GRANGER & OAKS – INFORMATION FOR HOMEBUYERS IN SHERWOOD & CARRINGTON.Granger & Oaks – Information For Homebuyers In Sherwood & Carrington
Buying a home with Granger & Oaks
Buying a house isn’t easy. It can be a lengthy process, and it can sometimes take months or even years if you have a particularly tight criteria. Keeping track of where you have been, and what you have seen can be hard enough in itself, so we strongly recommend sitting down and making a list of the essential aspects you want your new home to fulfill. We’ve produced a one-page list here to help you keep notes and compare properties. It isn’t exhaustive, but it hopefully helps..
FIRST TIME BUYERS
Buying a property can be the most stressful thing you will ever do. Our aim is to make that process as straightforward as possible, but the best advice we can give you is to prepare for the long-haul. The purchasing process isn’t simple and with the best will in the world, it may well take a lot longer than you would like. We want you to be fully prepared, so if there is anything you are unsure about please ask us, however small it may seem.
We have arrangements with local Solicitors who can help you with your purchase, mortgage specialists who can help you arrange finance, and removal companies who can help you pack and move in.
MAKING AN OFFER
If you see a property that you like and you wish to make an offer please call us to make the initial verbal offer as soon as you can. We will then contact the vendor to put your offer forward. If the verbal offer is successful, we will normally request that you also complete a formal Purchase Offer Form which will provide us further information to qualify your potential purchase. The form requires you to confirm the offer amount, your contact details, your offer amount, and information about your solicitor and mortgage. We will then hopefully be able to agree your offer with the vendor.
OFFER ACCEPTED
If your offer is accepted you will need to appoint a solicitor to complete the conveyancing for you, and you will normally need to pay them to start the process. If you are taking out a mortgage you will also need to complete the application with your IFA or bank.
If you have not selected a solicitor or IFA yet, Granger & Oaks can provide you with details of local suppliers that purchasers have used in the past who may be able to assist.
CONVEYANCING
It’s very rarely straightforward, and normally takes longer than you’d like for one reason & another, so be prepared. We strongly recommend not choosing your solicitor purely on price!
SURVEY
If you are taking out a mortgage, your lender will normally carry out a valuation – this shouldnt be confused with a survey. When purchasing a property it is normally recommended to have a survey completed. Surveys come in three different types, from a basic condition report to a full building survey. The link here to ‘Which’ provides more detail and also a rough guide to price
EXCHANGE & COMPLETION
It’s the bit that confuses most people but it’s actually pretty straighforward. Exchange is the point of no return. Once contracts are exchanged you are legally bound to complete the purchase on the agreed completion date. You should also have arranged buildings insurance.
Completiion, as it sounds, is the very end of the process. At this point, traditionally midday, funds will change hands and you should be packed and ready to move-out of your old house and into the new.
REMOVALS
You can either rope in family & friends and do it yourself, or you can instruct a removal company. If you need any recommendations, just ask….
Good Luck!
Buying with Granger & Oaks — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my requirements with you?
Get in touch by phone on 0115 962 9770 or via our contact form, and tell us what you’re looking for — area, price range, number of bedrooms and any must-haves. We add you to our buyer database and email you as soon as a matching property comes in, often before it reaches the portals.
What areas do you cover for property sales in Nottingham?
Our specialist area is the north of Nottingham city centre — Carrington, Sherwood, Mapperley Park and Sherwood Rise. We also sell across the wider city through our lettings portfolio, so it’s always worth registering your requirements even if you’re looking outside the core area.
How do I book a viewing?
Call or email us to book. We conduct accompanied viewings at times that suit you, including evenings and weekends where the current owner or tenant allows. Please give us as much notice as possible so we can arrange access smoothly.
What should I do before making an offer?
Have your mortgage in principle in place (or proof of funds if you’re buying cash) and know your position — for example, whether you have a property to sell first. Sellers take offers more seriously when the buyer’s position is clear, so it’s worth doing this before you start viewing.
What extra costs should I budget for on top of the purchase price?
Typical costs include your mortgage arrangement fee, solicitor or conveyancer fees, a survey if you commission one, Stamp Duty Land Tax where applicable, and removals. We can talk you through what to expect for your specific purchase — every buyer’s situation is different.
Can you recommend a solicitor or mortgage adviser?
Yes — we work with several local solicitors and independent mortgage advisers who know the Nottingham market well. Ask us and we’ll happily make an introduction. You’re of course free to use your own if you prefer.