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HouseHop.co.uk

The House Hop First Time Buyer Guide



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Get a mortgage in principle


Once you have decided on which mortgage you want and how much you can afford you should get a mortgage in principle.

A mortgage in principle is an agreement from your lender that they will offer you a mortgage subject to certain conditions, including a successful credit check and property valuation.
Having a mortgage in principle means that:
  1. sellers will take you more seriously, putting you in a stronger bargaining position
  2. you're less likely to lose out in a race for a property

As a first time buyer securing a mortgage in principle — together with the fact that you have no chain — can put you in a very strong bargaining position.

Sellers will sometimes accept a lower offer from one buyer because they know that that buyer is in a position to complete quickly.