How to be first in line when buying a property

June 8, 2016 by Brendan O'Neill

Advice & Tips

Often, the best properties have been sold before they reach the estate agent’s window, meaning that you can easily miss out on your dream home. It is important to make yourself an attractive prospect for sellers. A mortgage adviser who will have taken the

CeMAP exam is likely to be able to help you improve your chances of buying a home.

Get to know a few estate agents so that they know you are serious about buying a home. As properties are due to come onto the market, they may send you details in the hope of securing a quick sale for the vendor. There are some instances where a vendor may want an estate agent to sell the property with very few people being aware, perhaps if the owners are getting divorced or the property is presently let out. In this case, you will only discover the property if you are on familiar terms with the estate agent.

Ask your friends and family to keep an eye out for properties up for sale in your desired areas. This way, you will have a greater chance of being among the first to view a property. You could even distribute leaflets to properties in the area you would like to live, in the hope that if the owner decides to sell they will contact you.

Prepare your finances and situation before looking at houses, so you are in the best position to buy. A vendor is more likely to sell to someone who isn’t in a chain and has their mortgage sorted out.