Advice

Buying Advice

Buying a property, especially if you are a ‘first time buyer’, can sometimes be a very daunting and stressful experience.

At Starkey & Brown we are here to guide you through the whole process and answer any questions that you may have to ensure the transaction is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If there is any aspect of moving home that you are unsure of then all you need to do is call, email or pop in and see us and we will always be at hand to help.

Conveyancing Advice

Once you have had your offer accepted on a property, you need to choose a solicitor (or conveyancer) to make sure the transfer of the property from the seller to yourself is legal. Choosing the wrong solicitor can be costly and add hundreds of pounds to your bill, and it might even cause the deal to fall through.

Moving can be a very stressful and time consuming part of any property transaction, which is why we work good quality local solicitors to ensure you receive only the best conveyancing service.

Starkey&Brown are here to help you choose the most suitable solicitor to match your needs. By working closely reputable local firms, we can ensure that your solicitor will make your property transaction as hassle free as possible.

Please give us a call or email us for any advice or more information. We are here to help.

Mortgage Advice

Should you require any advice with regards to the costs involved with moving home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can make the necessary arrangements for you to speak to a Mortgage Advisor.

Or click HERE for help and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use Starkey & Brown?

Here at Starkey & Brown we aim to combine good traditional sales practices with the latest available technology to provide the most complete sales service possible.

With over 100 years of combined experience we have the knowledge to guide you through what can be a very stressful time. Our friendly team includes vast knowledge of the housing market to include sales, lettings, new homes and mortgages.

In addition, we use the latest technology such as the internet, 2D & 3D floor plans, quality digital photography and our state of the start online estate agency software to keep us ahead of the competition.

We have two main aims – to sell or let our properties quickly for the best price possible, and at the same time ensure that our customer service is second to none!! In fact, we take customer service so seriously that we have been nominated for the Estate & Letting Agent Awards 2012!!

If you have any questions with regards to any of our services then please call us, 6 days a week, on 01522 845 845 to speak to a member of our staff who will be more than happy to help.Your Local Lincoln Estate Agent.

Why should I consider buying a new house?

These are some of the many benefits a buyer could enjoy when buying a modern new build.

  • Blank canvas to make your own style
  • Your choice, with  styles and designs to suit you
  • We offer up-to-date advice and customer service every step of the way
  • Peace of mind, no time consuming renovations and costly repairs.
  •  Up to 10 years NHBC build warranty and 2 years customer care warranty.
  • The latest technology and appliances
  • lower energy bills and cost savings all round!*

Introduction

The standard of home building in the UK has never been higher than it is today. With the need for housing at unprecedented levels, home builders are investing huge amounts of resources into the quality of their properties; from exceptional levels of standard fitted features to improved energy efficiency. Here are our top reasons to buy new.

Top reasons to buy a brand new home!

Brand new means a blank canvas  
Everything in a new home is clean and untouched by previous owners. Most new homes are decorated in ‘neutral’ colours giving you a blank canvas to stamp your own style and personality on from day one.

Less chain means less stress and hassle

A new home buyer can move in to their new home as soon as it is complete, there is no need to wait for existing residents to vacate. This reduces the chain, stress and uncertainty associated with buying a second hand property.

Spoilt for choice

New homes come in all shapes and sizes, from small studio flats to grand five bedroom houses and there are countless designs and styles to choose from – something for everyone. Subject to the stage of construction, some builders offer a bespoke service to customers enabling them to choose fixtures and fittings, or a higher specification from the builder’s range at an additional cost. In some cases this will include flooring, soft furnishings, interior design or even a garden landscaping service.

Live in a high spec home

New homes are built to a much higher specification than many older properties. The amount of ‘as standard’ features included in new build homes has also greatly increased. Today, many new developments have fitted kitchens with cooker and hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher plus many have a fitted en-suite bathroom or shower room. Designed to comply with the very latest building regulations set by the Government, new homes are also kitted out with the latest heating systems, excellent wall and loft insulation, double glazed windows and doors.

Built to suit your lifestyles

New homes are built to make use of every inch of space. Research shows 17 per cent of living space in older style properties often goes unused, so the house space goes to waste. New homes, on the other hand, provide flexible living space whatever your circumstances, whether you are single, a couple, a growing family or retired.

Safety First

New homes are designed to adhere to high building standards. These standards relate to every aspect of a building’s construction including its structure, ventilation, sound insulation, electrical and fire safety, so new home owners can enjoy living in a safe and secure environment.

I’m thinking about a buy-to-let property, but need some advice.

Thinking of buying a property ‘To Let’? As part of our service, we can inspect a property on your behalf before you make a purchase, and advise you on its rental potential.

This service is offered FOR FREE to potential landlords, and is available for properties for sale with ANY estate agent!!

Call today on 01522 845 845 for more information!!!

Should I buy a new home as a buy-to-let?

Our ‘Land & New Homes’ department have a fantastic range of new properties available for sale, many of which would make excellent investment opportunities.

If you are thinking of buying a new home to let then we strongly recommend speaking to our new homes department to see if they have any properties that would suit your requirements – there are generally properties available to suit everybody, ranging from 1 bedroom flats to 6 Bedroom detached houses!!

Please call today for more information on 01522 845 845.

Choosing the right agent.

Choosing which estate agent you would like to take care of selling your home can be a very complex decision.

We feel that, before making such an important decision, you should ask:

Does my agent? …

  • Have over 200 years combined estate agency experience?
  • Offer FREE 2D & 3D floor plans on my brochures?
  • Offer FREE advertising in Starkey&Brown Property News?
  • Have an office in a prominent location?
  • Operate on a ‘No Sale, No Fee’ basis?
  • Offer FREE accompanied viewings?
  • Have dedicated sales progressors?

Not only do Starkey&Brown offer all of the above, being a dedicated Lincoln Estate Agent and Scunthorpe Estate Agent, we can visit you at your property to discuss its value, local market conditions and answer any other questions you may have. Allk of our advice is absolutely free, with no hassle or obligation – Unless we sell your property we wont charge you a penny!

All you need to do is pick up the phone and we’ll be there!!

Call today on 01522 845845 or 01724 856100

Alternatively, you can email us on lincoln@starkeyandbrown.co.uk or scunthorpe@starkeyandbrown.co.uk

Get the best price.

One of our valuers or directors will visit your property and offer you advice on how to achieve the best possible price in the current market.

There are several aspects to consider:

Presentation of property – If we feel that by changing something in your property it would be more saleable, then we will advise you of this. If we can work together to make your property more appealing to more buyers, then we would be much more likely to achieve you the best possible price.

Comparable properties – When our valuer visits your property, he will be able to present you with similar properties to your own which have sold, or failed to sell. This will very often give you a good indication of the best possible price that is achievable. This is very important – ask too much for your property and it could take a very long time to sell, ask too little and you are giving money away!! Using comparable evidence we can give you an indication of the most suitable asking price to achieve the maximum price.

Marketing your property – To achieve the best price possible we need to make your property available to as wider audience as possible, and provide them with as much information as possible to attract them to view. Therefore your property will be advised on many websites, including www.rightmove.co.uk, which attracts millions of visitors a year. In addition, we will produce sales particulars for your property which include quality digital photography, full room descriptions, room dimensions, 2D floor plans, 3D floor plans, maps and EPC’s.

Availability for viewings – When the right buyer comes along, you and your property need to be ready! Accommodating viewings can often be a stressful and inconvenient aspect of selling, however it is possibly the most important part!! If you feel that you are unable to be available at peak viewing times (often evenings and weekends) then please provide us with a key and we will be more than happy to show the customers round on your behalf, 7 days a week. In fact, many sellers choose to let Starkey & Brown carry out all their viewings. Making your property as ‘available’ as possible will give you more chance of achieving a viewing, and therefore more likely to receive an offer, and therefore more likely to achieve the best price!

For advice on any of the above, or indeed on any aspect of selling your property, call us today on 01522 845 845 and we can arrange for you to speak to one of our valuer’s, either face-to-face, or over the telephone.

Do you offer conveyancing advice?

Once you have had your offer accepted on a property, you need to choose a solicitor (or conveyancer) to make sure the transfer of the property from the seller to yourself is legal. Choosing the wrong solicitor can be costly and add hundreds of pounds to your bill, and it might even cause the deal to fall through.

Moving can be a very stressful and time consuming part of any property transaction, which is why we work good quality local solicitors to ensure you receive only the best conveyancing service.

Starkey&Brown are here to help you choose the most suitable solicitor to match your needs. By working closely reputable local firms, we can ensure that your solicitor will make your property transaction as hassle free as possible.

Please give us a call or email us for any advice or more information. We are here to help.

Do you offer mortgage advice?

Should you require any advice with regards to the costs involved with moving home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can make the necessary arrangements for you to speak to a Mortgage Advisor.

Or click HERE for help and advice.

Do you have a mailing list?

Once you have had mortgage advice and confident of your affordability, we can start helping you search for that perfect property!

Our staff will discuss your property requirements to include location, number of bedrooms, parking, garden size etc, and guide you through our selection of properties to see which might be most suitable.

If your dream property cannot be found yet, we will keep you up to speed with any properties that come onto the market, by email or by telephone…the choice is yours.

What are the benefits of buying a new home?

There are many benefits a buyer could enjoy when buying a modern new build.

  • Blank canvas to make your own style
  • Your choice, with  styles and designs to suit you
  • We offer up-to-date advice and customer service every step of the way
  • Peace of mind, no time consuming renovations and costly repairs.
  •  Up to 10 years NHBC build warranty and 2 years customer care warranty.
  • The latest technology and appliances
  • lower energy bills and cost savings all round!*

Introduction

The standard of home building in the UK has never been higher than it is today. With the need for housing at unprecedented levels, home builders are investing huge amounts of resources into the quality of their properties; from exceptional levels of standard fitted features to improved energy efficiency. Here are our top reasons to buy new.

Top reasons to buy a brand new home!

Brand new means a blank canvas  
Everything in a new home is clean and untouched by previous owners. Most new homes are decorated in ‘neutral’ colours giving you a blank canvas to stamp your own style and personality on from day one.

Less chain means less stress and hassle

A new home buyer can move in to their new home as soon as it is complete, there is no need to wait for existing residents to vacate. This reduces the chain, stress and uncertainty associated with buying a second hand property.

Spoilt for choice

New homes come in all shapes and sizes, from small studio flats to grand five bedroom houses and there are countless designs and styles to choose from – something for everyone. Subject to the stage of construction, some builders offer a bespoke service to customers enabling them to choose fixtures and fittings, or a higher specification from the builder’s range at an additional cost. In some cases this will include flooring, soft furnishings, interior design or even a garden landscaping service.

Live in a high spec home

New homes are built to a much higher specification than many older properties. The amount of ‘as standard’ features included in new build homes has also greatly increased. Today, many new developments have fitted kitchens with cooker and hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher plus many have a fitted en-suite bathroom or shower room. Designed to comply with the very latest building regulations set by the Government, new homes are also kitted out with the latest heating systems, excellent wall and loft insulation, double glazed windows and doors.

Built to suit your lifestyles

New homes are built to make use of every inch of space. Research shows 17 per cent of living space in older style properties often goes unused, so the house space goes to waste. New homes, on the other hand, provide flexible living space whatever your circumstances, whether you are single, a couple, a growing family or retired.

Safety First

New homes are designed to adhere to high building standards. These standards relate to every aspect of a building’s construction including its structure, ventilation, sound insulation, electrical and fire safety, so new home owners can enjoy living in a safe and secure environment.

I’m thinking of moving, what do I need to consider?

Mortgage Advice

Arrange an appointment with our advisor.

They can help recommend what kind of property you can afford, what kind of deposit you will require, and what the monthly repayments are likely to be.

 

Register on our Mailing List

Once you have had mortgage advice and confident of your affordability, we can start helping you search for that perfect property!

Our staff will discuss your property requirements to include location, number of bedrooms, parking, garden size etc, and guide you through our selection of properties to see which might be most suitable.

If your dream property cannot be found yet, we will keep you up to speed with any properties that come onto the market, by email or by telephone…the choice is yours.

 

Arrange to view some Properties

Once you have narrowed down which properties may be of interest, we are more than happy to arrange for you to see these properties, at your most convenient time.

 

Make an offer

You’ve seen it. The perfect property. Your dream home.

Now is the time to make an offer.

A simple phone call or visit to our office will suffice, and we will be able to usually find out that same day whether or not your offer is acceptable. If your offer isn’t acceptable, we will get back to you as soon as possible to let you know what kind of offer our vendor would be willing to accept.

 

Mortgage Application & Choosing a Solicitor

As soon as your offer has been accepted you will need to choose a solicitor, who will carry out all the legal work involved with purchasing the property for you.

Additionally, our mortgage adviser will guide you through applying for the mortgage, and all the associated insurances available to protect you and your new home.

 

Survey

As part of your mortgage application, the lender will usually carry out a survey of the property you are buying to ensure that it is satisfactory order, and to confirm that the price you have agreed to pay is in line with the current market value.

 

Exchange of Contracts

Once you have received your mortgage offer, and your survey has been carried out, and your solicitor has carried out all of their legal work, you are ready to sign your contract!

Once this is signed your solicitor will liaise with the seller’s solicitor to confirm a ‘moving in’ date and swap, or exchange contracts.

If there are any aspects of buying that you are unsure of then please let us know – please call 01522 845 845 for any advice.

Does Starkey&Brown protect clients’ money?

Starkey&Brown holds Client Money Protection (CMP) with Money Shield which protects any monies we hold on behalf of our clients against misuse. For Money Shield’s accounting rules, please click here