What advice would you give to anyone wanting to buy a property ?

Here are 6 simple steps to follow

1) Find out how much you can afford.
Visit an independent mortgage advisor and confirm how much mortgage you can afford ?
Work out how much deposit you can raise and what the costs will be including solicitor fees and stamp duty.
Remember that there will be utility bills to pay so build those into your calculations.

2) Make contact with an estate agent.
There is only so much you can do on the internet and a good agent can help you sort "The wood from the trees" and help you find you your perfect home a lot quicker.
Let them have all the information you can. What price bracket you are looking in,how much deposit you have and just as importantly what type of property you are looking for.
Make a list of how many rooms you want, the preferred areas, local amenities and anything else that is important to you.
The more you tell the agent the easier it will be for them to find the best property for you.

3) Arrange to view.
Make appointments to view your chosen properties and keep them, if you cannot make an appointment let the agent know.
Take a list of questions with you, such as, what is the area like, how is the property heated ? How much is the Council tax and what are the neighbours like ?
It is important to find out as much as possible so you can make the right decisions.
Make notes after viewing and review them later.

4) Keep in touch.
Let the agent know if your requirements change, you may decide after seeing some properties that you need an extra bedroom or a bigger kitchen.
Your agent may have a more suitable property but not shown you it yet, as they think it is not what you want.

5) Sell your property first.
The best way to cut out disappointment is to place your property on the market and get interest before you find the home of your dreams.

6) Make an offer.
When you have found the property you want make a formal offer through the agent.
Let them know how much deposit you have and the details of your mortgage.
Before you offer make sure you have carefully considered everything, does it meet all your criteria ?
Is it large enough for you now and in the future, is it in the right location ?
If you want to be considered as a serious buyer, the last thing you want to be doing, is making offers and then withdrawing them because you have changed your mind.
When the offer is excepted you will need to chose and instruct a solicitor to deal with the transaction.