Firstly prior to looking for a new home you need to know how much you can borrow based on your income and employment status.
If you speak to a lender or broker you can get pre-approved for a mortgage. This mortgage amount plus any deposit will give you your maximum purchase price.
If you’re selling one home to buy another you will need to know what your own house is worth, less any outstanding mortgage and any fees. This will give you a figure together with any savings that can enable you to purchase you new home.
You should get approved for a mortgage before you go house hunting. You can actually apply for a mortgage without having a specific property in mind. Lots of lenders are happy to give "An Agreement in Principle" (AIP) so when you do go house hunting you will have a commitment letter in hand.
Letting the seller (Vendor) know that your mortgage is already approved is going to add weight to any offer that you make.
In times when homes are selling quickly, your offer carries more weight if it comes in against someone who has not applied yet. The seller may feel that the other offer comes with a longer wait for approval and perhaps a decline.
In times of slower house sales your AIP could create leverage on the price of the home. The sellers are more interested in a quick sale and someone with an approval in hand is a better bet.
Our mortgage brokers can arrange an AIP for you sourced from all the major UK lenders. Just fill out the no obligation enquiry form below.
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