Very EXCITED!

Looks like what we're after but it's just to get the ball rolling really, we are renting at the mo, contracted til end of June but landlord has offered us a rolling contract, month by month if we need it :)

Just wanting a bit of advice really, as we're first time buyers, what questions to ask, signs to look for etc....I have looked at houses before with my parents but this will be OUR choice so very different!

:)

How exciting!  Here's what I'd ask:-

1. Why are they moving?
2. Any known probs with property?
3. Any problems with neighbours, what are they like?
4. Any problem pets in neighbourhood?
5. Any school's locally (may cause probs with parking, and also good if you need them yourself!).
6. What is included in the price, i.e, any white goods, carpets, lightfittings etc.

Look at all the windows for signs of dampness (will cost a lot to replace and dampproof), look for any cracks in ceilings, walls, floors etc.  Look at the outside of the house, pointing, any signs of movement (cracks in brickwork etc).  Stand on the otherside of the road and try to look at roof for cracked, loose or missing tiles (again, expensive to repair, replace), same with guttering/facia boards.  Most of all keep your head, don't be too excited when you're there because they will blag to you and you may miss something.

Good luck!  Hope it's what you want!

Good luck.

When you do like a property & want to buy don't forget to get a full survey & of course get the HIP from the estate agent

Cracks can be filled and painted over - look for doorways that may not be horizontal with floor - any doors that stick etc.  Look beyond the dressing up.  Ask about sevices - what fuel is the boiler?  How old is the boiler - another expensive item to replace.  Good luck.  Are there trees growing close to the property -

Does it look like they have recently decorated? .........They might be trying to cover up cracks or damp.

If you decide you like it, visit the area at different times.....School times, are there lots of noisy chlidren coming past.  Saturday evening, any noise from pubs or clubs.  Weekends in general, if the parking is on street, is it a problem with too many cars and you won't get parked.  Do the children play out in the street when you want a quite summer afternoon/evening in the garden.  Do the immediate neigbours seem quite.

Well Emily Rose, did you see the house?  :)

Sorry for the late reply everyone, had some bad news from our mortgage adviser this week so the search is now off :(

Basically we need a 100 per cent mortgage and the few that are still left(ie ONE!) requires guarantors so looks like renting for another year or more.....very disappointed in some ways but might have been a lucky escape if house prices do drop so we'll just have to sit tight and wait it out.

We are now seriously going to look at what other countries can offer, this country has lost the plot in sooo many ways!

On the bright side we do rent a lovely house and will now be able to save more for our wedding next April :)

PS Thank you for all the advice, you can always really on CDers!

ey up Em,
Sorry your house fell through...Didnt know..... only found out by chance on here as not heard owt from you
P xx

I sympathise with you Emily, I'm a mortgage advisor & it's a bad time for FTB's who need 100% mortgage!! To be honest with the market being so unstable it's probably a blessing in disguise! Save lots of pennies & hopefully the market will recover & who knows you might have enough for a deposit & qualify for a much better rate!

You're right gembo. The papers today are saying that the way prices are going at the moment anyone who gets a 100% mortgage is almost immediately going to be in negative equity. Waiting a while and saving a deposit is a very sensible move.

Having spent several years  in negative equity in the early 90's when my house lost a third of it's value, that is probably good advice.

Aw......so sorry things didn't work out for you Emily Rose, but as others have said, maybe now isn't the right time to buy anyway.  Sit tight and things may get better in the future!  :) 

Sometimes (IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO DO IT)  you can get a 95% mortgage a lot easier.  This means  borrowing the 5% but some people like Inteligent  Finance will loan you money over a 15-20 year period at equally low rates to use as a deposit. Overall it ends up pretty much the same as what you would be paying with a 100% mortgage.   Speak to your financial advisor and make sure he is a good one :-)