Buying your first home? Start with the checklist
Everything a first-time buyer in Scunthorpe and Goole needs to do, in the right order, with no jargon.
Your first-home checklist, step by step
Seven stages from mortgage to keys. Tick them off as you go.
- 1Get a mortgage in principle
Speak to a lender or broker so you know your budget before you start viewing.
- 2Choose your conveyancer
Choose your conveyancer while you are still viewing and have your ID ready, so there is less to arrange once your offer is accepted.
- 3Find your home and make an offer
View properties in your range, then offer through the estate agent once you find the one. Once your offer is accepted, we open your file and handle the legal side from here.
- 4Searches and enquiries
We order local, water and environmental searches and raise enquiries with the seller.
- 5Mortgage offer and survey
Your lender values the property and issues a formal mortgage offer for us to check.
- 6Exchange contracts
Contracts are signed and swapped, your deposit is paid and the purchase becomes binding.
- 7Completion and keys
Funds transfer to the seller, the property is yours and you collect the keys.
Want this checklist to keep?
Leave your email address and our conveyancing team will email you this checklist.
Why instruct us early
Choosing your conveyancer early means one less thing to arrange once your offer is accepted. Here is what you get with us.
- Our dedicated conveyancers handle all the legal details, with personalised and responsive service from the initial consultation to completion.
- Fixed fee agreed up front, with no hidden costs.
- Over 20 years helping local first-time buyers, with offices in Scunthorpe and Goole.
Ready to start? Get your fixed-fee quote.
Tell our calculator about the property and see a clear, fixed-fee quote with every cost listed. Or call us for a no-obligation conversation.
Where the conveyancing fits in
Conveyancing is the legal work that transfers the home into your name. It starts the moment your offer is accepted and runs through searches, enquiries, your mortgage, exchange of contracts and finally completion. Getting a solicitor lined up early helps avoid delay at the start.
Why instruct a solicitor before you find a home
You can choose your conveyancer while you are still viewing properties. Having your conveyancer chosen and your ID ready means there is less to arrange once your offer is accepted.
Frequently asked questions
When should I instruct a conveyancer?
As early as you like. Choosing your conveyancer before your offer is accepted means one less thing to arrange when it is.
How much does conveyancing cost?
We work on a fixed fee with disbursements set out clearly up front. Use our online calculator for an instant quote based on your purchase price.
Do I need a survey as well?
A mortgage valuation is not the same as a survey. We can explain the survey options so you can decide what level of check is right for your first home.
