The Blog

Why is exchanging contracts so important? Exchanging contracts and completing are the final hurdles of selling your property and where things become legally binding. Without exchanging the sale isn’t legally binding, which is why, especially at this point, you must stay in regular contact with your solicitor to keep up with how the process is progressing. What happens during exchanging contracts? The seller’s solicitors are responsible for drafting the contracts. The exchange of the contracts

A buyer wishing to make an offer needs to speak to the estate agent you have chosen to sell your property. They can do this verbally (over the phone or in person) or in writing (via post or email). However, this offer is not legally binding until exchange of contracts, therefore an offer subject to contract still allows for the price of the property to be negotiated. The estate agent must communicate all offers to the seller in writing even when the offer has been discussed verbally. Any cond

After all the hard work you have put in, you’ll need to be ready for the people who want to view the property. Just like when you made it look its best for the photography, this is all about preparation: Make sure the front of the house is tidy and neat. Depending on the location of your property, clear space for viewers to park their vehicles. The property should be clean, tidy, well aired and well lit. If you have pets it might be best to arrange for them to be cared for during a vi

First impressions really do count. At Howards we can help your property get viewings and offers. We use unique technology that matches your home’s best features with the things your buyers love, so they’re more likely to click, arrange a viewing and make an offer. Here are some things that you can put in place to make sure your home looks its best: The front of the property is the first thing people will look at, especially if you are going to have a ‘For Sale’ board outside. Make sure i

A solicitor or conveyancer will be needed to transfer the legal ownership of your property to the buyer. There is a difference between the two: A conveyancer focuses on residential property as a specialist in property law A solicitor is a qualified lawyer – as well as property law they will have training and experience in other matters such as divorce or medical malpractice A solicitor may cost a little more than a conveyancer, but if you feel the sale will be more complicated than us

Choosing an agent can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if they are all promising the same things! An estate agent can help you to sell your property for the right price at the right time. However, the process of finding the right one for you can be a bit overwhelming, especially if they are all promising similar things. Use our tips to help you navigate this part of selling your home, starting with the important considerations for finding your estate agent: The important questions There

Think moving house is stressful? Then all of the added jargon that goes with the house buying and selling process can make it quite daunting. Our handy guide details some common terms and what they mean. Acceptance - If you wish to accept a lender’s mortgage offer, this document will need to be signed and returned to the lender. Amortisation - The gradual elimination of a liability, for example, a mortgage through regular payments over a set time period or the amount paid by way of capital

What research should I do before I sell my property? Before you decide to sell your property, it is worth doing a bit of research yourself before contacting agents. Ask yourself some questions: What are similar properties in the area selling for? Use this a guide figure to help you. A more precise valuation can come later. Is now a good time to sell? Check property market guides and reputable news sources to help you. The HomeOwners Alliance has up to date Media & Reports includ

Exchanging contracts can be so exciting – it is that point when the property becomes yours! Unfortunately it can also be very stressful. So we have some tips and advice to help you. Until this point, either yourself or the seller can pull out of the house sale without incurring any penalties. Only once the identical contracts between buyers and sellers is signed and formally exchanged by the solicitors, is the sale legally binding. Either side can still pull out after contracts have exchanged

Once your offer is accepted, it is really important to have a survey carried out on that property to assist you in understanding the condition of that building and to establish if there are any problems that need to be addressed – i.e. whether the property you are going to buy is a good investment without structural faults. You are also likely to need a valuation report from the mortgage lender: Valuation report – Mortgage providers usually insist on a valuation report before they will agre

Instructing the right professionals to assist you in moving home is essential. Which is where Howards Legal Services comes in, with its popular fixed, no-move, no-fee policy. No-move, no-fee It's never too soon to instruct your conveyancer if you want a fast move. Thanks to Howards Legal Services, our no-move, no-fee basis means we can get a head start on all of the paperwork. Budget with confidence All our fees are fixed and agreed with you when you instruct us so you can budget with confid

Once the offer has been accepted, it is worth asking the seller to take the property off the market to hopefully avoid other potential buyers from making offers. The estate agent will usually ask for details of your solicitor and mortgage offer in principle in order to action this. It is now time to get all the legal work and necessary surveys completed. Unless you are a cash buyer, you will need to complete the lenders application form and forward on any documentation required such as:

When you have decided the property is right for you, it is time to make an offer. The most important element is that you have done your homework. Look into the local area, what similar properties in the area have sold for and what current demand is for properties of that type in the area. That way, you will be in the best position to place a reasonable offer that is more likely to be accepted. How long the property has been on the market can also sometime affect how likely the seller is to accep

Viewing a property is exciting and key to finding the right home for you. However, there are still some essential things you need to look for to make sure it is right for you.  Here are our top tips: Remember to thoroughly look over the outside of a property as well as the interior; Even if you are buying alone, take someone with you on a viewing to get another pair of eyes looking for things you may miss; Check for damp. It can be a big concern and expensive to remedy if you miss it

Searching for that perfect property? There are many advantages to both new homes and purchasing older properties. Sign up today to be the first to know about property for sale in your area. Howards have some brilliant search facilities to assist you in narrowing down the search results to find exactly what you are looking for. These include: Being able to search by your current location; Searching by your budget; Search by property type; Set a minimum number of bed