Top Tips For Removing The Fear From Your Home Move

Moving into a new home is one of the scariest, most stressful and exciting times of our lives so it is crucial to be prepared and plan the process in order to remove the fear.

In our experience of helping clients with their conveyancing needs over the years, gaining an understanding of the house or apartment that you are buying, as well as sorting your budget and selecting professionals carefully, all help to make the home move run far smoother and less stressful.

Ask and Ask

Buying a home is a massive financial commitment and you should know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. So be sure to ask the seller about the property, including exactly what’s included in the purchase, and to ask the estate agent relevant questions relating to viewings and length of time the house has been on the market. If you feel uncertain about any aspect of the home buy, just ask.

Choose Help Wisely

Make sure you go for a specialist solicitor as well as estate agent and mortgage adviser if needed. By choosing professionals highly qualified in their chosen field, you’ll speed up the overall process by saving time and increasing efficiency.

Calculate Costs

Remember, when moving home it isn’t just the price of the property itself you need to consider, it’s the whole home move process. This includes removal fees, mortgage arrangement fees, survey fees, stamp duty, legal fees and potential home repairs costs.

Be Survey Savvy

Depending on the type of property you’re buying, your plans for your new home, and budget, you can choose from the following survey types:

• Basic Valuation – this is actually not a survey, just a quick overview of the property together with a market valuation and is normally undertaken solely for the benefit of your mortgage lender, if you are having a mortgage.
• Homebuyer’s Report – carried out by a qualified surveyor, this survey includes market valuation, reinstatement cost for insurance purposes, potential issues with the property and recommendations if further specialist help is needed. This report can usually be undertaken by the surveyor who carries out the valuation survey for any mortgage lender, and at the same time, but the survey is for your benefit.
• Full Structural Survey or Building Survey – carried out by a professional surveyor or structural engineer, this survey is extensive and includes assessment of the property’s interior such as loft, cellar, cupboards etc. This is highly recommended for unusual, old or listed properties or if you want to carry out building works after moving in.

Tell People

When you move, make sure you let people and companies know, including utilities providers, banks, councils, DVLA, Land Registry and internet providers.

By preparing for your home move, the whole process should be less stressful and more enjoyable.

If you want legal advice or assistance with your next property move, please contact our conveyancing solicitors at our Failsworth office on 0161 681 4005 or at our Chorlton office on 0161 860 7123 or email info@hlfberry.com