Is this normal procedure viewing houses?

[owl89]

After recently having our second child, my partner and I have decided we need to upgrade to a bigger house.
We have taken the steps to have our house valued to prepare to put on the market and we've started looking at houses.
Found a perfect house that seems to good to be true so I've booked a viewing. The estate agents have said we need to go to their office first and then we can view. I've just received an email about my meeting with a mortgage consultant at the estate agents and a list of documents to bring.

Is this normal procedure? I don't want to have to do this just to view a house. I want to view the house first and then decide whether I want to take the next steps.

As for the logistics, generally everyone in the chain is meant to be packed up by 11am and you drive to the new house and wait whilst the money is forwarded through the chain, if you are near the bottom you can be in by midday, further down you just hope the solicitors sort it out the same day! Movers generally pack up the day before and park in their yard overnight before returning at 8am for the last essentials like beds (always put the kettle in the car) though for long distance moves some people stop in a hotel

@Bunglefromrainbow of course you tell them how you’re funding the purchase if you make an offer. But not to view!