Step 1. Get your money sorted

There is nothing worse than falling in love with a property, and then losing it because you can’t get your mortgage sorted in time. Smart property shoppers get their plans in place before they start looking. Getting a mortgage arranged in principle gives you a clear idea of exactly how much you’ve got to play with. It also helps you move fast when you’re ready to make an offer.

Step 2. Get CPS on your team

At its heart, CPS is a people business. For more than two decades we’ve been helping people find their perfect properties. Our process starts with your brief. You can drop us an email (link) or call us on 020 8548 4343. We’ll help you find properties that hit the sweet spot between what you want, and what you can afford. Our extensive experience of the market can open your eyes to opportunities you hadn’t considered.

Step 3. Start the hunt for your dream home

Our team will help you refine your parameters to narrow down areas, property styles and priorities. Once we have tightened the brief, we’ll share a selection of properties that tick every box. Every time a relevant property hits the market, we’ll immediately update you via SMS and/or email alerts.

Step 4. Make your viewings count

When you’re out viewing a property and that special feeling strikes, common sense often flies out the window. Your emotional response can make you blind to any negatives. When you arrange a viewing with us, we’ll help you prepare so you arrive in the right state of mind. We’ll guide you through the viewing, helping you to stay grounded and ask the right questions whatever your gut might be saying. No matter how much you like the place we always recommend a second viewing at a different time of day. Ideally bring a friend or a family member along for that trusted second opinion.

Ask the right questions

If you don’t know what questions to ask when viewing a property, work your way through this list and you won’t waste the opportunity.

◉ How many years are left on the lease?

◉ Does the property have double glazing, gas-central heating and modern insulation?

◉ What council tax band does the property fall into?

◉ What are the local transport links like?

◉ Does the property have access to outdoor space?

Step 5. Making an offer

Your finances are in place. Your perfect home has been found. You’re ready to make an offer. Let the games begin. Because that’s what the process can feel like. You can almost guarantee your first offer will be refused. That’s part for the course. Then you’re into a negotiation, or a sealed bid. We’ve been part of thousands of negotiations. Our advice will help you stay calm and haggle smart. Even if your offer is agreed, nothing is binding until the contract is signed. To help you accelerate this highly sensitive phase, our team will quickly implement the following critical steps:

◉ Prepare a memorandum of sale

◉ Communicate the agreed price to all parties with a letter

◉ Confirm the details of your solicitor and mortgage broker

◉ Tell you when to instruct your solicitor to proceed with the conveyancing process, and your mortgage broker to proceed with your application

Step 6. Getting everything in order – conveyancing and surveys

Your offer has been accepted. All done, right? Not so fast. You now need a solicitor to check through the contract in meticulous detail and finalise a date for the exchange of contracts. This process is called conveyancing. You’ll also need a valuation report for your mortgage provider. Conducted by a chartered surveyor, a full survey of the property will ascertain the value for lending purposes. At this stage we will also review your finances to make sure everything is lined up and ready to go. Stamp duty, land tax, surveys and insurance. Costs can pile up. We’ll help you stay on top of your money matters.

Step 7. The contract exchange

Once both parties have signed the contract, the deposit, normally 10% of the purchase price, will be transferred from your solicitor to the seller’s solicitor. A date for completion can then be agreed.s

Step 8. Completion

The final hurdle. The remaining amount, normally 90% of the purchase price, is transferred between solicitors. Keys are exchanged. Let the celebrations begin. Congratulations. You now own a place called home. You can rely on the advice of CPS even after the deal has been done. From dealing with movers to meter readings, our moving guides will help you settle in without a hitch.