and they will likely want to confirm a few details with you, to finalise the offer.

 

Generally, you will be expected to send confirmation for the following:

 

• You have enough funds to make the purchase

• A copy of your mortgage agreement in principle

• You have a solicitor or are actively attempting to obtain one

 

Get in touch with your solicitor

 

Instructing your solicitor as soon as possible is likely to assist in speeding up your purchase. If you have not already found a solicitor, request a recommendation from your estate agent.

 

At this point, your solicitor will begin conducting property checks and searches. Depending on the solicitor, they may require payment in advance for some services.

 

Completion of your mortgage application

 

You will need to submit a full application for your mortgage once your offer has been accepted, to apply for the specific amount of money you need to purchase the house.

 

If you are working with a mortgage professional, they will walk you through this procedure and inform you of the information you will need to provide.

 

Arrange a property survey

 

While surveys are not mandatory when purchasing a new house, they are a wise investment. Surveys can assist you in determining any present or prospective difficulties with the property. To arrange a survey, ask your estate agent to schedule a time with the sellers.

 

If you're still on the lookout for a new property, we may have what you need!

 

Check out our listings here or contact us with your needs for a home so we can help you find the right one.

 

Three simple ways to speed up your sale

When it comes to selling a property, the small details can make all the difference. While it's easy to spend a lot of money staging your property for showings, you don't have to do so to make it look new.

 

You can make your home look more appealing to buyers and be on the right track to a faster sale by showcasing the features your property already has, and doing a few simple things to brighten up the overall appearance.

 

 

Make the most of natural light

 

One of the nicest features a home can have is natural light.

 

Make sure your window ledges are clear and your curtains are fully open when viewings are scheduled. If you have the time, clean your windows as well.

 

These changes may seem small, but they can make a big difference.

 

 

Vacuum rugs and upholstery

 

Give your rugs, upholstery, and sofa cushions a good cleaning if you want your home to look brighter.

 

These items can become dirty over time, even if you do not notice it. You can make your room look brand new with a fast clean of the necessities. Plus, when buyers walk in, your place will smell amazing!

 

 

Repaint walls

 

One of the first things potential buyers will notice is the walls. The rooms in your home can easily appear larger and cleaner by using a bright, neutral colour.

 

If you are limited on time, use a magic eraser to wipe the walls clean. Dirt and imperfections can be completely removed with a few quick scrubs!

 

 

Thinking of selling your home? Contact our team today or get your valuation here.

 

Lister Tye, Chelmsford

This detached four-bedroom family residence is located in a prime location and has great access to local amenities. The current owners have spared no expense and the overall result is stunning.

Click here to read Lister Tye, Chelmsford.

More first-time buyers are investing in buy-to-let properties

 

Figures from an independent finance broker have revealed a 5% increase in the number of first-time buyers applying to purchase a property on a buy-to-let basis, rather than as a home to live in.

 

The shortage of properties on the market means the types of homes many people are looking for are simply not available to buy at the moment. By getting a foot on the ladder with a buy-to-let opportunity, lots of first-time buyers are choosing to invest in property, without the need for a house to be their home.

 

It has been estimated that 275,600 buy-to-let mortgages were approved in the 12 months prior to February 2022, which is the highest it has been since 2016.

 

If you are considering a buy-to-let opportunity as your first step onto the property ladder, get in touch for advice from our expert team.

 

 

*Property Reporter

 

 

Is renting long-term becoming more popular?

 

Recent research suggests good news for private landlords. When compared globally, the UK now has the 10th biggest share of rental properties versus private home ownership.

 

Figures from a specialist rental platform show that over the last ten years, the number of rental properties across the UK has increased by 1.1 million and now represents a third of housing stock. Out of an estimated total of nearly 30 million dwellings in the UK, over 10 million of those are rented.

 

Industry experts are suggesting there is a generational shift in mindset towards renting. Of course, high property prices and shortages of housing stock are preventing large numbers of tenants from moving out of the rental market. However, there are large numbers of tenants for whom renting is a choice, with many preferring the freedom and convenience it offers.

 

With a strong, ‘build-to-rent’ sector emerging, properties are being designed with the long-term rental market in mind. Experts are predicting that renting will become the norm for an increasing number of people, with tenants remaining in rented accommodation until far later in life than has previously been the case in Britain.

 

If you are thinking of expanding your property portfolio, get in touch to discuss our property management options.

 

 

*Property Reporter

 

What makes the perfect tenant? 

 

Having a positive relationship with your landlord is important when renting a property. But what are the best qualities to have as a tenant.

 

One of the most important things to consider is your payment. Rent should be paid on time every month, and you should pay in full whenever the rent is due.

 

If there comes a point when you can’t pay, you should stay in touch with your landlord so it can be resolved.

 

Three more tips to help you become the perfect tenant:

 

Check your credit score

Ensure you are financially responsible by getting a credit check. If you are responsible when paying bills, the chances are, a landlord will trust you to pay your rent on time too!

 

Get a reference

A reference check gives your landlord a good idea about whether you will be a suitable tenant.

This will provide key information on your employment history and ability to pay rent, as well as any previous dealings you have had with other landlords.

 

Meet potential landlords

It’s important you have a good relationship with your landlord, so meeting them is essential. Furthermore, it’s a great opportunity to ask any important questions face-to-face.

 

Take a look at our available rental properties and find your next place to call home.