Your purchase is not 'just another sale' to us. Here at Meridian we try very hard to make the process anything but an anonymous property conveyor belt. We want to treat you as an individual, welcome you to the shop and get to know you personally enough, so that you can regard us more as a friend during the transaction whether you are buying or selling. We are only a telephone call away, and are more than happy to have a few words with you if that is all that is needed.

We appreciate that whether you are buying for the first time, for the twentieth time, or for investment, the process can be time-consuming, stressful and worrying. We will do as much as we can to guide and assist you through this process and provide information, advice and support all the way. Here is an idea of the sales proccess: 

Finances
Speak to a mortgage advisor as soon as possible, preferably before you start looking at properties. An independent financial adviser will be able to offer a greater choice of mortgage lenders. Try to arrange a mortgage in principle so that you know exactly how much you can borrow. If not, have a good idea of which mortgage lender you will use. If you have a mortgage in principle when you offer on a property this could give you a distinct advantage over anyone else making an offer.

Register with estate agents
Leave your details with as many agents as possible. Try to build a rapport with them, and they will hopefully remember you personally. The better the idea they have of what you are looking for, the more likely they are to think of you when your ideal home becomes available. Talk about your lifestyle, your needs and what has prompted you to move. The agents will send you details of properties which might be suitable. Use the internet, as well as the local press, to search for properties.  

Establish costs of moving
We can go through all the costs you can expect over the coming weeks so that you are fully prepared for what's in store.

Viewing
Arrange to view as many suitable houses as possible. Be open-minded - imagine your furniture in the house and look at the potential!

Solicitors
Get quotes from solicitors and try to choose one before making an offer. We will be happy to recommend a selection of local solicitors to you. Appointing a solicitor before making an offer on a property, or at least having a shortlist of solicitors you might use, is evidence that you are a serious buyer, which again may give you an advantage. The selling agent will need their details as soon as possible once your offer has been accepted. 

Offer
If you have seen a property you would like to buy, call the agent and make an offer. When offering, give the agent as much information as possible. If you have a mortgage agreed, or there is no chain involved on your side, stress these points. You will need to give the agents details of your chosen solicitor. While you are looking at properties, don't be afraid to put in a low offer. The vendor may be keen to get a quick sale, or might find you more attractive as a buyer if your chain is simple or there is no chain (ie. you are a cash buyer, or a first time buyer, or you have already sold your house).

If the property is a bit more than you can afford but really is your dream home, consider extending the length of your mortgage.

Sale Agreed
Congratulations! The vendors have accepted your offer. The estate agents will confirm this in writing to you, to the vendors and to both sets of solicitors. Complete your mortgage application, and ask your solicitor to proceed straight away. Until the contract is signed, there is no legal obligation on buyer or vendor.

Local searches
Your solicitor will ask you for a cheque to apply for the Land Registry and Local Authority searches on the property. Searches can take two or three weeks and this is one of the main reasons for exchange being delayed.  

Survey
Decide which level of survey you require, and instruct a surveyor. You can use the same surveyor who comes out to do the mortgage valuation. Once your offer has been accepted, instruct a surveyor straight away. There are three main types of survey. A basic valuation will be carried out by your mortgage lender. Your mortgage valuer should also be able to carry out a Homebuyers survey, and this is suitable for most properties. A full structural survey is more detailed, and more costly.

Draft Contract
Your solicitor will receive a draft contract of sale from the vendor's solicitors. You should check through the fixtures and fittings list which you receive from the vendors to make sure you are happy with it. This will include items in the house you may wish to buy including carpets, curtains and blinds. Stay in regular contact with your solicitors - you are paying for their services, so don't feel afraid to ask what is happening with your purchase.

Mortgage Offer
You will receive a formal mortgage offer to sign. Once this is signed and returned, your mortgage is in place and you can exchange contracts.

Contract Approval
Once your solicitor receives the results of the initial enquiries and local searches, and you are happy with all the details, the draft contract can be approved and signed by you. Bear in mind that completion dates cannot be guaranteed until exchange has taken place.

Deposit
Your solicitor will ask you for the deposit to forward to the vendors. This is usually 10% of the purchase price, but is sometimes 5%. This should be cleared funds - ideally a bankers draft, as personal cheques take up to four days to clear and can delay exchange. Arrange deposit monies as soon as possible and make sure they are instantly accessible.

Exchange of contracts
As soon as both parties are ready, exchange can take place. The date for exchange will be stated on the draft contract. The solicitors exchange the signed contracts and the vendor receives the deposit. A completion date will now be set.


Completion
This can take place anywhere between a few days and a few weeks after exchange, depending on both parties' requirements. Monies are transferred from your solicitor to the vendor's solicitor. As soon as the vendor's solicitor receives the monies they will call the estate agent, who can then release the keys to you. The property is yours.