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Purchasing a Property

At COOKE Independent we are pleased to help at each stage of the buying process and you should feel free to contact us at any stage.

Step 1 - Work Out How Much You Can Afford:

To get an idea about how much you can borrow try our online mortgage calculator. The calculator will indicate how much you may be able to borrow but other factors including existing loans and other credit commitments will influence the final amount. For a more accurate guide call your COOKE Independent Mortgage Adviser.

Step 2 - Obtain a Mortgage Agreement in Principle:

Obtaining a mortgage agreed in principle means that you have your finances ready, before you find a property you wish to buy. This is an important process and will give you a more accurate indication of how much you can borrow and also implies that you are a more serious purchaser to the vendor.
Contact a COOKE Independent Mortgage Adviser who will be happy to obtain this for you.

Step 3 - Choose Your Home & Suitable Mortgage Product

This can be the hardest stage, finding your ideal home. Most properties are suitable security for a mortgage but if you intend to buy something a bit unusual speak to your Advisor before making an offer to buy. Before making an offer, call us and we can often help you in presenting your offer in the best possible way making an offer more acceptable.
Once the price has been agreed, you should waste no time and arrange an appointment with us to discuss the lenders and their products available. The quicker we deal with your application, the quicker you show your commitment to the vendor by instructing a surveyor.

Step 4 - Instruct a Solicitor

You will need to instruct a Solicitor who will act for you. Following a recommendation from a friend or relative can often be a good idea but if you need our help finding a Solicitor we will be pleased to help.

Step 5 - Exchange of contracts

This is when you fully commit to your purchase and normally part with any deposit monies to secure the transaction. Completion will follow shortly and you will be handed the keys to your new home.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

You can choose how we are paid for mortgage advice. Pay a fee, usually £499, or we can accept commission from the lender; or we can accept a combination of fee and commission.