Quick Guides

About Meller Braggins

Advancing and developing over three centuries

Meller Braggins takes great pride in its reputation as one of north Cheshire and South Manchester's longest established, most successful independent Estate Agents.

Today's company is able to trace its roots to early 19th century Manchester. Originally established as E. Meller & Sons, successive developments were eventually to result in an interest being acquired in the Knutsford based John Braggins & Co. With the formal amalgamation
of the two estate agents in 1976 the stage was set for the emergence of the corporate structure and branding that has subsequently become
so well recognised in the region's dynamic property market place.

Now a major force in the industry, Meller Braggins' strong professional team is able to deal with virtually all property related matters. Although
the sale and purchase of residential properties remains the most significant element of the company's business, in recent years the expansion
of our auction programme and the growth of residential letting and management services have greatly augmented the facilities we are able to
offer our clients. In tandem with this we have also developed our range of professional services, offering comprehensive coverage of the commercial property, architectural design and planning, survey and valuation and agricultural and land management sectors.

With branches in seven important population centres in addition to the Rostherne based rural department, Meller Braggins is well placed
to consolidate the service it has extended to its clients over three centuries.

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First Time Buyer

The most important initial step is to arrive at a realistic assessment of the price range into which your first home is likely to fall.
This will depend on a number of factors, including:

• How much are you able to fund from your own resources in terms of an initial deposit on the property
• How much money can you afford to borrow from a mortgage lender (and are you able to provide the proof of income which will be required to secure this sum)
• The type of property you are most interested in, i.e. new estate, well established older property, detached, semi, apartment etc.
• The location which will best suit your needs, particularly keeping in mind your place of work and the daily cost of commuting.

When you are satisfied that you have the answer to these questions (or know where to find them) then the search can begin.

Meller Braggins can help in reducing much of the stress experienced by first time buyers. Our Independent Financial Advisers use
state-of-the-art technology to find the mortgage that exactly suits your needs and we will be able to recommend you to a solicitor or legal representative to act on your behalf.

Our knowledge of the north Cheshire and south Manchester area is second to none and here, too, this experience will be put to good use
for your personal guidance.

For further information please go to the Contact Us section of this web-site or call in to any branch of Meller Braggins.

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Quick Guide to Buying

Meller Braggins offices are strategically located throughout the north Cheshire and south Manchester catchment area, with each branch under
the personal supervision of at least one director.

Your property is probably the largest single financial investment you will ever make, and ensuring that the process of purchasing a home runs
as smoothly as possible is an important aspect of our service.

Fully qualified members of our professional team are ready to assist and advise you each step of the way. We are able to carry out surveys
and valuations for a variety of purposes, including banks, building societies and insurance companies. We can advise on rating and tax related matters and will be pleased to act on your behalf in negotiating the purchase of the property if you wish.

For further information please go to the Contact Us section of this web-site or pick up a copy of our 'Range of Services' booklet at any Meller Braggins branch.

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Quick Guide to Selling

Meller Braggins offices are strategically located throughout the north Cheshire and south Manchester catchment area, with each branch under
the personal supervision of at least one director.

Selling a property can often be a complex and stressful procedure requiring a proper understanding of the marketing process and the experience to avoid the many pitfalls that await the unwary vendor.

A member of our fully qualified valuation team will be happy to visit your home and advise on the best method of sale, how the property should
be marketed and the price you might expect to achieve. We will ensure that you are kept in touch every step of the way and that the costs involved are fully discussed with you before the sales operation begins.

For further information please go to the Contact Us section of this web-site or pick up a copy of our 'Range of Services' booklet at any
Meller Braggins branch.

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Quick Guide to Letting

We offer a comprehensive service in the letting and management of all types of residential property. Our knowledge and experience
of the property market enables us to advise you fully on how to obtain the maximum benefit from the letting of your property.

We are able to advise you on every aspect of letting and management, including the legal implications relating to tenancy agreements
and tenants.

For further information please go to the Contact Us section of this web-site or click here for a list of our current properties to let.

A full services guide is available at all Meller Braggins branches.

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Buying at Auction

The first consideration is to ensure that you have made adequate financial arrangements to enable you to bid for the property in which you are interested.

This may take the form of a mortgage offer or bank loan and will involve contacting a lending institution to discuss your financial requirements. Alternatively, our offices will be pleased to arrange an appointment for you to discuss these requirements with an Independent Financial Advisor.

If your bid is successful you will be asked to pay an immediate deposit in the sale room equal to 10% of the purchase price, with the balance
due some four weeks after the date of the auction. You will also be required to sign a legally binding contract at the sale.

Properties are normally on view for several weeks prior to auction and you can obtain information on viewing arrangements from any branch
of Meller Braggins or go to the Contact Us section of this web-site.

Our helpful booklet 'A Guide to Buying and Selling at Auction' is available on request from any Meller Braggins office.

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Selling at Auction

The first decision you must make is whether or not your property is a suitable subject for sale by auction. One of our experienced valuers
will be pleased to inspect the property and advise you accordingly.

If the decision is to proceed, the cost of selling by auction will be fully outlined and all charges carefully itemised, You will be advised of the
likely sale date and the stage at which advertising and marketing will commence, in addition to arrangements for viewing. Closer to the sale
date a reserve price will be agreed with you when the general level of interest is known.

Throughout this period Meller Braggins staff will keep you fully informed of progress, something you will find especially useful if you are not occupying the property to be sold.

For further information please go to the Contact Us section of this web-site or pick up a copy of our helpful booklet 'A Guide to Buying and
Selling at Auction' at any Meller Braggins branch.

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Glossary of Terms

Bridging Loan Temporary finance 'bridging' the period between completion on the purchase of a property and the sale of an existing property, funds from which are intended to finance/part finance the new purchase. Commission Fee paid to your estate agent, usually following exchange of contracts. Conveyancing Name given to the legal procedure required to transfer ownership of a property from one party to another. Deeds Legal documents relating to a property, usually held by the Building Society or Bank if the property is subject to a mortgage. Exchange of Contracts Point at which vendor and purchaser exchange binding contracts with the payment of a deposit, at the same time agreeing to a completion date. Freehold Legal ownership of land. Ground Rent Amount paid annually by a leaseholder to a freeholder. Lessor Person responsible for granting a lease - normally the landlord. Mortgagor The borrower, upon whose property the loan is secured. Probate Legal term applied to the process of proving that a will is valid. Searches Procedure undertaken by a solicitor or legal representative during the conveyancing process to establish whether any issues exist which may adversely affect the property which is to be purchased. Subject to Contract Agreement between vendor and purchaser, subject to a contract normally prepared by the vendor's solicitor. Survey The three main types are: 1. VALUATION (prepared for house purchase, mortgage purposes, insurance or probate). 2. HOMEBUYER SURVEY AND VALUATION (carried out by a Chartered Surveyor and designed to focus on urgent or significant matters requiring attention). 3. BUILDING SURVEY AND VALUATION (A more detailed inspection suitable for large or older type buildings). Tender In the process known as 'For Sale By Tender' the asking price will not be stated. Instead, written offers will be invited and a closing date for such offers published. All offers are normally opened at the same time, usually with the vendor's solicitor present. Generally, the vendor is not committed to accepting the highest or any offer.

Chief Rent Annual payment made on freehold land to the original freeholder in perpetuity. Completion The point at which the balance of the purchase price is paid and the purchaser gains access to the property. Easement Right of access for a particular purpose, granted to someone who is not the owner of the land in question. Fixtures and Fittings Non removable items within the property. These are items that permanently fixed in position. e.g. the bath, toilet, light fittings, doors and radiators. Gazumping Popular term for the situation whereby a vendor has accepted an offer but subsequently goes on to accept a higher one from a different purchaser. Landlord The owner of a property being let to a tenant. Mortgagee A lender of money, to be secured on the property in question. Private Treaty Formal name given to the method by which most estate agents will undertake the sale of residential property. This term covers the whole range of services normally associated with the sale process, culminating in 'exchange of contracts' and 'completion' between vendor and purchaser. Purchaser The buyer of a property. Stamp Duty A Government tax levied on the purchaser of a property and calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. The Stamp Duty rates are: Purchase Price/ lease premium or transfer value Stamp Duty Rate Stamp Duty Rate for first-time buyers Up to £125,000 Zero Zero Over £125,000 to £250,000 1% Zero Over £250,000 to £500,000 3% 3% Over £500,000 to £1,000,000 4% 4% Over £1,000,000 5% 5% Tenant Person occupying a property, normally subject to the terms of a lease agreed with the landlord. Vacant Possession The date by which the vendor agrees to give up possession of the property (see 'Completion'). Vendor The legal owner of a property which is being offered for sale.

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