DID YOU KNOW...?
- » Although the national average house price is going down in the UK, many regional areas are still going up in value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I afford it?
- When should I start thinking about my mortgage?
- Mortgage problems with having a BFPO address?
- No Fee for your services?
- Referrals?
- Viewing the property?
- What if I buy from somebody else, or not at all?
- I have already arranged a mortgage?
- Data Protection Act?
- What makes you different?
- What if I have little or no deposit?
- What if I am considering buying overseas?
- I’m thinking of buying in Germany
- Do you offer Forces Discounts?
Q1. I want to get onto the property ladder, but don’t think that I can afford it.
A. Many of the properties available are cheaper than you would think. However at Reality Property Services we support a new system called “Buddy Buy”, which enables friends to club together to buy a property. Contact us for more details.
Q2. I haven’t found a property yet – when should I start thinking about my mortgage?
A. You should try to have your mortgage offer secured as soon as possible, to enable you to benefit from the best property deals, and increase your chance of obtaining the property of your choice. It is important to note that reservation fees are non-refundable, and once a mortgage offer has been made, you may still be liable to administration charges from the mortgage provider if the house purchase falls through at a later stage.
Q3. Will I have problems obtaining a mortgage because of having a BFPO address?
A. No. Many military personnel have difficulties obtaining finance due to the difficulty of tracing their addresses, but we have linked up with specialist mortgage providers, who will not penalise you for the BFPO address. It is important to note however that mortgages will be offered subject to financial status, and whilst they can find mortgages for most circumstance, our mortgage providers do not guarantee to find you a mortgage.
Q4. Your advertising states that you charge nothing for your services. What is the catch?
A. There is no catch. We receive our payment from the companies we introduce you to, should you decide to use their services, so we do not have to charge you.
Q5. I have a friend who is interested in using your services, who is not military or UKBC. Can you still help?
A. Yes. We are happy to accept any referrals.
Q6. Do I need to view the property that I am considering buying?
A. This is entirely up to you. Many people buying the property for investment purposes or to let (rent out), choose not to view the property first-hand. However if you wish to view the property, this is not a problem and we will be glad to assist you in arranging a visit, although the travel expenses will be yours to pay.
Q7. What happens if I use your services but then decide to buy from somebody else, or not at all?
A. Nothing. You are under no obligation to use the contacts we provide, but we will retain your details and we hope that you will consider us again in the future.
Q8. I have already arranged a mortgage, do I have to use the one recommended by yourselves.
A. No. Reality Property Services does not make any specific recommendations, but will present you with a number of opportunities, none of which you are obliged to follow. We do however believe that it is prudent to get as many quotes as possible, and the mortgage advisors that we have teamed up with, will do everything possible to get you the most competitive rate.
Q9. Will my details be passed to other people?
A. Your details will only be given to those companies that you know are offering you services eg the mortgage advisor, the property provider, the solicitor etc that you have chosen to use. We are registered under the Data Protection Act, and you will be asked to sign a form agreeing to the use of your personal details in accordance with this Act.
Q10. There are a number of companies that advertise property finding services for Forces Personnel. What makes you different?
A. Our company is run by ex-service personnel, here to provide face to face help. We are not just internet based or located in the UK, but here in Germany, where you need us most. We can discuss your needs at a time and place to suit you and your family.
Q11. What if I have little or no deposit?
A. There are a number of schemes designed to assist you if you have little or no deposit. Some builders will also offer to pay a 5% deposit on newly built properties.
Contact us for more details.
Q12. I have heard that properties overseas are much cheaper than those in UK and that they are increasing in value faster in comparison is this true?
A. This can be true in some but not in all cases. You are advised to seek advice if considering buying overseas.
Q13. Can you help me find property
in Germany?
A. Yes, we can help you source a property in Germany. We are also
able to obtain some very attractive mortgage deals directly with
German Banks.
Q14. I have noticed a couple of companies
offering special deals for member of the HM Forces, do you do the same?
A.
Many of the companies we deal with offer discounts of this type, not
only to members of HM Forces but the wider defence community, e.g. Civil
Servants and NAAFI employees.