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Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of the questions that people ask us most frequently about Property Finders in general and about Surrey HomeSearch and the service we provide. We think we've answered most questions, but if there is anything else you'd like to know about our Surrey HomeSearch, please do get in touch.

Who are Surrey HomeSearch?

Catherine Bremford and Helen Smith are Surrey HomeSearch! We are Independent Property Search Agents working in Surrey and the very close surrounding borders. Catherine and Helen have over 20 years combined property experience, and both love all things property. Find out more about Catherine and Helen, and what we do at Surrey HomeSearch.

What does a property search agent do?

A property search agent works on behalf of the buyer to find and secure the perfect property. Working with each client, a property search agent will identify suitable areas to focus the property search. A property search agent will understand your requirements and will work with local agents and other contacts to narrow down potential properties.

At Surrey HomeSearch, we pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients and securing our clients their perfect home. From our initial meeting with you, where we will discuss your property search in detail and understand your perfect home, right through to securing your dream home and seeing you through to completion and moving in day, we are there with you every step of the way.

A property search agent will source properties and will present you with a short list of properties. At Surrey HomeSerarch we will work with our extensive network of contacts to secure properties that are both on or off-market and will then preview properties on your behalf, feeding back to you on each property as well as providing valuable intel on the local area. This not only ensures that our clients are not missing out on properties that would usually go "under the radar" but it also saves our clients a huge amount of time coming to view properties that would not be suitable.

At Surrey HomeSearch, once we have agreed on a short list of properties, we will arrange a viewing tour for you, and accompany you on all viewings. We will use our expert knowledge of the market to work out the best strategy for putting forward offers on your behalf, always working to get the best price for you - the buyer.

Once an offer has been accepted, we can recommend professionals to help with the conveyancing process, and we will always be on hand to help navigate any bumps along the way! We will continue to be there to help with any problems that may occur throughout the conveyancing process, and our input has helped save countless deals.

What are the advantages of working with a Property Finder?

Put simply: A property search agent will save you time, money and a whole lot of stress!

At Surrey HomeSearch we will continually speak to all of the agents on your behalf, and we will short-list and research any suitable properties. We visit all properties that 'on paper' look suitable and will rule out any properties that may not work for you. On instruction, you can be confident that we are woking away in the background to uncover all potential properties and discard all those that are unsuitable. This saves you time coming to view properties that may not work for you.

While estate agents will work to get the best possible price for the vendor, a property finder will always work to get the best possible purchase price for you, the buyer. Each and every search is different, but on average, we save our clients 5% on the purchase price.

What membership or accreditation should a professional Property Search Agent have?

A professional search agent will:

  • Be a member of a property redress scheme. There are two Government-approved redress schemes: The Property Ombudsman and Property Redress Scheme.
  • Have public/professional liability insurance
  • Be registered with HMRC for money laundering supervision
  • Be a member of a property finders/relocation professional body
  • Be able to provide testimonials from recent satisfied customers

What accreditation or membership do Surrey HomeSearch have?

  • Surrey HomeSearch are members of The Property Ombudsman. You can find Surrey HomeSearch on the TPO Members website here
  • Surrey HomeSearch have Public and Professional liability Insurance
  • Surrey HomeSearch are registered with the HMRC for money laundering supervision. We take our responsibilities seriously and keep up to date with Anti Money Laundering Guidance and training.
  • Surrey HomeSearch are proud to be Full Members of The Association of Relocation Professionals, the professional body for experts in UK relocation

Which areas do Surrey HomeSearch cover?

As the name suggests, Surrey HomeSearch offers a property search service to clients looking to find a property in Surrey. Many of our clients are moving from overseas or relocating from other areas within the UK or London and require our on the ground support and excellent local contacts and knowledge. Our search area includes locations such as Guildford, Godalming, Haslemere and Dorking as well as villages in and around the Surrey Hills such as Westcott, Shere, Albury, Cranleigh, Ripley, Shalford and Horsley. We have been known to extend our searches into the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex but the majority of our searches will be within the county of Surrey.

What differentiates Surrey HomeSearch from other property search agents?

At Surrey HomeSearch, we pride ourselves in offering a personal and bespoke property search service. We only ever work with a small number of clients at any one time, to ensure that we can offer the level of service that we would expect to receive ourselves. We are not your typical 9am-5pm company - we are here for you throughout your search to answer any questions and queries that crop up! Have a read through some of our testimonials to find out why our clients would rate Surrey HomeSearch as the number one property search agents in Surrey!

What are your fees?

We charge a small initial retainer fee to commence your property search, and upon successfully finding you a property, we then charge a small percentage of the purchase price (less the retainer fee already paid), due on exchange of contracts. Please do give us a call and we'd be delighted to run through our services and fees in greater detail.

How can I instruct Surrey HomeSearch as my property search agent?

Please do get in touch! We love to hear from new clients, and would be delighted to have a chat with you about your property search, and how we can help. Give us a call on 01483 905160 or email us at info@surreyhomesearch.co.uk