Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to take your first step onto the property ladder or an experienced investor expanding your portfolio, Parkes is committed to helping you make confident, well-informed decisions at every stage of the process. Our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide is designed to support you from the very beginning, from setting your budget and defining your property needs to securing financing and successfully completing your purchase. With expert advice, personalized guidance, and access to exclusive listings, we’re here to ensure that every decision is made with clarity and confidence.
Before you begin your property search, it’s crucial to have a clear picture of what you can afford. Start by considering your deposit, which typically ranges from 5% to 20% of the property’s value, and your mortgage eligibility based on your income and credit history. Don’t forget to account for additional costs that may arise during the purchase, including stamp duty (which varies by location and price), legal fees, surveys, and moving expenses. We’ll help you understand your full financial picture, explore different mortgage options, and make sure you’re aware of any hidden costs along the way. By ensuring you’re financially prepared from the outset, we’ll help set you up for a smooth, confident property journey.
Make a list of your must-haves. Whether that’s a specific location, the number of bedrooms, a garden, or proximity to transport links. It’s also important to distinguish between what you need (e.g., a certain size or location) and what you want (e.g., an extra bathroom or a modern kitchen). Understanding your non-negotiables and deal-breakers from the start will help streamline your search, ensuring you focus on properties that genuinely meet your essential criteria and avoid wasting time on options that don’t align with your goals.
Once you’ve registered with Parkes, you’ll gain exclusive access to a carefully curated list of properties that match your criteria. We’ll send you tailored alerts for new listings, including off-market properties that aren’t available to the general public. This ensures you’re always ahead of the curve and don’t miss out on the perfect home, whether it’s listed or not. From family homes to investment opportunities, we’ll help you find the right property, even before it hits the wider market.
Attending viewings is your opportunity to experience a property firsthand and get a true sense of its potential. It’s not just about the house itself, but also its surroundings, consider factors like noise levels, natural light, local amenities, and the overall atmosphere of the area. Our experienced agents will be there every step of the way, offering valuable insights and answering any questions you may have. We’ll provide honest, impartial advice to help you identify both the positive aspects and any potential drawbacks, ensuring you make an informed decision before moving forward. This thorough approach allows you to assess whether the property truly meets your needs and long-term goals.
When you’ve found the right home, we’ll help you craft an offer that is both competitive and realistic, ensuring you don’t overpay while still making a strong impression on the seller. Our team will guide you through current market conditions, taking into account recent sales, local demand, and the property’s unique features. We’ll provide expert advice on how to structure your offer, whether that’s in terms of price, contingencies, or closing flexibility, to ensure it stands out while reflecting the true value of the property.
Once your offer is accepted, the next step is to appoint a solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the transaction and arrange for a survey to assess the property’s condition. We’ll guide you through selecting a trusted solicitor and help coordinate the survey to ensure you’re fully aware of the property’s structural integrity and any potential issues. Throughout this stage, we’ll assist with all necessary documentation and keep you informed, ensuring that both the legal and physical aspects of the purchase are thoroughly reviewed before moving forward.
Once contracts are exchanged, you’ll be given a completion date, marking the final step towards owning your new home. At this point, all remaining details will be finalized, and you’ll be ready to collect the keys. We’ll ensure that the final stages of the process are seamless and stress-free, guiding you through any last minute details so you can enjoy a smooth handover and officially make the property yours!
Start your search with our expert team and move one step closer to the keys.