We've seen a property we like....help!

[MrsScamander]

We are FTBs and have had a second viewing on a flat we really like.

We're both a bit clueless on what the next step is, we're pretty sure we want to make an offer now, I'm paranoid in the New Year it will be snapped up!

We've spoken to an individual mortgage broker and also to a mortgage advisor at my partners work and we know with our income we would be able to lend the correct amount.

My question is, what is the next step?! Contact the Mortgage Assistant at DP's work to get a decision in principle? (We were advised by the independent broker that the best deal would be the one DP's employer offers and it is best to go directly with them instead of through a broker)

After we get the decision in principle (assuming we do) is the next step putting an offer in? We would like to go back for a third viewing because both times we've been the estate agent has not had the keys for the back door so we haven't seen the yard or garage, the agent said the keys were missing and they might need a locksmith)

If someone could give me a very basic step by step of what to do I would be very grateful, I tried downloading the money saving expert mortgage guide but the format wouldn't work on my phone so I couldn't read it easily!

Thanks

I would contact the agent and say you are seriously thinking of putting an offer in but that you won't until you have seen the yard and the garage and is there any chance they can sort out access for this weekend so you can make your offer before the Christmas break, all being well. Sort out your offer in principle and you're good to go early next week.with any luck.

Thank you wowfudge I'll email the agent, hopefully they can get something sorted for then!

I hope the whole process isn't so nerve wracking but I've a feeling it will be [santa]

We waited over two weeks over Christmas for the vendors of our house to get back to us. Ours was the only offer they'd had in two years on the market and we had revised our initial offer. It is a stressful process because there's no certainty until exchange. But as FTBs you are only buying - it's even worse if you are selling and buying!

If you look on Google maps, satellite layer, you may be able to see the outdoor bits that you want to see. No substitution for a proper visit of course.

You can put an offer in now. There is plenty of time to withdraw it at no cost whatsoever if you don't like what you see.

Oh come on - would you make an offer without seeing the whole property? What if the garage is unsafe and requires work? Also, as potential buyers it's best not to queer your pitch with the EAs by withdrawing an offer. The fact that either the agent or the seller has not sorted out access to both the yard and the garage is crap if they are trying to sell. By requesting access before they make an offer the OP can hopefully galvanise them into action.