First Time Buyer
Welcome To First For Mortgages
Want to start climbing the property ladder? Let us give you a helping hand. Buying a house may be one of the most important purchases you can make, but equally one of the most daunting, especially for a first-time buyer.
At First For Mortgages, we’ve streamlined the process, so you don’t need to worry about missing a beat. We’ll pair you with one of our finest advisors, who will be available to answer all your questions and guide you through finding a first-time mortgage that suits all your needs. No matter your current knowledge of the housing market, you’ll walk away feeling like an expert in no time!
Our specialist calculator provides a rough idea of all your facts and figures as a starting point to your journey. Discover the amount you may be able to borrow, the deposit you’ll need to put down on your dream home and even work out a monthly payment plan tailored to you.
Here are some of our top tricks and things to consider before you say “yes” to a new address.
Where to start?
Where to Start?
When looking for that perfect property, it’s important to remember that everyone’s idea of ‘perfect’ is unique to them! One of your main priorities when looking should be sticking to your budget. It’s key to be realistic when figuring out exactly how much you can invest into a property. Using a budget calculation, take the time to check your intended mortgage is affordable and suits your budget needs. In addition to the property price, you’ll be taking care of add ons such as conveyancing and stamp duty.
Remember, even newly built houses will require some work! Ensure you factor in all the likely expenses, from furniture and finishing touches to more extensive remodelling and renewing. Be prepared and come with this knowledge in mind.
An eye for detail
When buying for the first time, there may be a number of details in the houses you are looking at, which you may not pick up. When becoming a first-time buyer, we think it’s always best to have an extra pair of more experienced eyes searching the property for any details you may not pick up on. Try to arrange for someone with knowledge on purchasing a home to accompany you to your viewings. Whether they’re a parent, a home-owning friend or a partner, they’ll have your best interests at heart and know what to look for when finding a new home. If they aren’t available to be present during your first viewing, arrange for them to visit during a second viewing when you have selected a property you like and are considering purchasing.
Flying the nest
Leaving home for the first time? It’s important to know what to expect when you fly the nest! Take the time to familiarise yourself with a list of expenses that come with being a homeowner. Council tax, gas and electricity bills, boiler servicing and more, services you may have previously overlooked, can make up a large portion of your monthly budget. When viewing a property, don’t forget to ask what tax band the property falls in. Your selling agent should be able to provide more information and give you an insight into the potential costs of moving out.
Transportation tips
You may have found the perfect property, but can you get to it? Transportation and navigating your new surroundings is a big deal. Whether you catch the bus, walk, cycle, drive, or even rollerblade, ensure you consider how the property will affect your daily commute. We recommend taking note of the local public transport services and their availability. Check out your local bus routes, frequency of train services from your nearest station and any other public transport in the surrounding area. If you own a car, is parking available at the property, and would you feel safe leaving your car there overnight? It may be wise to check out the distance between your new home and the nearest airport. After all, you never know when you may need to hop on a plane for a work trip or family vacation.
Location, location, location
Dedicated to dining out? Smashing those gym goals? Whatever your priorities are, make sure your new home is surrounded by facilities that contribute to your happiness. Before you engage in the property search, we recommend writing down a list of local amenities that are important to you and comparing listings using your knowledge of what you want from the neighbourhood. Your list may include places such as shops, restaurants, pubs, sports centres, parks and cinemas.
Remember…
The issuing of the offer is not legally binding until you and the seller exchanges contracts, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
We will charge a broker fee of between £0 and £1250, payable on application. Will depend on the complexity of the mortgage and the additional time we have to spend on research or administration and confirmed to you before an application is made.