BuyersGuide

Buying a property can be one of the most exciting but yet daunting tasks. We have pulled together a few pointers to help you along the way.

Budget

Most importantly you need to access what your affordability is.

Speak to a Mortgage Broker or your local Bank ( mortgage brokers will have access to the entire mortgage market)
Arrange a meeting to ascertain what your level of affordability is
Provide all necessary paperwork required including payslips

Our partner mortgage broker is Lloyd Edwards 07980644509 / 017373511150 - lloyd.edwards@bentleyholmes.com

The Search

Compile a list of must's, wants and absolute no's & decide on the area you wish to purchase in
Use all the tools available to see what is on the market including registering with local agents, signing up for Rightmove and Zoopla alerts etc. This will ensure that you will be notified as soon as properties come onto the market.
Try to be open minded when viewing something you may first think does not tick the boxes set out may just be the one
When you have found a property you will need to place an offer
Along with your offer as agents we will request proof of your position to purchase and financial qualification. This will include a copy of a mortgage agreed in principle or details for your mortgage broker.
Your offer will then be placed with the vendors with as much supporting information as possible
Upon your acceptance you will move onto the mortgage and conveyancing process

Mortgage and Solicitors

Mortgages

You will need to begin the formal application process with the bank or broker
They will require various documentation from you and sometimes payment for a survey
Your mortgage lender will carry out a mortgage survey for you, you may wish to proceed with a private Homebuyers or Buildings Survey yourself. A Homebuyers or Buildings Survey will look into the property in further detail including structural integrity, plumbing, roof, electrics and heating.
After your mortgage survey has taken place you should expect to receive a formal offer within 7-10 days
Your offer will also be sent to your solicitors

Solicitors

It is important that you choose your solicitors wisely, in this field you normally get what you pay for in terms of service
Your solicitors once chosen will send you documentation, it is imperative that you you return these asap so the process is not delayed
Your solicitors will require money for your searches, they will carry out a Local Search, Water & Drainage Search and Environmental Search
Your solicitors will raise any queries that they have and you have the opportunity to raise and queries you have
When your solicitors are in a position that they have everything and are happy as are you your solicitors will report to you with your contract papers
This will generally include the TR1, mortgage deed and contracts along with other documents.
Please get these signed, checked and witnessed and returned as soon as possible
Once everything is back with the solicitors and a completion date has been agreed we are ready to exchange ( if you are part of a chain everyone will need to be in this position and agreeable to the date)
Exchange will take place via a phone call between solicitors

Moving Day

Its finally here, the day has arrived. Today legal completion will take place.

Your solicitors will be in receipt of your remaining funds from the lender to carry out completion.
Funds will be sent onto the solicitors acting for the vendors, once received legal completion has taken place
Congratulations you are now the proud owner of your new home

Testimonials View all testimonials

Don't just take our word for it.

An excellent, professional and lovely team of agents. Clare, Siobhan and Luke kept us updated throughout our sale. Fantastic team! Wouldn't use anyone else. Also an extremely competitive commission rate.
Jesse Rose, Vendor - January 2019

We cannot praise Teresa and Ian highly enough for their hard work, kindness and dedication in what proved to be a protracted sale. They were so helpful throughout the sale and were only too happy to deal with any queries and problems as they arose. Such kind and dedicated staff are rare to find - well done Cromwells!
A & T, Vendor - March 2018

When selling is one of the most stressful things you will ever do Cromwells have been fantastic. The staff are kind, caring, responsive and so very helpful. Would HIGHLY recommend using them and will be using them again for future sales.
Jessica Forzani, Vendor - September 21

Cromwells estate agents was a very good experience from start to finish, from valuation to completion. In particular Clare and Siobhan from the Worcester Park branch who kept me informed all the way through the sale. They both worked really hard with regular calls to solicitors, other estate agents in the chain and vendors to keep the sale on track. They also work with a local solicitor Stratega Law who are extremely efficient. I would highly recommend using Cromwells and their partnership solicitor if you want to sell your house quickly, with great communication, determination and professionalism to get you to completion and in to your new home.
Susan Bann, Vendor - March 2021

In a difficult period for selling flats, Cromwells did a great job at rustling up interest in our property. They were very good at expediting through our sale, co-ordinating with solicitors etc on our behalf. Very responsive and offer great value for money. I have used them twice now and will be using them again in the future, highly recommend.
P Sealey, Vendor - October 21

The experience with Cromwells from start to finish has been great . The agent whom Started the sales process to the agent whom assisted with the completion were great . (Siobhan) was our point of contact at the end and if it wasn’t for her I doubt that the sale would have completed .

She was always willing to answer the phone even on the odd day off , always got back to us with answers and was really helpful with getting the whole process to move along ! Can’t thank her enough .
Paul Williams, Buyer - June 2020

Cromwells have been outstanding right from the word go. Their attention to detail and communication skills are second to none and they sold my property and got the full asking price. Everyone in the Worcester Park Branch is friendly, cheerful and nothing is too much trouble. My thanks go to Clare, Siobhan, Luke and all the team and I shall miss speaking with you all.
Miscura, Vendor - May 2017

Excellent experience working with Clare at Cromwells. It was quite a tricky chain and she kept everything on track whilst being really communicative.
Alana Henderson, Buyer - December 2019

This Beautiful pillow made for us by our lovely vendors when they completed. Happy Client, Happy Agent.
Gift's from Vendors - July 2020

We are extremely grateful with all the team at Cromwells Carshalton, they made the whole process so easy and stress free, considering we are in the middle of a pandemic! Since the initial contact to completion date, they were communicative, honest and extremely professional. I cannot rate Cromwells Carshalton highly enough, outstanding!!!
Jovan Maria - April 2021

When things go well, it's easy to compliment someone for a job well done, but what is more impressive is when difficulties are handled with care and empathy. Luke, Siobhan and Clare were always delightful to deal with and professional. We had a nail-biter of a roller coaster journey holding a 5 house chain together with 1 total and 3 other near collapses. Luke, in particular, went above and beyond the call of duty working on days off and holidays to ensure we were kept informed every step of the way. I also really appreciated verbal feedback on every viewing we had. I would recommend Cromwells as they work together as a great team and go the extra mile.
Dominic Beecheno, Vendor & Buyer - September 2018

If I could give above 5 stars I would....

The team honestly couldn't do enough for me when purchasing my first home, making the process seamless and feel effortless. All members of the Cromwells Cheam team that I spoke with were friendly and personable, which made me feel calm throughout a time of my life that I thought would be stressful.

I would 100% recommend using this trustworthy, professional Estate Agents and a BIG thank you for helping me!
Janet Smith, Buyer - April 2021

Moving is so stressful so it's very important to choose right Estate Agent. I spoke to 3 different agents and decided to choose Cromwells. I'm so glad I did they were fantastic throughout the process. Thank you Heather, George and Ashleigh.
Trish Smith, Vendor - April 2018

From the first viewing to driving me to the property on moving day, Clare was fantastic. I had been so stressed after such a prolonged house search with a frustrated buyer kicking at my heels, that it was a relief to have someone so cheerful, calm, helpful and reliable looking after me.

She was able to answer all my questions and offered to speak to the vendors about anything else I needed to know. She also dealt with the other estate agents in the chain and was the first to provide me with those details - ahead of the solicitor!

Siobhan again made some enquiries to the vendors on my behalf including liaising with them regarding parking arrangements for my removals people. Even on moving day she was suggesting how she could help make the collection of keys easier.

I really felt they both had my interests at heart which is not what I have had experience of in the past with estate agents - either as a buyer or a seller!

Thank you so much!
Sally Burton, Buyer - December 2019

Cromwell's Cheam have given us an excellent service with the sale of our house. Having been stung with a buyer withdrawal and let's just say 'Not so good service' by another agent earlier in the year. (3 Months of agony) We were bruised and nervous about starting all over again. But it has been a pleasure working with such professional, efficient, helpful and friendly people. We were kept informed every step of the way, which is refreshing in itself. Thank you to Heather, George and the team for an unexpected , but welcome smooth sale.
Beverly and Kevin Evans
Beverly Evans, Vendor - November 2019

We’ve had the pleasure of dealing with Cromwells buying and selling our house. Ian, Orla and Phil were all very pleasant, professional and easy to deal with, unlike a lot of other estate agents we’ve used in the past.

They sold our house for the price they said they could, with in the time they said they could. Very impressed and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
P Ellis, Vendor & Buyer - October 21

The service I received from Cromwells was excellent. The valuation was realistic, the viewings were hassle-free, and they found me a buyer very quickly. The fees were considerably less than those quoted by other agents and included the services of a very good solicitor. Luke, my agent, went above and beyond, keeping me informed throughout and even helping me with my onward search. I was really grateful for all their support, which made the whole process much easier.

Kevin Maddison, Vendor - August 2019

From the first viewing to driving me to the property on moving day, Clare was fantastic. I had been so stressed after such a prolonged house search with a frustrated buyer kicking at my heels, that it was a relief to have someone so cheerful, calm, helpful and reliable looking after me.

She was able to answer all my questions and offered to speak to the vendors about anything else I needed to know. She also dealt with the other estate agents in the chain and was the first to provide me with those details - ahead of the solicitor!

Siobhan again made some enquiries to the vendors on my behalf including liaising with them regarding parking arrangements for my removals people. Even on moving day she was suggesting how she could help make the collection of keys easier.

I really felt they both had my interests at heart which is not what I have had experience of in the past with estate agents - either as a buyer or a seller!

Thank you so much!

Sally Burton, Buyer - December 2019

As a fellow estate agent I know how important it is to have a good and capable agent by your side. I had the displeasure of meeting other agents in Worcester Park who had made comments that "I ask too many questions" on viewings, which didn't go down well. I was impressed with Luke's pro active approach and attention to detail. He has all the good qualities of an excellent agent; patience, diligence and dealt with a difficult solicitor. Between him and Siobhan they worked as a solid team to ensure the sale went through making mine and my girlfriend's dreams come true. As a property professional I highly recommend Cromwells Estate Agents and will most likely use them again in the future!

Thomas Meilak, Buyer - June 2019

I sold my flat through Cromwells in Worcester Park and received excellent friendly service. Nothing was too much for them even helping chase up solicitors etc.... would definitely use their services again!
Maria Clayton, Vendor - May 2019

We have recently connected with Claire (Cromwells) to purchase a property in Worcester park. A good agent must be a people-person and able to communicate effectively with all parties involved. But they also need to be an even better negotiator. While we might feel a little shy about dealing with money matters and sealing the seal, your agent should be an accomplished negotiator who always fights your corner and gets results. I must say Claire met all key criteria. I was really impressed by the way Claire managed the communication and helped to close the deal in limited time.

Nikhil Agrawal, Buyer - October 2018

Selling our home after nearly 40 years was a daunting experience but happily our sale went smoothly. Buying our next home proved more challenging with both the vendor and his solicitor being “too relaxed” and extremely slow in responding to the usual enquiries. Without the persistent commitment of Nicky from Cromwells we doubt whether we would have ever exchanged. She was fearless in chasing the vendor and his solicitor for answers - sometimes to their annoyance! Nicky regularly kept us briefed on the “progress” and we will always be grateful to her for her professionalism, determination and friendly support when we most needed it.
Robert Cox, Vendor - November 21

I would highly recommend Cromwells Worcester park even during a pandemic they have been excellent. I was recommend them by a friend and really glad we went with them to sell our property. Siobhan was so friendly and helpful at our first meeting, and got things moving very quickly. She was there to answer our many questions. Clare has also been brilliant- keeping us informed of every step and helping us to complete within a tight time frame. Thank you to cromwells for all you hard work!
Lindsay McDonald, Vendor - April 2021

We had a great experience with Cromwells Worcester Park. Clare and Siobhan were absolutely great and kept us updated at every step of the way from our first viewing through to completion. We also received a lovely welcome box when we picked up the keys which was a lovely touch. Highly recommend!
Sacha Sokhi, Buyer - April 2021

Ian and Teresa handled all aspects of our house sale and surpassed all our high expectations and delivered truly excellent service. They kept us informed every step of the way and the "after sales" management of our lengthy and problematic chain showed their professionalism and expertise. I would highly recommend Cromwells Carshalton Beeches!
Shareen Nasim, Vendor - October 2018

A great professional service. Communication was excellent throughout-this is the second time we have used Cromwell's and would thoroughly recommend them. Luke and Clare were brilliant!
Paul Glover, Vendor - December 2019

I am so glad I choose Cromwells, Worcester Park, to sell my property. From instructing them to sell our property to moving – they were professional, friendly, clam and helpful; made everything clear and used a high level of common sense in all their communications. Siobhan kept us fully updated with everything happening in the chain, she managed to keep the chain together and arrange a time agreeable (to everyone in the chain of 5), to move during the lockdown. Siobhan knew exactly what was happening in my case every time I called and if I asked her to find anything out she would get back with an answer straight away. Special thanks to Siobhan and Luke for making our move as painless as possible
Maggie Bayoumy, Vendor & Buyer - June 2020

Cromwells Carshalton, you are simply amazing! I can’t thank you enough for the outstanding service you delivered when my partner and I recently purchased our first home. Throughout the end-to-end process the team made sure all parts were progressing as planned and provided regular, friendly updates allowing me to feel relaxed and calm. A huge thank you to Orla, Phil, Teresa and Ian for being efficient, responsive and committed. Nothing was ever too big for them to help us with!

We are now in our new home and I’ll forever be thankful for Cromwells providing us with a first class service. I would have no hesitation in recommending this estate agents to anyone in the area looking to buy a property.
Holly Gilbert, Buyer - March 2021

Orla and the Cromwells team were incredibly helpful throughout our sale. They kept us informed through the process and made sure we and our buyers were clear on the latest position. Would recommend them to anyone looking to sell, and in fact chose them based on a family recommendation
Daniel Pembroke, Vendor - April 2021

We have been going through the process of buying a house with Cromwells, and ever since setting up the viewing it has been a great experience. We have been dealing with Siobhan who has been extremely helpful with any questions we had as first time buyers, and also liaised with all parties efficiently in order to speed up the process. There was never a feeling of having to constantly chase them up, as every query was answered within the day, and I couldn't recommend Cromwells and Siobhan highly enough.
Samuel Flood, Buyer - March 2021

Thank you so much to all the staff at Cromwells estate agent in Worcester park and especially Oliver for being very helpful, sincere, honest, and very professional, thank you again for your help during the procedures for purchasing my flat.
Bank Haki, Buyer - October 21

I am very pleased with the service that I have received at Cromwells in selling my house and buying my flat. As soon as we walked in the door to make initial enquiries, we had a warm welcome. I cannot speak highly enough of Chris in particular with whom I had the most dealings. I have been kept informed every step of the way.
Wendy Rayner, Vendor - March 2021

I was very impressed by Cromwells when they carried out a house valuation for me a couple of years ago, and they were therefore my first choice of estate agent when my mother went into a care home and it became necessary to sell her house. In practice, though, their service in selling my mother's house was so outstanding that it exceeded all my previous expectations. I went into the Carshalton Beeches branch on a Wednesday. They were on the case instantly with friendly professionalism: they visited the property the same day and on Thursday there was an impressive entry on Rightmore. On Saturday there were seven viewings and by Monday there were two offers. We accepted the higher of these, which was an excellent price for my mother's house. We used Cromwells' inclusive legal package and we even got the house cleared using a firm on their recommendation. The whole process has been hassle-free and we now have an early completion date. I would not use anyone but Cromwells in future when I need an estate agent.
Ian Kemp MBE, Vendor - March 2018

I recently sold my house through Cromwells Cheam and I have to say I received a great service throughout. Hayley was a real help once the offer was accepted by keeping me updated every week. Would definitely recommend to anyone selling their house in the Sutton/Cheam area!
Max Blackford, Vendor - April 2021

We sold and bought houses with Cromwells and highly recommend them. Heather in the Cheam branch dealt with our purchase and provided us with an excellent service. She is professional, friendly and kept in excellent communication with us. She really went above and beyond to ensure our purchase went through.
Ricky Bell, Buyer - January 2019

If you are looking for an estate agency firm in Worcester Park I would suggest that you look no further. Siobhan, Claire and Luke were brilliant from start to finish. We had complete trust and faith in them and they delivered. The whole team were knowledgeable about the current market conditions, which was key in the current conditions, always made themselves available to speak to us, including out of hours of business. Great care was taken when producing our property details and their commission rate was very competitive. It would take something expectional for us to use or recommend another estate agent within the local area.
Matthew Westbrook , Vendor & Buyer - February 2019

So pleased we chose Cromwells to sell our home. It was a bumpy road but each stage was dealt speedily and professionally by George. Thank you to Jason for the initial meeting and great photos and to George and Heather for completing the process, highly recommend!

Cath Cornet, Vendor - October 2018

From beginning to end of the process the service offered by Cromwells was fantastic. Special mention to Ian and Teresa who were OUTSTANDING!
Seamus Keaveney, Vendor - September 2019

A great professional service. Communication was excellent throughout-this is the second time we have used Cromwell's and would thoroughly recommend them. Luke and Clare were brilliant!
Paul Glover, Vendor - December 2019

I dealt mostly with Teresa and she was excellent very efficient, friendly and made the whole process simple and straightforward. Justin was also very helpful and constructive. Teresa organised an open day which got us a buyer. They handled all aspects of the sale and negotiations and did a great job for us. We were unfamiliar with the open day approach not having sold a property in the last two decades and neither of my siblings live in this area. Teresa explained and reassured with great patience over our groundless concerns. have already recommended them to others. I would certainly go to them again
Private , Vendor - November 2015

Had the most positive experience during an incredible difficult time. Buying a house during a pandemic is hard enough!! Siobhan is exceptional at her job. So professional. Nothing was too much trouble. She went above and beyond in exceptional circumstances. I would highly recommend Cromwells to anyone. Buying or selling.
Sarah Wiseman, Buyer - July 2020

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