When to start viewing

[MrsMontyD]

I'm almost completely new to buying and selling houses, my current house purchase was a long long time ago and very straight forward, so advice appreciated.

DPs house is in the process of being sold, should hopefully complete within the next six to eight weeks (FTB who's keen and no chain) my house will hopefully be on the market within a month if my health holds and I can get my act together. So we'll have one more or less sold and one on the market.

Should we start viewing properties at that point or waiting until I have a buyer for my house? I don't want to waste anyone's time but equally my estate agent thinks mine should sell quite quickly (I'm sure they're all say that) and we don't want to miss out on the right place.

Am I right in thinking I can make an offer once my house is sold STC?

Yes, i would start looking as soon as my house is on the market although there is nothing to stop you looking on rightmove now so you have an idea of what is currently available - good luck!

We are looking on Rightmove and we've looked at a few from the curb side but just haven't done any actual viewings yet. We had quite a few viewings with DPs house and I know it's a pain for the seller if the property is occupied.

It also depends on how the market is in the area you are - when houses are flying off the shelves agents want buyers to be in a position to offer right away which you cant do until you have an offer on your own. I would suggest asking the agent for a viewing if you see something you really like and see what their response is.

if you need a mortgage have you arranged this? Agents like buyers to have an arrangement in principal so they know you can afford a certain level. I presume as you are in the process of selling already you will use the same solicitor to sell yours?

We're planning to buy a new property with the equity from the two we are selling, which should be possible, if not I will probably port my existing small mortgage.

I'd ask some local estate agents if/when you see something come up that you like. A year ago when we were looking you weren't allowed to book viewings unless you were under offer already as there was so much competition. So it will depend on local selling conditions too.

If something does come up there's definitely no harm in asking for a viewing and explain your position.

Be aware you'll need to provide proof of the money actually existing before any offer would be accepted so bank statements if one sale has already gone through and evidence of the other sale exceeding remaining mortgage etc.

Get your ID scanned and ready now as the estate agent will want that too.

Seeing as your DP house is in the process of completing in the coming weeks - to speed up the process, you could always put down the deposit from your DP’s sale and mortgage the property for now… and when your house is sold pay off that mortgage?

If you are going to do it that way, you are absolutely in the position to make offers on properties - I would get an AiP in place first though!

If you're looking in the same area then ask your estate agent to keep an eye out for properties for you - that way even before you have an offer they'll know you're serious.

But I'm afraid when we sold our house last year we would only take viewings from people who were proceedable - renting/having accepted offers on their own/cash buyers.