Buying Guide

Buying a new home can sometimes be complicated, even frustrating, especially so if are unsure of the process. So we’ve outlined the main steps here that you need to take and these we believe will help most things run more smoothly.

 

Register with Doorknobs

So we can help you find your ideal new home, we need to know as much as possible about your requirements. You can let us know what these are by phone or by visiting us. We will take your details and if you visit, show you the properties we already have for sale on-line.

 

Viewings

Viewings, subject to the vendor’s agreement, can normally be arranged between 10am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 3pm on Saturdays. You can book a viewing by phone Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am - 3.00 pm.

 

Please be on time for viewings. We will arrange to meet you at the property, or if it is more convenient, at our office close to Tunbridge Wells Station.

 

We usually conduct property viewings and keep keys so that we can visit the property to suit your availability. The vendor will not always be present.

 

Sometimes a vendor gives us specific times for viewings, although we do ask them to be as flexible as possible. Please ensure that anyone likely to share in the decision views the property as well, preferably at the same time!

 

After the viewing please allow time to discuss your thoughts with us; we need to know if you have any questions or if you are interested in buying the property.

 

Making an Offer

When we have found you a suitable property, we’ll put your offer to the seller, both verbally and in writing. Your offer will be subject to a contract being signed and there are no legal obligations on either side until this is done.

 

If you wish to negotiate a price, by working with us you can benefit from our local knowledge.

 

Legal

The vendor’s Solicitor will prepare a Contract of Sale. You will need to appoint a Solicitor to examine this and raise any queries based on the title deeds and related property matters.

 

When your Solicitor has replies to enquiries; a completed satisfactory local search; a copy of a mortgage offer; a signed contract and a deposit cheque, they can proceed to Exchange of Contracts. A deposit cheque is normally required for 10% of the purchase value of the property.

 

Completion is normally 28-days from the date of exchange. On completion your Solicitor hands over the remainder of the purchase money to the vendor’s Solicitor and you can move into your new home. Keys will be handed over to you by the Vendor or by us.

 

Please read our Jargon Guide if there are any terms here that you do not understand.