Buyers Guide

Home / Buyers Guide

Buying a home, whether it’s a first-time purchase or your dream retirement property, can be quite a complex process. Which is why you’ll be grateful for Tinsley & Co holding your hand throughout.

1. Sort out your mortgage

Unless you are a cash buyer or a ‘downsizer’, you’ll almost certainly need a mortgage. Find out how much you can sensibly borrow before you start looking for your new home and get a mortgage agreed in principle. It’s also worth priming a conveyancing company at this stage – they will deal with all the legal paperwork. Ian Tinsley has worked with his recommended mortgage broker and conveyancers for many years.

2. Start looking

The team at Tinsley & Co are local residents and know all about the schools, shops, transport links, leisure facilities, restaurants, and parks in your preferred area. All you need to do is register to view the property portfolio and be the first to hear about homes that are new to the market. Each home on the website features professional photography and detailed descriptions. With certain properties, you can even take a video tour from your own sofa.

3. Start viewing

Where possible, Ian or one of his team will personally accompany you when you go to see a home. They’ll already know the property intimately and can inform you about all the local services – as well as some personal favourite local spots.

4. Make an offer

Once you’ve decided a home that is right for you, it’s time to start the buying process. Tinsley & Co will forward your offer to the vendor and, if it is accepted, both you and the vendor instruct your conveyancer. You’ll need to tell your mortgage lender at this stage. Tinsley & Co stay in close touch with the process by way of a dedicated sales progressor.

5. Get the property surveyed

For your peace of mind, a survey by a member of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors will show up any existing or potential problems with your chosen home. Tinsley & Co can advise on the different types of surveys. Your mortgage lender will also need a valuation report from a surveyor before making a formal offer.

6. Exchange, complete, and move in

When all the legal enquiries are complete, a contract is signed by both you and the vendor and you’ll pay a 10% deposit to your solicitor. You will now exchange contracts and the purchase is legally binding. Both parties agree a completion date, at which time your conveyancer will handle the transfer of funds and any outstanding fees. Tinsley & Co will hand you the keys to your new home.