Managing the moving chain
One of the most testing aspects of moving house is the legal waiting game involved in transferring the ownership from seller to buyer. This is because more often than not there's a chain involved, meaning there can be anything up to 50 people, all reliant on each other to make the move happen, all with different circumstances for moving. It's inevitable that things don't always quite go to plan when you consider that any one of the parties may have to delay or pull out of a purchase because of survey problems, difficulties getting finance, arguments over fixtures and fittings and so on.
You can help things run more smoothly by doing a few simple things. Read on to find out more:
Experience counts
If you are instructing professionals such as estate agents and conveyancers to handle the legal formalities, make sure you instruct experienced and well-reputed firms.
Did you know...
Tesco Property Market has partnered with MyHomeMove, one of the largest independent conveyancing providers in England and Wales. You can get an online conveyancing quote for buying and selling that remains valid for 30 days.
Money talks
Sort out your finances in advance and get together your deposit (if you're a first time buyer) so you're ready to exchange. This will be 5-10% of the house price. If you're selling a home, this can be accounted for by the equity released from your sale.
Organise your paperwork
File all your correspondence and documentation detailing discussions relating to the move. If selling, keep together your HIP and copies of any other documentation relating to your home, such as planning permission certificates. That way you have everything to hand when required.
Sign, seal and deliver
Fill in and sign paperwork as soon as you receive it and return it by hand, courier or special delivery to speed things up and avoid loss in the post.
It's a date
Whether you're buying or selling, stipulate a date in your contract by when you want to have the survey done, contracts exchanged and completion finalised.
Job share
A job shared is a job halved! With all that there is to do to get the move complete, if you're buying with a partner, share the tasks between you . Assign the tasks in the most appropriate way in terms of ability and preference. For example, one of you may be more effective and confident at chasing the parties concerned, while the other may be better at organising removals, insurance and so on.
It's good to talk
Communication is key. Feel in control by having a clear view at all times of where you are in the moving process. Keep in regular contact with all the parties you're dealing with from agent to legal professional and find out if there's anything you can do to speed things up. It pays to be proactive.
Give yourself time
Try and make yourself available by postponing holidays and being contactable during working hours. If you're finding it particularly stressful and want to keep on top of things, consider taking some time off to concentrate on chasing the move.