Getting on to the property ladder, and moving up it, can take a lot of time and a lot of saving. How do homebuyers know where to start, and what is required?
A happy move, such as that first purchase, is at its smoothest when a plan is formulated, perhaps using a moving property checklist. Costs are calculated for each important stage, and a budget is agreed.
Sounds good so far.
Working to a budget and knowing who to use and when, makes such a difference to home movers. Online property portals that know the area, who can market a property well and provide choice to homeowners, will do very well. Everyone in property likes to be in the driving seat.
So what’s new?
Solicitors are under strict time constraints to get to exchange of contracts without delay, and pressure can be applied from all parties involved, especially the homebuyer. Then, all of a sudden, the solicitor asks the key question:
“Do you have buildings insurance in place?”
Mortgage lenders can insist that you have buildings insurance in place on exchange of contracts. This question is asked late in the day because so many properties fail to exchange; chains can break, or the seller may accept a higher offer. The process can be long-winded, leaving the homebuyer nervous about committing to a new house insurance policy, or worried that their current house insurance will not cover a second home unless more money is spent.
We Help You Too Ltd, in conjunction with Onesearch Direct and Northcott Beaton, have launched a homebuyer’s flexible friend.
A simple solution is the new, innovative Flexi smart Contingency House Insurance, which provides building insurance between exchange of contracts and completion for up to 28 days. This inexpensive policy helps everyone.
It is a win-win for all parties.
The homebuyer needn’t worry about when the exchange date is, as there is a flexible start date. The policy comes into force on the day of exchange, ensuring no delays are made.
The solicitor knows with certainty that they have building insurance in place and that, once exchanged, the homebuyer has breathing space to source the best insurance for their needs.
The insurance company has fewer policies cancelled. The lender gets what they want: cover on exchange of contracts.
Sometimes, it is the simple changes that make such a difference.
We Help You Too Ltd, who manage The National Homebuyer Conveyancing Panel, already provide homebuyers with the conveyancing tools to search the conveyancing market by price, location and by mortgage lender without asking for any personal details. Now, homebuyers can add the Flexi Smart Contingency House Insurance without obligation to their purchase quote.
When the homebuyer’s solicitor is instructed, the homebuyer can decide to move forward with the Flexi Smart Contingency House Insurance. Solicitors can conveniently order the policy via the Onesearch ordering portal.