# Serhant Buyers Guide — Condensed Reference (UK Adapted)

The original guide covers the NYC purchasing process. Below is the methodology adapted for UK estate agency.

## The 9-Step Buyer Journey (UK)

### 1. Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (1-3 days)
- Know what you can comfortably spend before searching
- Shopping without an AIP is like going to the shops without your wallet
- Connect buyers with trusted mortgage brokers

### 2. Instruct a Solicitor (1-3 days)
- Buyers should have a solicitor ready before making offers
- Recommend trusted local solicitors early in the process

### 3. Find a Property (varies)
- Narrow to 2-3 preferred areas
- Consider commute, schools, amenities, transport links
- Factor in lifestyle priorities

### 4. Negotiate (1-7 days)
- Expert negotiators fight for the buyer
- Everything is potentially negotiable: fixtures, completion date, chains
- Properties are delivered as seen unless negotiated otherwise

### 5. Offer Accepted — Instruct Solicitor & Surveyor (1-2 weeks)
- Solicitor begins searches and due diligence
- Buyer arranges survey (homebuyer report or full structural)
- Memorandum of sale issued to all parties

### 6. Mortgage Application (2-4 weeks)
- Full mortgage application submitted with accepted offer
- Lender arranges valuation
- Mortgage offer issued

### 7. Searches & Enquiries (2-6 weeks)
- Local authority searches, environmental, drainage
- Solicitor raises enquiries with vendor's solicitor
- Any issues negotiated or resolved

### 8. Exchange of Contracts (timing varies)
- Buyer signs contract and pays deposit (usually 10%)
- Both parties legally committed
- Completion date agreed

### 9. Completion & Keys!
- Remaining funds transferred
- Keys handed over
- CONGRATULATIONS — time to celebrate!
- "Your referral is the greatest compliment we can ever receive"

## Key Principle
Guide the buyer through every step. Set expectations early. The more informed they are, the smoother the transaction.