Bespoke Property Consultant

A Winning Strategy

The first step is to liaise and discuss your property requirements. Agreeing my services, a non-refundable retainer is paid in lieu of property research on your behalf. The retainer will ultimately be deducted from the final success fees. I begin the search and present you with a short list of properties to create a more precise idea of your preferences. The property you want to buy may be found immediately or it could take time, depending on the market conditions. Using all my contacts I work assiduously to find your ideal property so we can then make an offer!

Using an experienced property finder demonstrates that you are a serious buyer!

Information is key

Once I explain the search process, you decide on the features of a home that you want. This includes looking at the location and characteristics of the property to ensure that it suits your needs for the present and the future. Considering the location, size, potential of the property I ensure that you are paying the right price in the present market conditions. Being a cash buyer is a great advantage, as you can expedite the purchase. Once the right property is found, we will make an offer, "subject to contract". Conveyancing in England and Wales is conducted in a three-part process of pre-exchange, post-exchange, and post-completion, hence allows all parties to organise their completion arrangements. 

During the pre-exchange, either party is free to pull out at any time, so it is vital that the process is monitored judiciously to achieve a satisfactory conclusion.

Taking the Bull by the Horns

Once your offer has been accepted I can manage the sales process for you to ensure that the purchase proceeds as quickly as it can towards an Exchange of Contracts. In England, the process of due diligence can be a protracted affair, so it is vital to ensure that everyone is asking the right questions in order to gather the correct information required. This involves liaising with the Estate Agent and the Solicitors. Your solicitor will require funds on account for the searches and a Management Pack, if required. This is only the case if the property is a flat with Managing Agents. Decide which is the right survey for the property as there are many choices as seen below:

Level 1 RICS Condition Report which offers a brief description on the construction and condition of the building, services, grounds and significant outbuildings, with recommendations on areas your Solicitor should investigate, guarantees for works and rights of way. The least extensive of survey and the most concise The Condition Report is the least costly and aimed at conventional and newer homes in reasonable condition. 

Level 2 The HomeBuyer Report which covers all of the Condition Report though it is more extensive and gives extra information on the property’s construction and condition, plus repairs and areas which require ongoing maintenance. This is suitable for a wider range of conventionally built homes, in reasonable condition. You can include or exclude a Market Valuation and insurance re-instatement figure within this report. Where these are included, advice is also given to factors, which may affect the value of the property. 

Level 3 RICS Building Survey was formerly known as a Structural Survey and it is the most comprehensive survey as it goes into great detail providing additional advice, regarding the cause and remedy of defects and potential issues which could arise. More minor defects which are not included in the HomeBuyers Report are covered and advice to defects which may be present in areas hidden from view. We would recommend you select this option should your property be larger in size, older and run-down, of non-conventional construction (e.g. historic timber framed or stone built), or you plan to undertake extensive works. 

Alternatively there is a Specific Defects Report, which is a professional report that describes, diagnoses and offers advice on a specific issue highlighted by you, such as cracking or damp. Depending on the property you are purchasing.

Together we will decide on the best Survey and cover all aspects of the purchase procedure to ensure that the transaction reaches an exchange. Exchange of contracts is when the agreed terms are binding for both parties. 

Precise Finishing Moves

Through a combination of commitment, drive and attention to detail, the exchange of contracts has taken place and the final success fees are due to Monica Davis Property. The completion date will have been set at the point of exchange and so the remaining funds to purchase the property will need to be transferred to your solicitor on that date. I will help prepare you through the final stages to ensure that you are ready to move into the property on the date of completion. This process will include the Deeds/Title Deeds, the legal documents containing information about the property. Instructing a survey to do a survey to check the physical condition of the property. Not to be confused with a Mortgage Valuation. The PIF is the Property Information Form, a standard form that is completed by the seller giving details about the property, which is legally binding on the seller. Contacting The Land Registry, a government department that holds the records of all property in the UK. Transfer Deed, the legal document that transfers the ownership of the property. Then finally, The Contract which is the legal document that confirms the sale/purchase of the property. Once completion has taken place, you can collect the keys.