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Although the contents of this page are quite
accurate, over time things change. Different people have different
circumstances and requirements, please use this page as a reference to the
removal process but keep an open mind. Bellwoods Removals accept no
responsibility for any consequences of following this advice.
The first step
First of all you will need to find your dream home,
or at least a house that is practical and affordable. When you find
your new home, you need to make an offer for the house. Traditionally you
should contact the sellers estate agent and make the offer, but if the house is in a
high sought after area, you might want to make the offer directly to the
sellers (the sale will still have to proceed through the estate agent
though). If the sellers don't accept your offer then you have two
options.
1] Look for a different house and repeat step one
2] If you like the house
enough and think it's worth a little more, then make a higher offer.
Generally people always offer a lower price than the house is on the market
for and traditionally the sellers usually turn this down. Also in the first
stages, you need to apply for a mortgage or at least find out whether you
can afford the house of your dreams.
Step two, if
they accept your offer
If your offer is
accepted then it's time to get the ball rolling. You should really have a
mortgage offer in principal by now, if you don't, then now is the time to
get one. Most lenders will give you 90-95% (or
less) of the amount you want to borrow, leaving you to find a
5-10% deposit.
When you have your mortgage offer, you will need to
find a solicitor or conveyancer who will then coordinate most of the
remaining house buying process. Telephone your solicitor and inform them of
the situation and the sellers estate agent. They will then contact the
estate agent and get more information. If you don't know
a solicitor or conveyancer then ask your (or the sellers) estate agent for
one, they usually have a good list.
Your solicitor may ask you for a payment to start
local searches etc. they will ask for the majority of the money nearer the
end including your deposit for the house and the stamp duty. Your solicitor will write to you with their prices
for work and should also recommend insurance to you to protect you against
land contamination charges etc.
If you wish to have the house
surveyed on your behalf then upon acceptance of your offer, you should
arrange for a registered surveyor to go to the new house and survey it. Ask
your solicitor for the name of a surveyor if you don't know one.
Step
three, you get a moving date
Your solicitor will eventually
give you a provisional or definite moving date. Once you have this, you need
to book a removal company (Try us).
When it gets a little
closer to the removal date you should begin to notify companies, friends and
family of your new address and proposed moving date.
Here are some companies that you might want to notify of your new address and
moving date.
| Banks |
Mobile Phone
provider |
| Building
societies |
TV Licensing |
| House Insurance
Company |
Royal Mail |
| Life insurance
company |
DVLC (driving
license) |
| Pension
Fund/Book |
DVLC (Car
documents) |
| Credit card
companies |
Newsagents |
| Store card
companies |
Milk delivery |
| Hire purchase
companies |
Doctors |
| Inland revenue |
Dentist |
| National
Insurance/DHS |
Optician |
| Council tax
office |
Mortgage
company |
| Premium bonds |
Solicitor |
| ISA's |
Financial
adviser |
| Friendly
society bonds etc. |
Trade unions |
| Extended
insurance cover for domestic items etc.. |
Clubs |
| Advertising
companies like Yellow Pages or Thompson's |
Season tickets
etc. |
| Gas company |
Children's
clubs, Scouts, guides |
| Electricity
company |
Magazine
subscriptions |
| Water company |
Internet bank
accounts |
| Telephone
provider |
other online
companies |
Step
four, It all comes together
Your moving date
arrives, your van turns up and moves you to your dream home. Hopefully
everything has gone without a hitch (although there are usually a couple of
issues arise during the whole house buying process).
Don't forget to take
your new Gas, Water and Electricity readings. You might also want to
consider switching to new suppliers who should give you a better deal. Try
www.uswitch.com
I hope this guide has
been helpful in some way, let us know if there's something you think should
be added using the Contact us link.