I'm a first time buyer and I've read this -
http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/brand_new_home_buying_procedure.htm - but I'm still so confused on the process of buying a new build.
My situation is that: we've seen a new build, loved it, and reserved it for 28 days, as is standard. This was 18 days ago. We paid a £500 fee, which (stated in writing) will be fully refundable if my wife's parents don't approve of the house. Very naively, we assumed that we could wait until the parents have seen the house, approved of it, then we would make a move on getting a mortgage, solicitor etc etc. But now I've realised that it states we need to 'exchange contracts' within 28 days, and moreover the soonest the parents can can see it is on the 25th day of the reservation period, which means it's impossible for us to 'exchange contracts' by the 28th day!
I'm going to see if we can extend the reservation period, but now we've decided to just make a move and buy the house and not wait for the parent's consent.
But I'm very confused about the house buying process for a new build:
What i'm confused about:
1) Do we put an offer in first, and then when it's accepted get a mortgage? Or get a mortgage first and then make an offer?
2) Do we get a solicitor before, or after we get a mortgage?
3) What are all the things I should expect the solicitor to do for me?
4) Do I have to pay a legal fee to the solicitor for getting the mortgage, as well for the work the solicitor will do in surveying etc the house?
5) Do I still need to get an agreement in principle?
6) What is the beginning to end process of buying a new build?!
Sorry for the scattered questions. I would appreciate any help whatsoever.