How much time does it take out of your diary when you are planning a move

How much time does it take out of your diary when you are planning a move

I don't mean the length of time for the solicitors or your mortgage lender to arrange the paperwork. I mean, how much of YOUR time will it take?

Scouring the websites daily for new instructions, emailing agents, and booking viewings - it all takes time. Then you have to spend your weekends looking at properties. Once you find one you like, you must spend time on the phone, backwards and forwards, negotiating offers.

And it doesn't end there. Once the offer is accepted, you need to get quotes from solicitors and speak to mortgage brokers.

They will all require copies of your ID and proof of address. You'll need to read and sign engagement letters with these companies and agree on fees.

Then, when all that is done, you will have to provide bank statements, evidence of savings, payslips and details of any other properties you own. You need to complete forms that can be 30 pages or more, detailing your whole life.

Then you will have to chase up weekly with everyone involved - the agents, the mortgage broker, and the solicitor. Checking that everything is moving along nicely and that there is progress towards the big moving day, culminating in a lengthy meeting with your solicitor to check and double-check the boundaries and contract paperwork before finally signing on the dotted line.

And then, when the date for completion is set and you've sent off your cash deposit funds, you have to pack your entire house up and arrange removals.

The fun doesn't stop there - you'll need to read meters, have extra keys cut, and inform utility providers, the council tax office and the TV licence. Perhaps you need to arrange for satellite TV to be set up and your internet provider.

Realistically, buying a property will take hours out of your life. Spread across months of the process, it is likely that you will need to dedicate at least 5 to 6 hours per week to moving.

Do you have that much time per week to spare? The vast majority of the population blames not having enough time as the main reason they don't exercise. In reality, committing to exercise daily would probably take less time than buying a property.

Initially, it's fun and exciting to pore over the property websites looking for your dream home. Perhaps looking at new areas that you hadn't considered before - would you like it here, would the schools be good etc. You imagine living in that kitchen or this garden.

What could be better?

Now, there are no quick fixes for the following stages of buying a property. You'll still have to complete the forms and provide the paperwork. But, with a reputable agent in your corner, a good solicitor and a mortgage broker, you can undoubtedly relieve some of the stresses involved in buying a property. Regular contact and communication are key.

If you'd like to have a chat or would like to book a valuation for your property, we'd love to help.