Buying a home is an exciting and engaging prospect, and at times the complex process leading to that purchase can seem daunting.
Thompson Estates understand this will probably be the single most important financial decision you will make, and because of this we aim to make your property purchase as simple and stress free as possible.
The First step to buying your home should be a visit to your Bank or a reputable mortgage advisor. This will allow you to identify how much you can afford to spend on your new home. You will need to explain your income and financial commitments, so ensure that you have these details ready for the meeting. Remember to take into account the extra costs you will incur such as Bank fees, Surveyor’s fees, legal fees, stamp duty and any other costs that may occur
So, you are ready to move home, and you have taken your time to think about your ‘wish list’ for your dream home. Your preference may be a house or an apartment?, garden or balcony?, town or country?, or just simply down to how many bedrooms you require. The list could be endless and the choice is entirely personal, these factors will help you decide which is the right property for you.
Inspect each property thoroughly, don’t be afraid to ask for a second or third viewing at different times of the day taking into consideration how the sunlight or traffic may affect the property. Careful consideration of these matters will avoid any future upset or disappointment.
Rarely does a property have a ‘fixed price’. Consider the price you wish to offer, your Negotiator will then put your offer forward to the vendor. Don’t forget to mention if you have a mortgage agreed in principle, if you are a cash purchaser, or there is no ongoing property chain in the transaction as your offer could be more appealing to the vendor. Please remember that your offer must be made ‘subject to contract and survey’.
The bank will require a valuation survey of the property, however, if you obtain a full surveyor’s report this will ensure that there are no hidden defects with your new home. Speak to a Surveyor recommended by the Bank or your Lawyer and discuss with them the type of survey you require. There are different ’levels’ of survey and consequently different costs.
Conveyancing is the legal term for the team involved in the transfer of the property from the vendor’s ownership to you. This is the principal part of the work that your Lawyer will undertake for you. Buying a house can be stressful so it is important that you find an Advocate, Solicitor or Conveyancer that you can trust and communicate with in language that you understand. Prices for conveyancing can vary, but as with everything in life, the cheapest is not always necessarily the best.
The legal team you instruct will receive a draft contract of sale from the Vendors Lawyer. They will check the terms of the contract and make a search at the Public Registry to verify ‘title’ to the property.
In the case of Share Transfer purchase they will also check the good standing of the company which holds the property. They will carry out a site visit to identify the boundaries at the property and make searches of the utility companies, the Parish and States Departments to ensure that all is in order.
Once all the enquiries are satisfactory and complete they will meet with you to go through the terms of the purchase contract and complete the registration requirements for your mortgage. When all has been agreed you will be ready to complete your purchase.
The Jersey conveyancing process for a Freehold property ends with a contract being passed before the Royal Court. You are welcome to attend or one of the Conveyancers can attend on your behalf. Many clients enjoy the tradition of going to court to participate in the completion of their transaction.
At the time of purchase your new home will need to be insured. Shop around for the best quote amongst the many insurance providers. As a property owner it would be a wise decision to make a will. Discuss your wishes with your Lawyer who will provide an affordable Will tailored to suit your specific needs.
Agents luring you with low commission rates only proves to be a case of false economy. Offering such low rates means that you and your home are merely just a number to them. Low fees means less money available to spend on staff training, up to date marketing tools and advertising, as a result they will not be able to ‘show-case’ your home to its fullest potential.
‘Where other Agents see clients, we see people; where other Agents see houses, we see homes’.
By instructing Thompson Estates to sell your property for you, you can be assured we are fully committed to achieving the best possible price. Furthermore we promise to keep you fully informed of all developments that may occur during the sale process. In return you must be fully committed to us, which means taking our advice, be willing to accommodate all viewings and keeping your property looking good, even if that means being flexible with your schedule for a few weeks until you receive an offer. Selling your property is a huge, life-changing event and you will have to adapt your life a little to make it happen.
‘We work with a singular focus to exceed each and every client’s expectations’.
‘Move forward with us’
Our highly experienced team of Negotiators provide outstanding customer service and exceptional client results. Working unquestionably hard, we offer an unrivalled service to ensure your property is sold as quickly and efficiently as possible
Our fees reflect the superior level of service we offer. We are not prepared to compromise on this excellence, therefore our fees are non-negotiable.
Sole agents 1.5% Multi agents 2%
Cheapest is not always the best, and nothing in life is for free…..
After you have decided it’s time to move, remember, first and foremost you are ‘selling’ your home. Not every home is perfect but try and make sure it is presented to its fullest advantage. Fix any obvious problems, de-clutter and give it a good spring clean
Get motivated and get ‘moving’!
A for sale sign is a crucial part of our marketing strategy. Not only does it attract passers by, it also shouts out that your home is ‘FOR SALE’!
Don’t be mislead, an agent can purposely grossly overvalue your property, this can sometimes be a ploy to gain the instruction. A property with an over inflated price will not sell, it will stick on the market and stagnate wasting everyone’s time and money.
‘Property in Jersey valued accurately sells faster’…
Buying or leasing property in Jersey is a process governed by a strict set of laws.
Under the Control of the ‘Housing and Work Law’ there are four new categories which determine where you can work and live. The current qualifying period for obtaining housing qualifications is 10 years. All existing ‘A-H’, ‘A-J’ and ‘A-K’, also known as ‘freehold, flying freehold or share transfer’ properties are now ‘qualified’. In general all other property is ‘registered’ which is also known as ‘unqualified’.
In general regulations are broken down into the following categories:
Entitled: previously A-H Category
Licensed: previously J Category
Entitled to work: previously Non-Qualified
Registered: previously Non-Qualified
Registration cards….Your residential status will be printed on your registration card. Registration cards have replaced Social Security cards and will show your name, Social Security number, residential and employment status and the card’s expiry date. They don’t have a photograph, so you can not use the card as identification. You will need to obtain your registration card from the Social Security Department located on La Motte Street in St Helier. You will require photographic I.D and possibly other documentation if you are not Jersey born or if you have not applied for Housing previously. You will only need to obtain a registration card if you buy/lease a property, move to Jersey or start a new job with a new employer.
Further information of Jersey’s housing law and details on registration cards and can be found on the States of Jersey website