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Sales Tactics of Estate Agents & Builders in Middlesbrough

Sales Tactics Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Whether you are a first time buyer in Middlesbrough actively viewing properties or a home mover in Middlesbrough with your house on the market, you may have noticed that some of the larger estate agents and builders are very keen for you to use their in-house mortgage advisor and conveyancing services.

Being part of a stand-alone mortgage business we receive lots of feedback as to what sales tactics can be used, examples of this are;

Don’t be Fooled, Popular Estate Agent & Builder Sales Quotes Include:

Gifted Deposits More Popular Than Ever in Middlesbrough

In recent years, the mortgage market in Middlesbrough has witnessed a significant shift in the way prospective homebuyers secure their dream homes. Among the various trends that have emerged, one of the most prominent is the increasing popularity of gifted deposits. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this surge in gifted deposits and explore the benefits and considerations associated with this practice.

Why Are Gifted Deposits on the Rise?

A Helping Hand from Family and Friends

One of the primary reasons behind the growing popularity of gifted deposits in Middlesbrough is the rising property prices in the area. As house prices continue to climb, it has become increasingly challenging for first time buyers in Middlesbrough to save up for a substantial deposit on their own. Gifted deposits offer a lifeline, allowing buyers to get on the property ladder with the assistance of their loved ones.

Mortgage Rates

Another factor contributing to the rise of gifted deposits is the competitive mortgage rates available in the current market. By providing a gifted deposit, buyers can often access more favorable mortgage deals, potentially saving them money over the life of their mortgage. This incentive encourages both buyers and their benefactors to explore this option.

The Benefits of Gifted Deposits

Easing the Path to Homeownership

Gifted deposits provide a practical solution for individuals and families who aspire to own their homes but face obstacles due to high deposit requirements. By receiving financial support from relatives or friends, buyers can secure a property sooner and build equity in their homes over time.

Lowering Monthly Mortgage Payments

One of the key advantages of using a gifted deposit is the potential to reduce monthly mortgage payments. With a larger deposit, buyers may be eligible for lower interest rates, resulting in more affordable monthly instalments. This can significantly improve their financial stability and long-term affordability.

Expanding Property Options

Gifted deposits can open up a wider range of property options for buyers. With a larger deposit, buyers can access properties that may have been previously out of their budget. This can lead to greater choice and the ability to find a home that truly meets their needs and aspirations.

Book a Free Mortgage Appointment

Once you have a gifted deposit saved, as a mortgage broker in Middlesbrough, we have an incredibly valuable and in-depth knowledge of the various mortgage lenders’ criteria. Using this knowledge that we have, we are then able to take a look at your income, expenditure, and credit history, in order to recommend the absolute best mortgage deal for your circumstances.

What is a 95% Mortgage?

A 95% mortgage is as simple as the name would suggest; you are borrowing against 95% of the price of a property, and then you are covering the remaining 5% with your deposit. An example of this is if you are a first time buyer in Middlesbrough who looked at buying a property that was worth £150,000 with a 95% mortgage, you would be putting down £7,500 as your deposit and borrow the remaining £142,500 from the lender.

95% Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Off the back of the March 2021 Budget, Boris Johnson announced a Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for mortgage lenders, making 95% mortgages more readily available from the bigger high street banks.

This is fantastic news for first time buyers in Middlesbrough and people moving home in Middlesbrough alike, as this scheme will continue running until December 2022. Certain terms and conditions will apply though, which is something your Mortgage Advisor in Middlesbrough will be able to look at, to see if you qualify. 

All our customers who opt to get in touch will receive a free, no-obligation mortgage consultation where one of our dedicated mortgage advisors will be able to make a recommendation on the best possible route for you to take.

Can I get a 95% mortgage?

95% mortgages are usually accessible by both first time buyers in Middlesbrough & those who are moving home in Middlesbrough. Whilst saving for a 5% deposit sounds like a pretty straightforward concept, you’ll still need to have an acceptable credit score and prove that you are able to afford your monthly mortgage repayments, in order to access a 95% mortgage.

Improving Your Credit Score

A good credit score is essential in the process of obtaining any mortgage, especially a 95% mortgage. Things like paying any current credit commitments on time, ensuring your addresses are updated and checking that you’re on the voters roll, can all help with your credit score.

Affordability 

Affordability is another one that is important to take note of. By giving the lender details of your income and monthly outgoings (things like your bank statements will be necessary for this) and any pre-existing credit commitments, your lender will be able to get a general overview of whether or not you are able to afford this type of mortgage.

Can my family help me get a 95% mortgage?

Nowadays we see lots of family members helping each other get onto the property ladder, especially parents looking to further their children’s lives. The way this usually happens is by gifting the person looking to find their home, the deposit required. Known through the industry as the “Bank of Mum & Dad, Gifted Deposits are only intended to be a gift, and not as a loan. The lender will need proof that this has been agreed, before it can be used towards your mortgage. 

When looking for a 95% mortgage, you want to make sure you have the right type of mortgage. Each mortgage type works differently, with that choice allowing you to find one that is most appropriate for your personal and financial situation. 

Some homeowners and home buyers prefer Fixed Rate or Tracker Mortgages, mortgage types which mean you either keep interest rates at a set amount for the term given or have your interest rates tracking the Bank of England base rates.

Alternatively, you might find that Interest-Only or a Repayment Mortgages are more your style. Interest-Only allows cheaper payments until you need to pay a lump sum at the end (mostly now used for Buy-to-Lets), whereas a Repayment mortgage (a normal mortgage if you’d like) means you’ll be paying interest and capital combined per month.

How can a bigger deposit help with my mortgage? 

Seeing as a mortgage is such a large financial outgoing, you need to be prepared and need to be aware. You might find things like higher interest rates, remortgaging difficulties due to less equity and then negative equity all cropping up if you’re not. 

There is no need to worry though, as all these can be avoided if you’re savvy enough with your process to begin with. The more deposit you put down for a property, the less risk the lender will see you as. 

A larger deposit, of say 10-15%, would not only reduce the rates of interest by a noticeable amount, but would also give the property more equity and reduce the risk of negative equity, thanks in part to you borrowing less against the property. 

So, whilst the risks may seem intimidating, planning ahead and saving for a bigger deposit to access something like a 90% or even an 85% mortgage will be a massive help in your mortgage journey and something you’ll be able to reap the rewards from in the future. 

Buying a Property in Joint Names in Middlesbrough

Looking to purchase a property in Middlesbrough?

Statistics show that in recent years property prices have increased at a faster rate than wages. We have found that many people look to purchase in joint names with a partner or friend in order to be able to afford a suitable home at a more reasonable price.

Purchasing in joint names usually will increase your maximum borrowing capacity, as the lender will look at all parties income and take this into account when running the affordability calculations.

How Many People Can Co-Own a Property?

Surprisingly, we work with some lenders who will accept up to 4 people co-owning a property. If for any reason, one of the co-owners of the property decides to no longer contribute to the mortgage repayments, any joint owners will still have the legal right to reside in the property unless this is ruled otherwise by a court.

If you would like to increase the mortgage at a later date, you must gain consent from all co-owners involved. It’s therefore essential that you make long term plans about what will happen in the future should you end up wanting different things. 

Joint Tenancy or Tenancy in Common?

We find the most popular Tenancy for married couples or those in civil partnerships is ‘Joint Tenancy’. With this type of tenure, if either party were to pass away, the property would be handed over to the co-owner. If you have taken out relevant life insurance, at this point, your mortgage would be repaid.

With ‘Joint Tenancy’, when looking to remortgage or sell the property in the future. It would be required that all names on the tenancy agree to this. 

When purchasing with relatives or friends, we find that ‘Tenants In common’ is the most popular tenure. You will still jointly co-own the property but are have the flexibility to do so not with equal shares. This works well if one party is making a more significant financial contribution than the other.

With ‘Tenants in Common’, another positive aspect, is that you can act independently. For example, you can choose to sell or give away your share of the property to someone else without the need to consult other parties.

Do I have to pay the mortgage if we separate?

All mortgage borrowers are jointly and severally liable for mortgage payments If you find yourself paying all future payments without a co-owner, you will still be liable. Preventing the mortgage from falling into any debt.

As mortgage arrears showing on your credit file could have the potential to stop you from obtaining a mortgage in the future. It is best to think of it like this: You don’t own 50% of a property, you own 100% jointly.

How do I remove my ex-partner from a Joint Mortgage?

Lenders will need to be confident that you can keep up with monthly payments on your own before they can approve of this happening.

When purchasing a home with a partner, it’s a whole new chapter starting in your life and can be a great way to start fresh with another individual. In all the excitement of moving home, it can make you wonder about the justifications if things go sideways.

As seen from above, a mortgage is a big financial commitment and making changes is going to be a challenge.

With physical proof that you can maintain mortgage payments since your old partner moved, the lender may agree to your request to put the mortgage into your single name. However, Lenders like the idea that there are two people to pursue in the event of arrears occurring. To remove someone, they will carry out a brand-new affordability assessment, precisely in the same way as they would at the point of purchase.

Whilst a lender may not accept a request, it’s always beneficial to speak with a mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough beforehand, as there may be other lenders who could agree to your transfer request.

It can also be worth talking to family members to see if they can help you out to make life a little bit easier. They can do so by replacing your ex on your mortgage or by gifting you a lump sum to reduce the amount owed meaning your savings are able to contribute to easing your future mortgage payments.

Can I remove my name from a Joint Mortgage?

If you and your partner split up and you leave the family home, then your responsibility is still shared for mortgage payments. Even if an agreement is settled with your ex that they will make all the payments.

If you are sending your partner money each month, you should keep an eye on your credit report to ensure they are paying the mortgage. If they default, then it will impact your own score.

Is your name still linked with an existing mortgage? Then the payments for that will be considered if you buy a new home of your own. That will mean Lenders might not lend you as much as you would like.

Buying a home with someone is different from renting with them. It’s always better to agree on what would happen to the house should things not plan out as expected.

Whether you are a first time buyer in Middlesbrough or moving home in Middlesbrough and thinking of purchasing in Joint Names. Perhaps you looking to remove a name from a mortgage by looking into a remortgage in Middlesbrough in your sole name? Book your free mortgage appointment to speak with one of our friendly mortgage team, we will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly in Middlesbrough

Selling your home quickly in Middlesbrough doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right strategies and attention to detail, you can attract potential buyers and secure a speedy sale. Here, we’ll walk you through some helpful tips and essential aspects to consider when moving home in Middlesbrough.

1. Attention to Detail: Making a Lasting Impression

First impressions matter, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to selling your home. Start by addressing any minor repairs or maintenance issues that might catch a buyer’s eye. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles. A clean and well-maintained home leaves a positive impression on potential buyers.

2. Got Kids? Consider Their Impact

If you have kids, it’s essential to manage the chaos that can come with daily life. While it might be challenging, keeping the home tidy and organised can play a significant role in attracting first time buyer in Middlesbrough. Consider implementing a routine to keep toys, clothes, and other items in order. Having a dedicated storage space can help maintain a clutter-free atmosphere during showings.

3. Upkeep: Showcasing Regular Maintenance

Buyers are often looking for a home that’s been well taken care of. Ensure your home’s mechanical systems, such as plumbing, and electrical, are in good working condition. A home inspection report can help identify potential issues and allow you to address them before listing your property.

4. Creating the Right Atmosphere: Home Staging

Home staging involves arranging your furniture and decor to showcase your home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere. Consider decluttering and using neutral colors to make your home feel more spacious and appealing to a wider range of buyers. You don’t need to spend a fortune on professional staging; small changes can make a big difference.

5. Lighting: Brightening Up the Space

Proper lighting can significantly influence how your home appears to potential buyers. Make sure to open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Consider replacing dim or outdated light fixtures with modern options that provide ample illumination. Well-lit rooms feel more inviting and spacious.

6. A Fresh Coat of Paint: Instant Renewal

Applying a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your home. Stick to neutral colors that appeal to a broader audience and help buyers envision their furniture and decor in the space. A neutral palette also makes it easier for buyers to visualise how they can personalise the home.

7. Gardening: Curb Appeal Matters

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Boost your curb appeal by maintaining a well-manicured lawn, trimming bushes and trees, and adding colorful plants or flowers. A well-kept exterior signals to potential buyers that your home is well cared for both inside and out.

8. Another Perspective: Seek Feedback

Sometimes, it’s beneficial to get an outsider’s perspective. Ask friends or family to tour your home and provide honest feedback. They might notice things you’ve overlooked or offer suggestions for improvement. Constructive criticism can be invaluable in preparing your home for a quick sale.

How to Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle?

What is a Mortgage Agreement in Principle?

A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) serves as confirmation that you have a preliminary mortgage arrangement. This document demonstrates to the Estate Agent that you’ve met the lender’s credit score, indicating your creditworthiness.

It’s important to note that an AIP doesn’t guarantee final mortgage approval, as a comprehensive application process involving additional checks will be needed.

The Value of a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

In Middlesbrough, securing a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) can prove instrumental in negotiating an asking price. An AIP serves as a document verifying your existing mortgage arrangement. We make sure to obtain this for all our clients, and most lenders offer this service.

It’s important to note that while an AIP is not a definitive assurance of mortgage approval, it’s a key step. Your complete application will necessitate additional background checks, including income verification, and an assessment of the property’s value.

Obtaining an AIP early on offers several advantages:

Obtaining a Mortgage Agreement in Principle offers more than just a preliminary mortgage arrangement. It can empower you during negotiations, prevent unnecessary disappointments, and provide a clearer perspective on your budget constraints.

Negotiating Power with a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

When you’re prepared to submit an offer for a new home, most Estate Agents will conduct due diligence by requesting evidence of your available funds for the purchase.

This typically involves providing bank statements and an Agreement in Principle certificate, which we can help you in obtaining. Once you’ve supplied these documents, the Estate Agent usually halts property marketing and displays a “Sold” or “Sale Agreed” sign.

Presenting an already-agreed Mortgage adds to your appeal as a buyer. It demonstrates that your offer isn’t impulsive; you’ve considered how to finance the purchase and taken action.

This can make you a more attractive prospect to sellers and potentially lead them to accept an offer below the asking price on their property.

Avoid Disappointment with a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

When it comes to purchasing a house, some clients have often rushed ahead without the proper groundwork.

First time buyers in Middlesbrough sometimes jump into making an offer on a property without ensuring they can actually proceed. This approach can lead to significant disappointment if their mortgage application gets declined.

By the time this happens, they’ve usually become quite attached to the idea of their new family home. However, such heartache can be avoided by reaching out to us at an earlier stage. Sometimes, the issues causing a mortgage application to falter can be resolved with a bit of time.

For instance, there might be a minor problem on your credit report, like a disputed mobile phone bill, that can be easily resolved. It’s possible that you assumed you were on the Voter’s roll, but you’re not – again, this can be rectified in a matter of weeks.

And then there’s the chance that you might not qualify for a mortgage at all. However, it’s better to have this clarity now rather than causing unnecessary complications. If this is the case, we can guide you on the steps to enhance your creditworthiness for future endeavors.

Knowing your Limits with a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

Sure, you’re confident in your solid credit rating – you’ve never faced credit rejections, you’re listed on the Voter’s roll, and your credit card payments have been consistently on schedule. But can things still go awry?

Absolutely. Nowadays, if you were to approach 10 different Lenders, you’d likely receive 10 distinct maximum mortgage offers. Each Lender employs its own criteria to gauge affordability. And if you’re self-employed, the scenario gets even trickier: different Lenders assess your situation differently.

Some base their calculations on your net profit, while others consider your salary divided. Moreover, some focus on your latest year’s income, while others take an average over a span of 3 years.

Still, think it’s simple?!

Understanding your borrowing boundaries holds significant value as it clarifies your affordable price range. Our expertise allows us to inform you about the highest mortgage amount accessible to you.

Equally vital, we’ll collaboratively calculate your monthly repayment capacity. This approach is particularly well-received by the first time buyers in Middlesbrough who seek our guidance.

What is a Gifted Deposit in Middlesbrough?

Gifted Deposit Advice in Middlesbrough

Very handy for first time buyers in Middlesbrough a gifted deposit is when a family member or friend gives you a portion of or all of the 5% deposit. In terms of gifted deposits, here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions.

Who can gift the deposit?

It tends to be the “Bank of Mum and Dad” that gifts the deposit to the applicant and this is acceptable to most Lenders. In addition, your mortgage broker and Lender/Solicitor will be required to see evidence of the build-up of funds and also identification.

There isn’t a maximum limit on the number of gifts you can receive. All you need to do is evidence of where it has come from then the lender shouldn’t have a problem with the gift.

Gifted deposits will mostly be beneficial to a first time buyer in Birmingham or home movers in Middlesbrough.

Can it be a loan rather than a gift?

In almost all circumstances it needs to be a gift and the donor will sign a letter to confirm the funds are non-refundable. They will not put a “charge” on the property you are buying.

Be careful though, taking out a personal loan just before applying for a mortgage will probably have a downward effect on your credit score.

This could lead to a mortgage application being rejected. Also, the monthly payments for the loan will have to be taken into account by the mortgage lender for affordability.

Getting Prepared for a Mortgage in Middlesbrough

Mortgage Preparation in Middlesbrough

After you’ve done the hard part of saving up the money for a deposit, the next step for first time buyers in Middlesbrough is to get prepared for their mortgage application. Included are a few tips and tricks in terms of what documents are needed and how best to get them organised.

Up to Date Credit Report

An up-to-date credit report should be at the top of your list, even before you approach a mortgage broker in Middlesbrough. You will not want hang-ups such as a late payment for a mobile phone contract consisting of a small fee of something like £50 to be holding you back from progressing with your mortgage.

When your mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough looks at your credit report, this will be a deciding factor as to which lender they fit you with. Another factor that will be a drastic advantage is making sure you’re on the voters roll as it will help in terms of your credit score, along with closing down old credit card accounts.

Proof of ID

You’ll need to produce a photo ID to prove who you are, most customers use a driving license or passport for this. However, if you are using a photo ID such as a Driving Licence for a proof of address, then you can’t use this for a Photo ID.

If you are a non-UK national working in England on a Visa, it will be necessary to bring this along too.

Last 3 Months’ Bank Statements

Your bank statements should correlate with your income and regular expenditures. It is important that you plan ahead with your bank statements as lenders will not be pleased if; they see gambling transactions present; if you’ve gone over on an agreed overdraft limit; or direct debits bounce frequently.

Not all lenders will ask to see your bank statements, but most reserve the right to ask and want to be confident that you are not a financial risk to them and that you’re able to take your finances seriously.

An ideal Bank Statement is one where your salary goes in and your bills come out.

Evidence of Deposit

You have your deposit saved up which is a great milestone accomplished but that isn’t where the involvement of the deposit ends. You may have the funds in place but these will need to be audited for anti-money laundering purposes. The best advice for this is to not move finances around too often which will speed up the audit process.

The way to help convince a lender that you’re the best fit is to make a show that you’re able to build your finances up such as finances, though any large deposits will have to be accounted for.

If the deposit is gifted perhaps from a family member or friend then these funds will need to be evidenced as such and the ‘donor’ will need to sign a letter to confirm that it’s ‘non-refundable’ – in other words, not a loan.

Proof of Income

The most important thing when it comes to affordability is to be able to prove your income. If you’re employed this comes in the form of three months payslips and some may want your most recent P60.

Lenders can also take into consideration regular overtime, commission, shift allowance and bonuses, and others may accept wages from more than one employer if you have more than one job.

Though nowadays a lot more applicants tend to be self employed in Middlesbrough. If you’re a self employed applicant then you’ll need your Accountants’ help to request your last two or three year’s proof of earnings. If by chance you submit your own earnings then one of our mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough can advise you on what to download from the Government Gateway.

Budget Planner

One of the best ways to prepare for your mortgage is to put pen to paper and start writing down an estimate of your anticipated outgoings before you plan to be moving home in Middlesbrough. From doing this, you are able to work out an idea of how much the council tax and utility bills will be whilst also adding on regular expenditures e.g. food and drink. By planning your budget, you should be able to gain a rough estimate on how much disposable income you will be left with.

Before one of our mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough carries out an appointment with you, our mortgage broker in Middlesbrough team is able to send over a budget planner to help you in advance.

How our Mortgage Advisors in Middlesbrough can Help

It can be seen that preparing for a mortgage is not an easy task but our mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough are able to help guide you. Feel free to book your free mortgage appointment today to speak with one of our mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough today to see how we can help you today.

What is Mortgage Protection Insurance in Middlesbrough?

What is mortgage protection insurance?

Mortgage Protection Insurance is a term used to encompass various types of cover designed to protect borrowers from events that could severely impact upon their ability to maintain mortgage payments. There are different variations but when connected to a mortgage they are all there to provide peace of mind and usually fall into the following categories:

Life Insurance Advice in Middlesbrough

As a rule, if the policyholder dies within the term, then the sum assured should be enough to pay off the outstanding mortgage balance and ensure the borrower’s dependants aren’t left with a debt they might not otherwise be able to manage. Our mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough are able to run through all the different types of life cover and recommend the most suitable plan for you.

Critical Illness Cover in Middlesbrough

There’s an argument that says that life cover is taken for the benefit of other people – i.e. your dependents – because sadly you won’t be around to see any benefit yourself. However, these days, thanks to improvements in the sort of medical treatment available, many people now survive conditions that once might have been fatal.

Nevertheless, whilst undergoing what may be long spells of treatment and recovery, it could have a marked effect on your ability to meet your financial commitments. This has led to the development of Critical Illness Insurance.

Critical Illness Insurance works similarly to Life Assurance, in that it is usually taken for a specific term of years and can have different options such as level/increasing etc. It is designed to pay out a lump sum and, like Life cover, for borrowers, it is typically taken on a decreasing term basis in line with the reduction of your mortgage balance.

The key is that the benefit is paid if you fall victim to one of several specified critical illnesses, and pays out whatever the long term prognosis of that illness. The type of illnesses covered varies from company to company, that’s why this type of insurance cannot be solely price driven and advice is recommended.

In practice many companies will offer Life and Critical Illness Critical cover as a combined policy and would usually pay out on the “first event” i.e. whatever happens first – either death or a serious illness – the pay-out is made. They can also be written on a single or joint life basis.

Income Protection Advice in Middlesbrough

Whereas Life and Critical Illness cover pay out a lump sum, “Income Protection” pays out a monthly sum designed to replace your wages in the event of you being unfit to work. Unlike Critical Illness coverage, there are no restrictions on the illnesses or injuries covered, the only factor being whether they make you unfit to work.

There are however restrictions on how much you can cover and how quickly benefits would start to be paid. Like Life and Critical Illness cover, these policies are underwritten based on your health and lifestyle at the time you apply. All income protection policies are written on a single life basis.

Accident, Sickness, Unemployment (ASU) Cover

Similar in many ways to Income Protection these policies also cover you should you be made unemployed. Benefits are usually linked to your mortgage and other costs (rather than necessarily your wages) and would usually be paid one month “in arrears” after a successful claim.

These policies are only underwritten at the time of a claim rather than at the outset, which can sometimes mean there can be some confusion/delay as to whether a claim would actually be met. They are clearly a useful safety net if you are made long-term unemployed but be sure to check the details of how/when any unemployment benefits would be paid out, as it may be that you would have returned to work before any monies become due.

Family Income Benefit in Middlesbrough

Probably the least common of the “mortgage protection” type policies but can often be valuable – particularly for those with young families. These plans can be taken to cover Life and/or Critical Illness and are underwritten on an application in the same way as mentioned above.

However, unlike the traditional forms of policy, rather than pay out a lump sum, the cover would pay an annual or monthly income for the remainder of the term of the plan. Thus it can replace the income of the main breadwinner for a number of years, dependent upon a particular client’s circumstances and, because of this would usually be written on a level or basis, or an index-linked basis designed to keep up with inflation.

Protection Advisors in Middlesbrough

There’s an old adage that says you can never have too much insurance. Certainly, many people have one or more of the different types of policy and it would be wrong to think of Mortgage Protection Insurance as just an “either/or” choice.

However, in the real world, affordability plays a massive part, so whilst it would be fantastic to cover yourself for every potential opportunity, a good advisor will sit down with you and tailor the type of cover to be the most suitable combination to your family’s priority and budget.

If you do take more than one type of policy, however, your advisor would usually place all the cover with one provider. This is to save you the additional policy administration charges which individual policies carry but which are reduced when bringing all the policies under one plan.

9 Questions to Ask When Buying a Property in Middlesbrough

First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Taking that primary step towards becoming a first time buyer in Middlesbrough can be quite a stressful concept, especially if aren’t quite sure of what you need to be doing.

Whilst this is a common thought process, we’re here to reassure you that this doesn’t need to be the case! You should be as prepared as you can be, in order for you to make the absolute most of your home buying experience.

Below we have put together 9 questions that you can ask when buying a house as a first time buyer in Middlesbrough.

The 9 Most Common Home Buying Questions:

1. How much interest has there been in the property/ development?

It’s always good to consider a property before you commit to purchasing it, as a mortgage will likely be the largest financial commitment you ever make.

One thing to ponder, is just how much interest has actually been shown in this property. If it is not quite so popular, you can afford to give yourself time to decide.

If it is a popular property, you may have to make a decision sooner rather than later.

2. Is there a property chain?

A property chain will occur if there are multiple property transactions happening at the same time, relying on every sale and purchase being completed.

If the property you are purchasing is a part of a chain, this can significantly affect your mortgage process.

For new homes that don’t have a property chain, you may have an increased chance in your process moving quicker, as you won’t be waiting on anybody to go ahead.

First time buyers in Middlesbrough especially have the advantage, as even if there is a small chain, they don’t have to sell a property to begin with in order to move in. This is a good thing to mention when negotiating on property price.

3. What’s included in the sale?

You’ll quite commonly find that when you buy some homes, the previous owner will have left a variety of items behind.

Items that can be found left behind, include potentially electronic goods such as washing machines, fridges or freezers, as well as maybe leaving a shed in the garden. This won’t apply to new build properties, as they tend to be built on the conditions agreed upon prior to the work commencing.

The advantage of this for first time buyers in Middlesbrough, is that if you don’t have to purchase the items yourself if they are left behind. The downside is if you don’t want them, you have to pay to get rid of them.

In the circumstance where you buying a new build property, there might additional items you can buy that can be fitted and ready on the day you move in.

4. What are the neighbours like?

Something else you’ll want to consider and may affect your decision, is what the neighbours are like. Are they good or bad, is it a quiet area or are there anti-social locals? Finding this out can be handy ahead of time.

If you are moving into a new build property, then you and your neighbours will be the ones who are building up a new community, which can make it risky as you won’t know what anyone is like in advance.

5. How much does it cost to run?

When it comes to the costs of running the property, it will depend on where the house is. Asking the right questions can help you to learn more about this prior to purchasing a property.

Make sure you find out things like how much the Council Tax generally is, the usual utility costs and things like that. This can help you budget from property to property.

6. Which way does the house face?

The direction that your house is facing can also be a big factor in your decision to purchase a property or not. Some prefer to be able to relax during the summer evenings in the garden, reading a book or having a drink.

South facing gardens often can cost quite a bit more than regular gardens, due to them getting more sunlight than others.

7. How much work will be required after moving in?

This is something else that could be a factor you’ll need to think about, as this could impact your budgeting for the property. Here are some of the most common things to look for;

8. Are you open to offers?

The house buying process will typically start with property price negotiations. It is important that you are as ready as you can be ahead of time, so that you can make an offer on a property that you really like.

If you would like to learn further about the best ways to improve your chances during negotiation, we reccomend you see our guide on how to make an offer on properties in Middlesbrough. As soon as you are “mortgage ready”, contact our team and we can get started with making offers.

The best way we’d say to determine whether or not an offer is potentially too high, we’d recommend having a chat with the seller themselves or perhaps the estate agent, to discuss previously made offers that have been rejected.

9. When can we move in?

Having a date in your diary can help you to plan other tasks you need to do around the big move. You might need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor, pack everything up, move your belongings.

Knowing the date you could possibly move from speaking to the seller will help you to manage all these tasks, being much more organised and much less stressed as your process continues.

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UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312 | Registered Address: 10 Consort Court, Hull, HU9 1PU.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk

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