Buying a Property - Step by Step Guide

Step 1 - PRE-PLANNING
Your first step when seeking to buy a new home is to work out, as exactly as possible, what you require. You should consider how much you can afford to spend and the accommodation you require. Don't forget to plan for tomorrow as well as today. As children grow older, they like to have rooms to themselves to give them independence and, even when they have left home, you may want room for your children and grandchildren to visit.

Step 2 - ARRANGE YOUR MORTGAGE
If you have not done it already, start by making an appointment with an Independent Financial or Mortgage Advisor. Get a mortgage agreed in principle. This speeds up the whole house-buying process because it means you can act fast as soon as you've found the right place.

Step 3 - INSTRUCT A SOLICITOR
You will need to instruct a solicitor to act for you in connection with your property purchase. The solicitor will be able to note your interest and negotiate the purchase price on your behalf, with their main job being to complete the transfer of title into your name.
Our property lawyers have years of experience in the Aberdeen property market, and can offer sound advice on all aspects of property purchase. So whether you are a first time buyer, moving into the area or any other category of purchaser, let us help and advise you.

Step 4 - FIND A PROPERTY
You can search for all properties being sold through Solicitors Direct by viewing our own searchable database. In addition Solicitors Direct are members of the Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC). Here you will find all the properties currently being sold by their members, consisting of all the Aberdeen firms of Solicitors.

Step 5 - NOTING INTEREST
We will ensure that you understand its significance before you start looking and when you have found a suitable property, we will note interest to the selling agents on your behalf.

Step 6 - INSTRUCTING A SURVEY
We can select a firm of Surveyors that will ensure their reports are acceptable to your lender. We will then discuss the survey report with you, advising you of any unusual comments before making an offer.

Step 7 - MAKING AN OFFER
It is not necessary to wait for a closing date to be set and an offer may be accepted initially, either verbally or in writing, and in some cases before the survey has been carried out. Our Solicitors have accumulated a wealth of experience in the North East Property Market and will ensure that you buy your new property at the best possible price. Offers can be long and complex and are designed to protect you against all of the pitfalls of buying a house. You will be fully consulted at all stages and will not be committed to the deal until you are absolutely sure that you wish to be. Once an agreement has been reached on all matters, a legally binding contract will be entered into on your behalf.

Step 8 - CONTACT YOUR MORTGAGE ADVISOR AGAIN
You will need to formally apply for your mortgage at this stage and can put you in touch with a specialist in this field.

Step 9 - THE CONVEYANCING
Conveyancing is what takes up a large part of the Solicitors time and involves examining the title deeds, checking searches, property enquiry certificates and other relevant items and preparing the title deed in your favour.

Step 10 - THE ENTRY DATE

• Completion Date
• Collect your keys
• It's time to move in !