The Home Buying Process - Cheap Mortgage Deals

Applying for a mortgage for the first time can be an exciting but slightly scary step. Understanding the basics of the home buying process is not just important to the first time buyers, it's also good to brush up on, even if you are already a home owner.

1. Choose your mortgage

The best way to apply for a mortgage is by firstly understanding the products on the market and which is best for your current circumstances. Take a look at our 'Mortgage Guide'. In it you will find helpfull information on all the basic types of mortgage products available. Once you have identified the best mortgage product and decided on how much you can borrow, contact an advisor. You can approach a bank, building society, an independant financial advisor or mortgage broker (a few brokers including ourselves even give a free service - call us on 0845 458 2633). The average length of time you will hold a mortgage for is 25 years depending on your age and income.

Once you have been accepted by a lender you will have been credit scored agianst the lenders own criteria. These do differ but you will score less highly if you are not on the electoral register or have a history of bad credit. Your broker should be able to advise you if he/she thinks you are likely to fail and point you in the right direction for a more specialist product if needs be. Your employer may also have been contacted regarding your finances.

2. Choose your property.

Once you have decided on your budget, you will be itching to start viewing. It is a good idea to have had a mortgage in principle before you begin viewing. It is important to keep all your options open and source the internet as well as visiting the local estate agents with whom you should try to build up a good relationship. They will have advance knowledge of properties coming on to the market and contact you as soon as they are given the go ahead from the vendor. An early viewing on a fresh property can secure a deal before the details are published in the paper or appear on the net. Click to our 'Choosing a Property' page for more information.

3. Find a solicitor

The estate agent you are buying through may offer you advice on a solicitor if you haven't already found one or you can phone us on 0845 458 2633 and we'll find a conveyancing solicitor for you, often at far lower rates than you'll be offered by most estate agents.

4. Make an offer

Once you have made your offer (it may not be accepted first) you will need to inform your solicitor who will then begin searches.

5. Valuation

Instruct your mortgage lender to proceed so a valuation can be carried out. Your vendor will feel happier once the process is seen to be underway.

6. Survey

If necessary employ your own surveyor. The type of survey you have depends on the age and condition of the property. Click here to go to our 'Choosing your Survey' page.

7. Exchange of contracts.

Once you have got this far the sale of the property should go through. Gazumping has made a comeback lately and unfortunately the deal can still fall through up until completion of contracts.

8. Deposit due

The completion is nearer, deposits vary according to the deal.

9. Arrange the home move

10. Completion and move in

Click on our 'Moving In' page for more information.