Purchasing a house is often a long and difficult procedure. So it is always best to prepare yourself with all the knowledge and also scenarios before diving in head first.

1) Speak to a Mortgage Advisor
Before you begin searching for houses you need to gain an idea of your financial allowance. A mortgage adviser or even broker can research the market for mortgages relevant to you, and can assist you to maximise your borrowing power. Be conscious that you need to have a definite budget prior to putting an offer on a property, as it can result in the rejection of your selected house if it’s out of your budget range. Also keep in mind the entire costs you may be accountable for like surveys, searches, solicitors and stamp duty.

2) Locate a Home
Figure out what type of home you’re looking for, how many bedrooms, the size of the garden and whether or not this includes a garage etc. You can filter your search by looking at online property portals, searching relevant locations and price ranges. Be certain to instantly brush away any houses that are a fraction above your budget, you have to stick to your guns if you are to make your purchasing process as smooth as possible.

3) Offer, Approval & Arrangement
If you make an offer on a home you want and it is approved, you then have to revert back to your mortgage broker to arrange a mortgage. You will also need to speak to a solicitor to act on your behalf and deal with the legal matters behind buying a home.

4) The Waiting Game
The solicitor will be organising essential searches and surveys on the property, and the results of which will give you a list of any minor or significant issues to the home. This phase of the procedure can be very slow, but the key is to keep up communication with both the estate agent and the solicitor to ensure that things run smoothly.

5) Sign on the dotted line
When the searches and surveys have been carried out and you are pleased with their results, a draft contract will be written by the vendors’ solicitors. Upon close perusal with your own personal solicitor, be sure you are totally happy before signing.

6) Exchange Contracts
It is at this stage of the procedure that you’re legally binding in the contract and are expected to follow the purchase of the house. It is also at this point where you provide a deposit amount of the sale price (generally 10%) and both sides agree on a conclusion date.

7) Time to move
On completion you will send the rest of the money to the seller (through the solicitor) and will then receive the keys to your home. Dependent on your own situations you might decide to move in that same day

There are more factors you can look out for when purchasing or sell home online. The property itself will tell many tales, and if you make an effort to look more closely at things such as foundations, structure and windows you may well save yourself time and expense. The survey will expose any deterioration which could possibly enable you to further bargain the purchase price, or even withdraw entirely. Furthermore, be aware if there is a long chain of people involved (a line of sellers and buyers involved at the same time in house transactions). A longer chain can result in timely setbacks plus more potential issues along the way.