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Home buying guide to next steps after sale is agreed. Re-negotiate price after survey

What the professionals do for you. What it all costs

Once a house sale has been agreed, the agent will confirm the price and terms to all parties.

Always be aware of progress. Know how to handle problems, or renegotiations following survey. Keep in regular contact with the agent, seller and your solicitor.

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It can feel like nothing is happening. But there's a lot going on in the background

The procedure is outlined and the actions you need to take set out. There's also a home buying guide on the various costs.

When the house sale is agreed, your next actions are:

Ask agent to take property off the market

Although they don't have to agree, there are ways to try and persuade them.

Apply for mortgage

Gain credibility with estate agents. Have a mortgage agreed in advance (known as a Mortgage Agreement in Principle - AIP).

Should you let the selling agent arrange your mortgage? Give yourself time to know the choices. Explore the mortgage market independently.

Compare costs, home and contents insurance

You may find insurance on better terms than your lender offers. Click for an independent quote

Instruct your solicitor or licensed conveyancer

Give yourself time to choose. Speak to several and obtain quotes well before making an offer.

You could try an on-line solicitor or licensed conveyancer. There may be less personal contact but fees could be very competitive.

Licensed Conveyancers. For more information and a directory, click www.theclc.gov.uk

Keep in regular contact with your advisor to check progress. Some offer 24 hour online progress reports.

Decide if you want an independent survey

There are two main choices at different cost. This is explained in detail on the site. See "Useful links" for on-line quotes. (No commission to us).

Negotiating house price following survey - tips and advice

After survey you may need to re-negotiate on price to pay for repairs. Work may be required as a condition of the mortgage offer. Or your surveyor may suggest essential repairs.

This can be a tricky negotiation. The repairs may be justified. But a price reduction probably impacts on their home moving budget. You need the right approach to reach agreement.

Deposit to pay, documents to sign etc.

Sign your mortgage, Contract etc. Completion is about 28 days later, the day the full funds are paid over and the home is legally yours.

Moving home - finalising arrangements

The 28 day period is useful for sorting the final details of your home move. Advise changes of address, friends, banks, credit cards, services, utilities, confirming furniture removals, mail forwarding etc.

We hope this preview gave a useful guide to the information available to EstatesForum members - helping home buyers get a better deal

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