First steps to selling/buying house

[Allthatglitters11]

We are in a new build flat and have a loan from Firstbuy (which I now regret but that's another thread!) which we need to start paying back at the end of next year.

We've been thinking about selling for a while but have decided to bite the bullet and just get on with it. Except that I have absolutly no idea where to start!

Purchasing the flat, as it was a new build and we were first time buyers, is a completely different experience to having to do it ourselves. It's not helped by the fact that my husband is in the army and not home during the week, so I feel like it's all on my shoulders and I'm already floundering.

If anyone has any tips or advice on how to get started/the whole process it would be greatly appreciated.

[Lweji]

Firstly, estimate how much you can sell yours for. Check other similar houses in the area, get estimates from at least three local estate agents.
Then figure out what you are looking for.
If you can, find another flat/house with the shortest possible chain, or it may drag for very long months and even break.
Consider carefully what are your musts and your desirables.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

What Lweji said. Take time to go around your flat and think about what you like and what you don't. Be realistic.
Speak to a broker to get an idea of what you could borrow.
Get your flat valued and then look at what you could afford.
Check your existing loan for repayment penalties too.
Do you actually want to move or could you remortgage? Might also be worth discussing with a broker.

[Allthatglitters11]

Thanks very much for the replies. We are definitely looking to move, as we can't pay back the firstbuy loan due to the flat increasing in price. Also we need a bit more space.
I'm going to get in touch with some local estate agents today and see if we can get some valuations sorted out and get an appointment with our bank.