Bluebell Mortgages
  • First Time Buyer

    Bluebell Mortgages are expert mortgage brokers and have a detailed knowledge of mortgage lenders’ and first time buyer mortgages.

    Moving Home

    We can inform you of all the likely fees associated with a house move, identify your current position and calculate your likely required loan amount.

    Remortgaging

    If you already have a mortgage and your current deal is due to expire in the next 6 months, we can help find you the most effective deal for you.

    Buy To Let

    We have a vast experience of the Buy To Let market and are able to offer our clients detailed advice on the correct method of funding potential purchases.

    Shared Ownership

    An effective way for first time buyers to get on the property ladder, it can considerably reduce the amount needed for a deposit.

    Specialist Finance

    Bluebell Mortgages have specialist advisors who can assist you with your first or next commercial or self-build development.

    Older Borrower

    The days of retiring at 65 are disappearing fast, people are living longer and borrowers are getting older.

    Insurance

    This can range from Life Assurance to protect your mortgage or family, Critical Illness cover, Income Protection and General Insurance.

  • FAQ's

    We’ve collated our most frequently asked questions below, but if there’s a question on your mind that we haven’t covered, please get in touch.

    Success Stories

    We’re passionate about helping people get to where they want to be on the property ladder. Our customers share their stories of how we helped them.

    Knowledge Base

    Here we can share with you our many years of industry experience & knowledge so that you can feel confident and prepared for your mortgage journey.

    News

    We regularly post about all things in the Mortgage world and other industry information. We also post about what's going on at Bluebell Mortgages.

Tips For Viewing a Property

Spring is a great time for moving home, however property viewings can be an overwhelming experience, so we’ve a few top tips to help you focus on the most essential items.

  1. Don’t be pressured into not taking the time you want to view the property
    Make sure you spend a fair amount of time viewing a property – 20 to 30 minutes at least – Don’t feel you must rush because the estate agent is looking at their watch.
  2. Look at the structure of the building
    Make sure you walk around the outside of the house to check the exterior. Look for damp and hairline cracks in the walls, missing or loose tiles on the roof and broken guttering. If you find signs of a problem, ask questions to find out what the cause is and whether it will be fixed.
    Always have an independent house survey done so an expert can conduct more thorough checks.
  3. Look and smell carefully
    The seller doesn’t have to tell you about problems – in fact, they may even try to hide them. Common coverups include painting over damp and hiding wall cracks or floor problems with furniture or rugs. Damp can give off a musty whiff even if you don’t see physical signs, so be on your guard for unusual smells, including air freshener.
  1. View the property more than once
    Even in a fast moving market, it’s best to go and see the property more than once if possible. The more times you view, the more likely you are to spot potential problems.
    We’d recommend viewing the property two to three times, at different times of day, to find out how the light, traffic and surrounding noises change.
  2. Confirm what land is included with the property
    If there’s any uncertainty over who owns a garden or parking space, make sure you find out the answer and get it confirmed in writing before committing to buy the property.
  3. What is included in the sale?
    Always ask the seller what furniture or white goods will be included in the sale.
  4. Try to take someone with you
    Take someone you trust along with you. They can share their opinion on what they make of the property.
  5. Have a professional survey done
    Mortgage lenders only request that you have a ‘valuation survey’ carried out. You should always have your own independent survey carried out in order to uncover any hidden issues with the property you’re buying.
  6. Find out how energy efficient the home is
    Every property being sold must have an energy performance certificate (EPC). It details information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs, as well as recommendations about how to reduce usage and save money.
  7. Investigate the neighbourhood
    Spend at least half an hour walking around the general area to see how close the things that matter to you, such as cafés, schools, transport links or local shops, are. Also, revisit the area at rush hour and when the pubs close, and on weekends and weekdays.
  8. Talk to the estate agent
    If the property you’re viewing is a serious contender, talk to the estate agent to find out more about the property and why it’s being sold. The estate agent is legally obliged to tell you if they know of any serious problems with the property.
  9. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions
    At the end of the day, sellers and estate agents are trying to get you to buy a property. Therefore, they may not be forthcoming in telling you all the ins and outs.
    So, questions are crucial in getting the full picture on what you’re buying. Don’t let the estate agents dictate the viewing, make sure you keep them on their toes and find out every nugget of information, with email or telephone follow ups.

    If you are looking for your dream property, get your finances arranged before you start viewings so you are in a stronger position. Give us a call to see how we can help…. 01473 213312.

Have questions ?  Call us on 01473 213312

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