FAQ’s for First Time Buyers
When should I go about arranging my mortgage?
It’s always a good idea to have your approval in principle in place from your bank before you go looking at properties to ensure that when you do find your dream home, you are in a position to place an offer on the property.
What are the current offers?
When viewing a property, ask the agent about the current bids in order to get an understanding of the level of interest and also ask have there been many viewings on the property.
Are there any management fees?
It is essential for you to understand the management fees associated with a property and when and how they are paid. Ask the estate agent is their management fees applicable and if so, what exactly these fees go towards so you know what tasks you will have to undertake yourself.
What contents are included in the purchase?
The general rule of thumb is that if something is integrated into the structure of the property or is held down by more than its own weight it will not be considered a content. For example, a boiler for a heating system would never be considered to be a content and would always be assumed to be part of, and pass with, the house. On the other hand a dishwasher which is not integrated into a kitchen unit would generally be considered to be a content meaning that if the contract doesn’t specifically state that it’s included in the sale the seller will be perfectly entitled to remove it before completion of the sale.
What aspect is the garden?
This is a very important question and could be the deciding factor as to whether you decide to put an offer in on the property or not. The amount of light that you receive into your house and also what part of the day that the sun will be in your back garden will greatly enhance your living experience within a property.