Getting the right advice...

Buying your first home should be exciting and the process doesn’t need to be daunting. We offer mortgage advice from the time you start thinking about buying your first home until the day you move in. Your dedicated adviser will reduce the time and hassle in applying for a mortgage by dealing with the mortgage lender throughout the mortgage application process. If you are thinking about buying a property why not call us to discuss your options and let us research the market for you

Our service doesn't stop when we recommend a mortgage, we also deal with the mortgage application saving you time and effort dealing with the lender directly. As a Smaart Associates client you will have your own dedicated adviser supporting you through the buying process from day one.

Remember, our service is impartial, we work for you not the lender. For further information visit our about us page or why not take a look at what some of our customers have to say about our service.

As a whole of market mortgage broker we work hard to find you the right mortgage product. We are able to arrange mortgages with lenders who accept business from Mortgage Brokers.

An “agreement in principle” is a provisional lending decision with a mortgage lender confirming that they will lend you a specified sum of money. Would you like to have a mortgage agreed before you find a property?

• There is no charge for the agreement in principle
• We are often able to obtain an agreement in principle the same working day
• You have no obligation to apply to the lender who provides the agreement in principle when you find a property you wish to buy... find out more.

Work out how much you can afford:

To get an idea about how much you can borrow try our online mortgage calculator. The calculator will indicate how much you may be able to borrow but other factors including existing loans and other credit commitments will influence the final amount. For a more accurate guide call your Smaart Associates Advisor. To help establish a budget for your new mortgage you may wish to use our online budget planner.

Get a "Mortgage Agreement in Principle"

Having a mortgage agreed in principle means that you have your finances ready before you find a property you wish to buy. If your financial situation is particularly good, this may not be necessary and your advisor will discuss this with you.

Choose your home

This can be the hardest stage, finding your ideal home. Most properties are suitable security for a mortgage but if you intend to buy something a bit unusual speak to your advisor before making an offer to buy.

Appoint a Solicitor

You will need a Solicitor who will act for both you and your lender. Following a recommendation from a friend or relative can often be a good idea but if you need our help finding a Solicitor we will be pleased to assist.

Make an offer

When you have found a property you wish to buy you must decide how much you are prepared to pay. This amount should be offered to the current Owner (vendor) usually via the Estate Agent. Your first offer may not be accepted but you will usually have the option to increase your initial offer if its refused. Your advisor will be pleased to guide you with this process.

Apply for your mortgage

Once your offer to buy the property is accepted, you need to formally apply for your mortgage. At this stage we will research the mortgage market on your behalf to find you the right mortgage.

Have a Survey and Valuation carried out

The lender will require the property to be valued, this is also your opportunity to obtain a detailed survey of the property you are buying.

Exchange Contracts

In England and Wales (not Scotland), the point when both buyer and seller are legally bound.

Completion

The final legal transfer of ownership of the property - when the property becomes yours.

The start of the mortgage (also known as 'drawdown').

Move In!

This guide is targeted at clients buying in England and Wales. If you are buying in Scotland, please contact us for further information