Steve Boxall writes …………

Property has been my source of income since 1972, having started employment with a firm of Chartered Surveyors in Derby.  You are probably thinking it’s time I give it a rest!  But…… I can’t, it’s in my blood, and it would be a shame to let that experience disappear.

Despite my longevity in the industry, I was recently taken away from my comfort zone.  I have three Sons, one in London, one in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in Bristol.  Paul, in Bristol, recently purchased a property in Bristol and asked for my advice through the transaction.

I realised that my comfort zone was related to my location in the East Midlands, as this is where I plied my trade.  Which solicitor should he use? Was the area in which he was looking OK? Were there any local peculiarities that I was not aware of?

Of course the internet is a wonderful source of information, and so things got underway.  It became clear to me just how much a buyer would struggle with a cumbersome legal process for the first time buyer.

On one occasion, the nominated solicitor emailed my Son, forty-three PDF documents for him to read and ask any questions.  These were rapidly emailed to me for my opinion.

Now as it happens, the majority of the documents were straight-forward, and could be left.  However, there were others that were legally worded and had to be clarified.  Others relating to service charges needed clarification to ensure correct payments were made.

Add these documents to the mortgage application forms, and surveys, together with timings, and the sheer practicality of the move, I could see how buyers could be put off and extremely confused.

Proper information and correct advice is key, and I will not take these for granted.  I am pleased to say that everyone at Gadsby Nichols is trained to give proper, concise information, and are happy to help sellers and buyers alike.  So, don’t risk leaving your comfort zone, call Gadsby Nichols.

Steve