First-time Sunderland home buyers' questions answered at free workshop

Potential first-time home buyers are invited to a free workshop aimed at answering many of the questions people have as they prepare to step on the housing ladder.

Two local companies have partnered with a national lender and a national surveyor at the event on Wednesday, May 9, in Sunderland.

City businesses Approved Mortgage Solutions and Sweeney Miller Solicitors had the initial idea for the workshop.

Paul Hampton, of Approved Mortgage Solutions, pictured above, said: “When our advisor sits with first time buyers and explain things to them, discuss the choices they need to make and the pros and cons of those decisions, so many of our clients say 'I wish we could have learnt this in school'."

Approved Mortgage Solutions will talk about saving for your deposit, credit profiles, different types of interest rates and the risks and rewards of each of them.

Its experts will be discussing subjects like affordability and how to plan properly, how your mortgage term effects how much you pay and dealing with estate agents.

Paul Miller, from Sweeney Miller, will be on hand to talk buyers through what the solicitor does, what searches and disbursements mean in simple terms and what goes into a contract.

Bob Mills, from Connells Surveyors, will be attending to give some pointers on what to look out for when viewing properties.

These include what the cracks in the plaster really mean and he will also discuss what he looks for when he surveys a property on behalf of a lender.

Natalie Bridges, from Skipton Building Society, will be on hand to give first time buyers an insight into what checks the lender does when you submit your application.

Wednesday's workshop takes place at the North East Business Innovation Centre Sunderland, Wearfield, Enterprise Park East, from 6pm-7.30pm.

There are still places available although advance booking is recommended at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/first-time-buyer-the-first-step-tickets-45445687274