When you have found your ideal property we will present your offer to the seller in written and verbal form. Sometimes a degree of negotiation will occur between the buyer and seller to agree a final price. Until the contract has been signed there are no legal obligations for either party to fulfill completion.

When you are ready to make an offer, telephone the Woodhouse sales office that arranged your viewing and speak to one of the team. The offer must be put forward to ourselves, never directly to the owner. We will need to know your purchasing position and information on who will provide and arrange your mortgage (if applicable) and details about the mortgage. It is usual to have between 5% and 10% deposit available on exchange of contracts. Any timescale requirements must be conveyed at the first point of offer. If there is another party making an offer on the same property you will be informed, however we are unable to divulge the specifics of other party.

Most houses are sold as links in chains and the best way to ensure a chain progresses smoothly is through good communication. Stay in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent to make sure everything possible is being done to speed things along.

Once the offer has been accepted
At this point your finances must be in place and you will have instructed a solicitor to act on your behalf throughout the conveyancing process. A survey will have been instructed by your mortgage company to ensure the property is worth the price you have agreed to pay and is structurally sound.

You will be ready to exchange contracts once the survey has been carried out, your solicitor is happy with the paperwork and you have received your mortgage offer.

Exchange of contracts
This is both parties formally signing an agreement to proceed with the transaction making it legally binding. It is usual for a deposit of between 5 and 10% of the purchase price to be paid at this stage, and a completion date will be set. Now you should start preparing for the move - arrange a removal company, notify banks, utilities, insurance etc.

Completion of sale
The final paperwork is signed by both the buyer and seller, your mortgage company pays the seller the agreed price and you pick up the keys to your new home!

Moving Costs
It is a good idea in the beginning to make a list of all the costs involved with moving in order to ensure you are financially prepared:

• Mortgage fees
• Financial advisor fees
• Mortgage Indemnity Guarantees (MIG)
• Survey fees
• Legal fees
• Removal costs