Moving House – The First Steps

1st September 2017

Here at Maddisons Residential in Tunbridge Wells, we know that moving house can be a very stressful time for you and there can be lots to do. However, careful planning and being organised can help to minimise stress.

It’s also a really good opportunity to make a fresh start by throwing out and recycling things that you no longer require.

If you take things step by step and read our guides about things to consider before, during and after you’ve moved house there will be less chance of forgetting anything and being ready when moving day arrives. This way you leave nothing to chance.

You will be involved in one of the following scenarios:

  • Buying a Property
  • Selling a Property
  • Buying and Selling a Property

All will involve a Moving House Checklist.

Once you have had an offer accepted on the property you want to buy or the house you are selling, you will first of all need:

  • Solicitor or Conveyancer
  • Mortgage

What is Conveyancing?

The process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another legally is called conveyancing. This whole process is quite complicated and so using a specialist solicitor, conveyancer or online conveyancing company is the best course of action.

A Solicitor, Conveyancer or Online Conveyancing?

A solicitor is a qualified lawyer who has extensive training in many aspects of law and can offer a full range of legal services. You will need a solicitor who is a specialist in house conveyancing. Solicitors must be members of the Law Society.

A conveyancer has less training but is a specialist in property. It’s important that your conveyancer is a members of the Council for Licenced Conveyancers.

Online Conveyancing companies sell their services on the Internet and are usually backed up by a call centre.

It’s important to remember that Conveyancers including those online cannot deal with complex legal matters and if these arise you will need a solicitor.

Make sure your Solicitor or Conveyancer comes highly recommended

Whether you choose a solicitor or conveyancer recommended by us or you choose your own, it’s important that you pick one that can be contacted quickly and easily and has a direct line and returns emails promptly.

Make sure you know how much everything is going to cost. Making the wrong choice here could be quite costly and might even lead to the sale falling through. A quick, efficient service is a must.

Here at Maddisons Residential, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent we work with local firms of solicitors and conveyancers who are experienced in property buying and selling and will be able to guide you every step of the way.

Moving House

Mortgages

If you require a mortgage, this is the time to take steps to secure it. A mortgage is a loan taken out on the property that you intend to buy with most mortgages running for a period of 25 years although this term can be longer or shorter.

Arranging a mortgage is one of the first things you should do when moving house. It cannot be understated that choosing a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you will have to make. There are thousands of mortgage options available, so choosing the right one for you is essential.

What type of mortgage?

The mortgage market is incredibly competitive at the moment which does make it confusing. Make sure you speak to a number of independent mortgage advice services as well as your bank or building society who will be able to help you on the mortgage that is best suited to your current situation and they will also help on how much you can afford.

If you need any help finding a solicitor or conveyancer or you need a mortgage for the property you want to buy, our experienced and friendly staff at award winning Maddisons Residential will be delighted to offer you advice and recommendations. We are based in Tunbridge Wells and are selling properties throughout Kent and Sussex.