Steps to buying a house...Help

Hope someone can help.
My sister is thinking about buying a house.
She has got approval in principle for a mortage what is her next step?
What is the order in which she goes and get stuff organised.
Thanks Megapixel

Perhaps...

Get a solicitor.
Contact the selling agent.
Put a bid in if second hand or booking deposit if new.

Thanks just wasn't sure of the order.

Before any of that she needs to work out how much to budget. Especially how much she can afford to purchase a house for.
To get in to the house she needs to think of purchase price, deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, old house = renovation costs

To pay for it she needs to look at her savings and monthly expenditure to see how much she can afford each month. This is not the same as how much she can borrow. She needs to factor in, mortgage payments, house insurance, life insurance, maintenance, bills, car loan, credit union loan etc.

I'm sure any bank has a brochure/website detailing all the items that need to be thought of plus the steps in the actual house purchasing.

I was assuming that she already ascertained that she could afford to buy but if not then it's a good idea to do so first!

Get 'Approval in Principle'

'Approval in Principle' is a note which says that your application has been approved, subject to verification of the information that you have provided.At this stage you should start to gather the documentation that the mortgage provider will need, such as a P60 and a Certificate of Income.


Choose a solicitor

If you do not already have a solicitor, you should choose one at this stage.


Select a property

At this stage you can look for a property.



Value the property for mortgage purposes.

The mortgage provider may require a valuation of the property being offered as security. This valuation is usually to be completed by a valuer that they have approved. In certain circumstances the valuer may recommend that a structural survey be also carried out.



Submit all supporting documentation

You should now have sent the mortgage provider all the documents that they need to progress your application. They will let you know if there are any items outstanding.


Sign and return their 'Letter of Offer'

The 'Letter of Offer' sets out the terms and conditions which will apply to the mortgage contract. It is a binding legal document once signed. You should read it very carefully and obtain legal advice prior to signing it. When signed it must be returned to them together with a direct debit mandate.


Arrange home insurance and life assurance

You can arrange your insurance and assurance policies independently or through your mortgage provider.


Agree a closing date

Your solicitor will deal with the legal arrangements for your purchase and will advise you in relation to the closing date.


Mortgage Provider issues your loan cheque

When all the documentation is in order your loan cheque is issued to your solicitor.


Closing the sale

At this stage you sign the relevant documentation including the mortgage deed. Stamp duty should be paid now if it applies to you. Your solicitor will complete the legal formalities. The sale of the property is registered at the Land Registry or noted at the Registry of Deeds office, depending on the type of title the property has. Your solicitor will then send the mortgage provider the completed deeds, which they hold as security for your loan.


Move in!