Are you a First Time Buyer? Have you have been on a number of viewings and have finally found the perfect property for you? Are you now thinking, how do I make an offer and get it accepted?

It is important to understand the Seller’s status when you are looking to make an offer on a property. The Vendor may be looking the highest offer compared to their asking price, or a different status of buyer (for example, are you a cash buyer, do you have a large deposit) or maybe it is the speed of the transaction that can influence the decision. Your Estate Agent will be able to assist you and provide this information as they are working for the Vendor when selling their home, so work with them to increase your knowledge and chances of getting your offer accepted.

It is IMPORTANT to show your estate agent that you are a keen and organised buyer. The agent will be the one submitting the offer to their Vendor and advising them, so the more information you can provide, the more it may influence the Vendor’s decision.

When you are at the property, or even speaking with the agent on the phone after a viewing, you will want to inform them of the offer you want to make, your financial and buying position, and your personal information such as full name (of all parties buying) and contact details and address.

However, my best advice would be to follow this offer up with an email with all the information the estate agent needs to put forward to their Vendor. This not only confirms your offer in writing and avoids any mistakes, it provides every detail and presents you as a keen and organised buyer, something all estate agents want for their sellers.

The email should include the following:

• Your full name(s) (If you are buying as a couple, include both names in the email).
• All your contact details, including address and phone numbers (cc. Your partner in, so neither of you miss any contact from the estate agent)
• Your buying position i.e. you are a first time buyer with no chain. This may be beneficial if the seller is looking for a no-chain buyer. Have/Will you you serve notice on your landlord for the purpose of the sale transaction?
• Your chosen solicitors contact details. If you haven’t yet chosen one, don’t worry, this will be required once your offer has been accepted. You can advise the agent you would be willing to use their recommended solicitor and are happy for a quote.
• Your mortgage advisor's contact details. (cc your mortgage advisor in, in case the agent needs to contact them to confirm your status).
• A copy of your mortgage agreement in principle and proof of deposit. This is very important as it will show the agent you are organised and know how much you can afford and you are ready to start asap.
• Finally, your offer amount. (Put this in bold)

Once you have done this, your agent can go to their Vendor with all the information they need to get your offer accepted.

If you have any questions, please call me on 020 3418 0580 or email me using tom@gracechurch-property.co.uk.

Until next time

Thomas