Buying

What is the difference between buying a house through Forefront and a traditional High Street Estate Agent?

Nothing at all! We offer our vendors a reduced rate if they conduct their own viewings so it will either be ourselves or the vendor showing you around the property but we will notify you who it will be when you arrange the viewing.

Should I find out how much I can spend before I start looking and can you recommend a mortgage advisor?

Yes, organising your finances beforehand is strongly advisable. We have excellent Mortgage Advisors on board who are completely independent to assist you with all aspects of your finances and DO NOT charge you for their services.

Once you know how much you can borrow, you will know what price of property you can afford.

If you have a property to sell, then it is important to have this property valued so that you can give this information to your Mortgage Advisor.

Once you have the figures sorted then the next step is to put your property on the market and ideally have a buyer secured before you begin your search.  This will put you in a stronger negotiating position and be able to proceed.

I know what I can afford so what do I do next?

Make a list of the things you would like your property to have – size, number of bedrooms, number of reception rooms, type, age, location, garage, garden etc. Rank your requirements so that you know what things you will and will not compromise on. You will find as you start to view properties this list may change but you need a starting point.

How does the viewings process work?

Contact Forefront to arrange a viewing. We will take some details from you and let you know who will be conducting the viewing. We then book a mutually convenient time with either the Vendor or Forefront to show you around. Once a viewing has been confirmed by both parties you will receive an email confirming the details of the appointment, date, time and full address.

How do I make an offer?

Once you have seen a property that ticks the right boxes, simply contact Forefront to make the initial offer. We’ll go through some details with you (if you’re in a chain, information regarding your mortgage etc.) and put your offer to the owner.

What happens after my offer has been accepted?

You will receive a letter detailing that your offer has been accepted from Forefront. Once both parties have instructed Conveyancing Solicitors, a ‘Notification of Sale’ letter will be sent to you and your Solicitor, as well as to the Vendor’s Solicitor – this starts the legal process of purchasing the house.

Why is it so important to choose the right solicitor?

A good Conveyancing Solicitor is vital in ensuring the sales process runs smoothly and as quickly as possible. The firm of local solicitors we recommend are excellent. They communicate well and have a wealth of experience. We can arrange for a quote on your behalf – just let us know – most of our Buyers and Vendors instruct them so we are used to working with them.

Will there be someone I can talk to at the various stages of the buying process?

We will be on hand to support you, right up until the day of Completion.

What happens prior to exchanging contracts?

Just prior to exchanging contracts you will be asked to sign contract papers and give a date when you want to complete (actually move). This date needs to be agreed by everyone in the chain. Your Solicitor will liaise with all other Solicitors in the chain to achieve this. Once this has been agreed your Solicitor can exchange contracts. Once you have exchanged this forms a legally binding contract which means the purchase is secure.

How do I pick up the keys once I’ve completed?

In most cases the Vendor will arrange directly with you a time to meet and handover keys or Forefront will deliver the keys to you at a mutually convenient place as soon we get the call from the Vendor’s Solicitor that funds have been received and keys can be released – then the property is all yours – Congratulations!