My experience of buying a house

My experience of buying a house


 

Insurance Claims

Making an insurance claim after a personal injury can be a complicated process. Here are some things to keep in mind when making a claim:

First, you will need to gather all the necessary paperwork. This includes any medical records or bills, police reports, and eyewitness statements.

Next, you will need to contact your insurance company and let them know that you have been injured and would like to file a claim. Be sure to have all your documentation ready before making this call.

Once you have filed your claim, the insurance company will likely send an adjuster to investigate the accident and determine how much they are willing to pay for your damages. If you are not satisfied with their offer, you may want to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you negotiate a better settlement.

Finally, remember that insurance claims can take time to resolve, so be patient and keep communication open with your insurance company throughout the process.

 

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can be very serious, often leading to personal injury lawsuits. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are a few things you should do to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

First, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help you recover physically, but will also create a record of your injuries that can be used as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.

Next, you should try to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This may include taking photos of the hazard that caused your fall, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and anything else that could be helpful in proving your case.

Once you have taken these steps, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Your attorney will be able to advise you on the best course of action and help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Slip and fall accidents can happen at home, in the workplace or in a public place.
Wondering what to do if you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident and how to make a personal injury claim against an insurance company?

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are some things you need to do in order to make a successful personal injury insurance claim. First, get medical attention right away – even if you think your injuries are minor. It’s important to have a record of your injuries, as this will be important evidence later on.

Next, take pictures of the scene of the accident, if possible. This will help to show how the accident happened and who may be at fault. Be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident happen.

Then, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the insurance company. This can be a complex process, so it’s important to have all of your evidence gathered before you start. Your insurance company will likely require a written statement from you detailing what happened, as well as any medical records or bills related to your injuries.

If you are having trouble getting your claim approved, or if the insurance company is offering a low settlement, you may want to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you with your case. A lawyer will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve.

 

 

 

Shoplifting in Florida

Shoplifting is a crime in Florida and is punishable by law. The penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the merchandise stolen, as well as the number of prior convictions the offender has.

The first step in shoplifting is to take merchandise from a store without paying for it. This can be done in a number of ways, including concealment, switching price tags, or removing security devices. Once the merchandise is taken from the store, the offender must then leave the premises without being detected. If they are caught before leaving, they may be subject to detention by store security.

The value of the merchandise stolen will determine the severity of the charge. For instance, if the value of the merchandise is less than $100, the offender will be charged with a misdemeanor and can face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the value of the merchandise is more than $100, the offender will be charged with a felony and can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

The number of prior convictions an offender has will also affect the penalties they face. For example, an offender with no prior convictions who is caught shoplifting for the first time will likely receive a lighter sentence than an offender with multiple prior convictions. However, even first-time offenders can face serious penalties, including jail time and fines.

Shoplifting is a crime that can have serious consequences. Those who are convicted of shoplifting can face jail time, fines, and a criminal record. If you have been charged with shoplifting, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and defend your rights.

Shoplifting is very common, here are some statistics of shoplifting in the state of Florida:

  • In 2018, there were over 22,000 shoplifting incidents in Florida
  • The average value of merchandise stolen in a shoplifting incident is $377
  • The majority of shoplifting incidents occur at retail stores, followed by supermarkets and pharmacies
  • Shoplifting is most common among adults aged 18-24, followed by 25-34 year olds
  • The majority of shoplifting incidents are committed by females (61%), followed by males (39%)

The penalties for shoplifting in Florida are as follows:

  • First offense: misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
  • Second offense: felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
  • Third offense: felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

 

 

 

Introduction to Paternity Testing

A paternity test is a DNA test used to determine whether a man is the biological father of a child. Paternity tests can be performed on newborns, children, or adults.

There are two types of paternity tests: legal and private. Legal paternity tests are typically ordered by a court or government agency, such as Child Support Services. Private paternity tests are usually requested by the mother or father of the child. Paternity tests are performed using a swab of the inside of the cheek (buccal swab) or a sample of blood. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The results of a paternity test are typically available within 2-3 weeks. A positive result means that the man is the biological father of the child. A negative result means that the man is not the biological father of the child. Paternity tests are more than 99% accurate when performed using DNA from a buccal swab. Paternity tests are less accurate when performed using DNA from a blood sample. A paternity test can be used to establish child custody and child support arrangements. Paternity tests can also be used to resolve questions about family history or identity.

Child paternity testing can be a stressful experience for families. The results of the test can have a profound impact on family dynamics. It is important to be prepared for the possible outcomes of the test before taking it. Counseling may be recommended for families who are considering paternity testing.

 

 

How to Prepare for Divorce

There is no one answer to the question of when you should file for divorce. Every situation is unique, and there are a variety of factors to consider before making the decision to end your marriage. However, there are some general signs that may indicate it is time to start thinking about divorce.

If you find yourself constantly arguing with your spouse, and those arguments are not being resolved, it may be a sign that divorce is the best option. If you no longer feel like you are able to communicate effectively with your spouse, or if you feel like you are always walking on eggshells around them, those are also signs that your marriage may be in trouble.

No one knows your situation better than you do, so only you can decide when the time is right to file for divorce. However, if you are feeling unhappy in your marriage and you have tried to work on things without success, it may be time to consult with a divorce attorney to discuss your next steps.

 

 

Facts About Flooding in Florida

Flooding is a common occurrence in Florida, especially during the rainy season. Flooding can cause significant damage to homes and businesses, and can even lead to loss of life. Here are some interesting facts about flooding in Florida:

  • Flooding is the second most common natural disaster in Florida, after hurricanes.
  • Flooding can occur anywhere in Florida, but is most common in coastal areas.
  • Floodwaters can rise quickly and without warning.
  • Just six inches of floodwater can cause significant damage to a home or business.
  • Two feet of floodwater can float a car.
  • Floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage and other harmful toxins.
  • Flooding can lead to mold growth, which can cause serious health problems.

If you live in or visit Florida, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of flooding and know what to do if you find yourself in a flood situation.

 

 

Have you been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are options to ensure you have the best possible chance of winning a personal injury case and recovering any losses you may have suffered. Most importantly, seek medical attention immediately after the accident, or as soon as possible. This will help document your injuries and provide valuable evidence that your injuries were caused by the motorcycle accident. Next, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Motorcyclist accidents can be very complicated and difficult to prove fault to insurance companies. An attorney can help you navigate the process from start to finish and increase your settlement value. Always be prepared for some challenges in this type of claim, as many insurance companies will try to investigate and prove fault in the motorcyclist’s conduct.

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that may be permanent, or alter the course of the victim’s life.

The main causes of motorcycle accidents are:

Aggressive drivers
impatient drivers often lack spatial awareness and make rash decisions and maneuvers on the road. This is extremely dangerous for motorcyclists, especially when lane splitting through traffic.

Distractions
Unfortunately many drivers use cell phones or text while driving. A distracted driver can mistakenly maneuver in front of a motorcyclist, causing an accident and injuries. This is especially true because motorcycles are more difficult to see in blind spots and tend to drive faster to pass through traffic.

DUIs
Drunk driving is an obvious danger to everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists. When vision and senses are impared, a driver may drift into lanes and cause a serious accident.

Traffic laws
Every driver is required to follow the rules of the road, including lane-changing procedures, yielding rules, speed limit changes, and more. In the event that a driver violates a traffic law, they can easily collide with other vehicles on the road.

Motorcycle Defects
Sometimes, an accident is not the fault of another driver but the company that manufactured the motorcycle or parts of the bike. If a vital part of the motorcycle is defective, then a motorcyclist can quickly lose control of their bike and cause a disastrous accident.

Weather Conditions
In Florida, weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes, and if a motorcyclist is not aware of potential weather conditions, accidents can occur.

Road hazards
Road hazards such as wet roads, potholes, gravel, loose pavement, cracks and other imperfections on the roadways are dangerous to all motorcyclists and are very difficult to anticipate if a driver is unfamiliar with the roads.

Results of these accidents can include, but are not limited to:
– Neck and/or back injuries.
– Internal bleeding.
– Skull fractures.
– Hands, wrists, and/or arm fractures.
– Broken noses, jaws, and cheekbones.
– Eye injuries.
– Joint dislocation.
– Fractured collarbones, ribs, and/or legs.
– Soft tissue sprains, strains, and tears.
– TBI (Traumatic brain injuries.)

 

What You Should Expect in Divorce Negotiations:

The first step in any divorce is the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage. This document is filed with the court and served on the other spouse. The petition includes information about the marriage, including any property or debts that the couple has, as well as any children of the marriage. Once the petition is filed, the divorce process officially begins.

The next step in a Florida divorce is negotiating a settlement agreement. This document is prepared by both spouses and their attorneys and outlines all of the terms of the divorce, including how property will be divided, how debt will be handled, and what will happen with child custody and support. Once this agreement is reached, it must be approved by a judge before it can become final.

Negotiations for divorce settlements in Florida can take place either through direct negotiation between the spouses or through mediation. Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party helps the couple to reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. This option is often used when couples are unable to come to an agreement on their own.

Once a settlement agreement is reached, it must be filed with the court and signed by both spouses. Once it is approved by a judge, it becomes a binding legal contract. At this point, the divorce is considered final and both spouses are free to move on with their lives.

 

orida Slip & Fall and Premises Liability Lawyers

Slip and fall injuries are the #1 cause of costly emergency room visits across the country. Get the compensation you deserve with the help of your Tampa Bay Slip and Fall Attorneys – Kemp Law.

Are you suffering from a slip and fall injury that happened in Tampa Bay? You’re not alone. Slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of hospital emergency room visits, accounting for 8 million U.S. injuries per year.

Why are these injuries so common? Unfortunately, potential hazards in our environment aren’t always managed appropriately by those who are supposed to keep up with them. According to the National Flooring Safety Institute, the leading cause of slip and fall injuries is flooring hazards, including loose and broken flooring, tattered carpeting and spills from oils and other substances. Exposed debris and cluttered areas are also common causes.

In many of these cases, a store owner or building manager is responsible for the conditions that led to your injury -otherwise known as premises liability- yet they refuse to accept responsibility. Their insurance company might fight you. Even your own insurance company might want to blame you and reduce your compensation.

On top of that, you’re dealing with emergency hospitalization, ongoing medical expenses and emotional trauma from the incident. It can have a widespread impact on your life. That’s why you need the help of a slip and fall lawyer.

Floridians in Tampa and the surrounding areas trust Kemp Law as their legal partner suffering a slip-and-fall injury. We will help you understand your legal options and how to use the law in your best interests. Most of all, we will handle your slip and fall case with genuine care and respect, because you deserve it.

You Deserve a Great Team

Kemp Law is here to help you understand the legal concept of premises liability, which means premises owners can be held liable for slip and fall injuries as well as other types of injuries in certain circumstances. We will help you gather the materials you need to prove your case and hold the right person accountable.

As the plaintiff in a lawsuit, you’ll need to prove:

  • That the business owner was aware of the dangerous condition and failed to take preventive measures
  • That you were not aware of the hazard or how serious it was
  • That you exercised caution, but still slipped and fell because there was no information available to warn you of the hazard

Premises liability extends beyond slip and fall accidents and covers many situations where someone is injured on the premises of another person or entity.




Pensacola Wrongful Death Lawyer

The unexpected death of a loved one is a tragic event in any family’s life. Knowing that their death could’ve been avoided can be devastating. If you’ve lost someone due to the negligence of others, Pensacola wrongful death lawyer Joe Zarzaur is here to help. We work tirelessly seeking justice for survivors and have returned record-setting verdicts for our clients.

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What Is Considered Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim is a special type of personal injury claim filed in court on behalf of a person killed as a result of the negligence or otherwise wrongful conduct of another. Wrongful death lawsuits are most often filed personal injury lawyers who specialize in the litigating of such cases.


What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is designed to hold liable parties accountable for their actions and financially compensate the executor of estate (typically family) for the loss of a loved one.

Wrongful death lawsuits are commonly filed as the result of auto accidents, defective drugs, defective medical devices, medical malpracticebrain injuriesspinal cord injuries, and other death cases involving the negligence or wrongful acts of others.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim’s family or personal representative bears the burden of proving that the defendant’s negligent actions caused the death of the victim. In a homicide case, the defendant can only be convicted if the state can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant caused the victim’s death. This is different from the standard for proving a wrongful death case. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim’s personal representative only has to prove their case on the balance of probabilities. This essentially means that they have to prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s negligence or wrongful actions caused the death of the victim.

In some cases like wrongful deaths resulting from medical malpractice, medical experts will be required to provide expert testimony to prove that the defendant’s actions fell below the standard of care expected in the same or similar circumstances. Zarzaur Law employs an on-staff medical doctor that works with the firm in investigating and preparing cases. We also have access to other expert resources that may be necessary in establishing the standard of care for other types of negligent or wrongful acts that result in death.



What Type of Damages Can Be Recovered?

Damages that are most often sought after in wrongful death lawsuits include compensation for:

  • Funeral, burial, medical, hospital expenses
  • Pain & suffering experienced prior to death (degenerative diseases / debilitating injuries)
  • Losses incurred by the deceased’s family: loss of wages; mental anguish; financial support; companionship; parental guidance (in cases where deceased has children)
  • The pecuniary compensation provided for by wrongful death lawsuits serves to void any financial issues related to the passing of a loved one.

These damages will determine the value of your wrongful death case. There are some damages that are easily computable with receipts and invoices because they are tangible. These are called economic damages and they include such things as funeral and burial expenses. The noneconomic damages are usually the more complex damages to compute. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, and mental anguish. The value of noneconomic damages are subjective and the award a family receives may depend largely on the jury’s discretion, if the case is taken to trial. We have access to economists and other financial professionals who can give convincing expert evidence to support the value of noneconomic damages claimed in a case.


Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in Florida?

Following a death caused by negligence, all survivors of the deceased have the right to sue for wrongful death and receive compensation according to Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. This not only includes the immediate family, but others as well. Our wrongful death lawyers are here to help and can answer any specific questions you may have.


Is There a Statute of Limitations To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the death in most cases. A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed before the statutory deadline passes. The statutory deadline places a cap on the amount of time that the executor of estate has to file a wrongful death claim before any such claim is deemed null and void.

What is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and Homicide?

There are several things that distinguish a wrongful death from a homicide. While both result in the death of a person, there are significant factors that make them different. To start with, homicide requires intent. The defendant must have, in their mind, an intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm to the victim. With wrongful death, there is no conscious intent to cause harm to the victim, rather the defendant is careless about their actions, which cause the death of the victim. Homicide is a criminal offense that is prosecuted by the state against the defendant. This is because a homicide is an act not just against the victim, but against society. The desired outcome in a homicide prosecution is punishment for the defendant. In a wrongful death case, the beneficiaries of the victim make a claim and prosecute the case against the defendant. The case does not involve the public. It is a private dispute between the victim’s family or beneficiaries, and the defendant. The desired outcome is not necessarily to punish the defendant, but to recover financial compensation for the loss of their loved one.



OUR LAWYERS CAN HELP

Losing a family member due to the negligence of others is a tragic occurrence that no family should have to endure. Zarzaur Law’s Pensacola wrongful death attorneys will work to hold them accountable and get your family the justice you deserve.

BE CONFIDENT YOU HAVE A LEGAL EXPERT ON YOUR SIDE.

 

 

 

                                                                 


All of the staff is amazing!!!

I tried to handle my case on my own. Until the insurance company tried to force me out of my rental vehicle before paying for my totaled car during a car shortage on the weekend. I’m a bartender that works weekends, I was freaking out. Some of my coworkers used Joe and I had known him for 9 years at the time. I was considering going to him before and after that I immediately called him. They kept strong arming me trying to say I didn’t fill something out right and dragging me along. Joe told me that wasn’t the case and handled them from then on. Even when they tried to hassle me after. He told me to tell them not to talk to me anymore and talk to them. They checked in for me and handled everything. All of the staff is amazing!!!

 

Joe and his team stand up to their offers and fight for what they believe is a fair and just outcome.

I was in an accident in south Florida and was unsure of what to do, after phone calls, research, and due diligence I came up with Joe Zarzaur. This has been one of the best decisions of my life. Joe and his team took care of me from day one, helping me in so many early decisions. I had almost a year in doctor visit, surgery, and rehab, Joe and his team were there for anything I needed. The next year was offers, counter offers, and waiting, this can be the hardest part, but this is where Joe and his team excel. Be
patient, believe in your team, because they are professional and will not give up in a tough fight. The insurance companies made 4 or 5 offers over many months, but Joe and his team stand up to their offers and fight for what they believe is a fair and just outcome. I cannot emphasize enough how professional and hard working Joe Zarzaur and his team are, if you have the decision to make of picking a lawyer know if you pick Joe and his team you have made a good decision and can sleep at night knowing they’re on your team

 


I appreciate the dedication to my case!

Joe Zarzaur and his staff are amazing! Everyone I was more than helpful and professional from beginning to end with my case. I would highly recommend firm for your personal injury needs! I appreciate the dedication to my case!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Reasons to Hire Zarzaur Law

1) QUALITY OF CASES, NOT QUANTITY OF CASES

When hiring a Pensacola personal injury lawyer you are starting a personal business relationship. This relationship sometimes will span years in length and you must be able to communicate with him or her directly.

You must also be able to reach him/her when you have questions without unreasonable delay. Zarzaur Law does not take a “volume” of cases but selects those cases where the firm can take a substantial personal business interest in the client and the case. Many larger firms are in the “volume” business and are pushing clients through like a factory. That will never be the case at Zarzaur Law. Joe only handles those cases that have serious personal injuries and he turns away those cases that do not involve such injuries. This keeps the firm focused on a select quality of injury and death cases.

 


Many larger firms are in the “volume” business and are pushing clients through like a factory. That will never be the case at Zarzaur Law.

 

2) THE LAWYER’S REPUTATION MATTERS, GET THE MOST FOR THE SAME FEE

Watch Joe’s YouTube Video >

Your case may be as valuable as the reputation of the personal injury lawyer handling your case. Many bigger law firms will get you into their firm by acting as if a senior lawyer in the firm will be handling your case. However, once you sign their contract you and your case are shuffled down to a lower level lawyer who does not have substantial (or any) trial experience. This may affect the value of your case and may prevent your case from being prosecuted as aggressively as necessary. Interview your personal injury lawyer first. Ask them “How many million dollar plus verdicts they have achieved themselves for clients?” Ask them if they will be handling your cases alone or with others less senior lawyers? Ask them if they are Board Certified in Civil Trial law? If you do not like the answers, then move on to another lawyer. Ask them if they are AV-rated by Martindale Hubell. Being AV rated is the highest rating provided by an independent source in our Country. So, is your lawyer AV rated and Board Certified in Civil Trial and do they have many jury verdicts over a million dollars? If so, hire them. If not, you might want to consider interviewing Mr. Joe Zarzaur. If you are paying the same FEE should you not get the most for your money?



                                                         


3) IN THIS BUSINESS, THE JURY TRIAL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER MATTERS.

Trial Experience with big jury verdicts matters to the insurance company on the other side of the case and it should matter to you. If the lawyer handling your case himself/herself has the substantial trial experience it will matter and affect the value of your case. If, however, the lawyer handling your case does not have substantial jury trial experience with big verdicts, it will also affect your case. Many larger firms will attract you with senior lawyer’s credentials and then once you sign with them, your case will be handled by a lower level lawyer without experience with jury trials and verdicts. At Zarzaur Law, we only take quality cases that Joe Zarzaur can be the primary personal injury lawyer. Mr. Zarzaur is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and has record jury verdicts in both Escambia and Santa Rosa County in injury cases. He obtained a 9.3 million dollar verdict from an Escambia County jury and has a 2.5 million dollar verdict from a Santa Rosa County jury. These were both injury cases that did not involve death. Only about 1 percent of Florida lawyers are Board Certified and there are only 13 lawyers between Pensacola and Panama City who have the same Board Certifications that Mr. Zarzaur has earned. Do not show up to a gunfight with a knife.


OUR TIMELINE 




1. 11th March : Got a call from Barratts that the house we are interested in has been released 
2. 12th March: Booked an appointment with a sales team 
3. Reserved the house the same day 
4. 14th March: contacted mortgage advisers , provided scanned documents via email. 
5. 15th March: contacted Solicitors , provided scanned documents via email. 
6.  22nd March - property surveyed by solicitors 
7. 29th March - mortgage approved
8. 24th March - paid the 5% deposit to our solicitors and exchanged contracts
9. 11th May - Had a choices appointment to add options ( upgrade kitchen, flooring, carpets, etc) and paid 25% of the extra options we went for. 
10. 18th August - had the first viewing of the house ( at this stage, the initial coat of paint was done)
11. 20th August - Booked a snagger:
https://www.tonge-robinson.co.uk/
12. Booked a second viewing of the house on the 18th of September to measure spaces for cupboards. We were allowed to take pictures. 
13. We received an email on the 16th of October confirming the legal date of completion for the 27th of October 
14. 19th October - asked to make remaining payment by solicitors. 
15. 23rd October - had a tour of the house but the site manager, were allowed to spend an hour later taking pictures, making a list of any cooncerns. 
16. 27th October- house legally ours. Received keys 
17. 28th October- snagger inspection 
18. 6th November - meeting with site manager, went through each and every snag raised,extra set of keys handed over to rectify the snags ( we could still continue to relocate)

                                                                        


COSTS 
Mid March - £500 reservation fees to take property off the market 
Mid April - £250 to solicitors as an initial payment 
End April - £22 thousand  to solicitors for the 5% deposit
Mid May - £7 thousand to Barratts for payment of 25% of the cost of options we chose 
Mid October - £20 thousand to Solicitors for remainder of solicitor fees (around £850) and the remaining (75%) payment for the options. 

DISCOUNTS:
Around 21K due to keyworkers discountPLUS 
Free carpets , flooring ( which we decided to upgrade) - so saved around £2500 on options 

MORTGAGE 
Paid 5% - hence to pay off around 370,000 
£250 Cashback from bank upon completion of house
1800 per month 
For 34 years 
4.53% fixed for first 5 years , then variable. 
 
WHY I BOUGHT A HOUSE 7 YEARS AFTER COMING TO THE UK:
We decided to buy a house quite late in my career for the following reasons
I was working as a non trainee in Slough from January 2016 to August 2017 and hence had not decided where we wanted to settle.
I applied for CMT (now replaced by IMT) in East Yorkshire and worked as a CMT 1 in Harrogate and CMT 2 in York from 2017 to 2019.
At that time, we had a baby and because we were on a visa, I did not have enough savings to even think of saving up for a deposit for a house.
Also, because I have always been full time with on calls, I did not want to drive and preferred walking to work in my first 3 years in the NHS - then I slowly developed the confidence and even now, I never drive more than 1 hour. We have all heard about colleagues passing away while driving post on calls:
You can search on Google for ' NHS doctor died in car accident' to read the dozens of stories. 
Due to this fear, I never started looking for a house till later on. 
I applied for speciality training in acute medicine in East Yorkshire and started my ST3 training in Scarborough, when the pandemic hit. At that point, buying a house was the least of my worries due to the high risk of not surviving it.
I started my ST4 and ST5 training in Hull and we relocated to Beverley. Where we decided that we wanted to settle.
However I had to pay around 9,000 GBP for ILR , naturalisation and citizenship for the three of us in 2022.
I started locuming to save up and when I had the deposit to buy a house in November, 2022 - the interest rates, cost of living, mortgages shot up making it unaffordable.
So I continued to save and got lucky in March 2023.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            


MONEY I HAVE SPENT ON RENT 
Slough ( January, 2016 to August 2017) - 18 months, 900 GBP per month 
Harrogate ( August 2017 to 2018) - 12 months, 840 GBP per month 
York ( August 2018 to 2019) - 12 months, 1000 GBP per month 
Scarborough ( August 2019 to 2020 ) - 12 months, 500 GBP per month 
Beverley ( August 2020 to date ) - 40 months, 1000 GBP per month 
Which makes a total of 80,000 GBP!!! 
80K for rent!!!!

IS THIS THE CASE FOR EVERYONE?
No, you can certainly choose cheaper accommodation but for me, safety, cleanliness, safe parking and a nice accomodation was key. Working as a doctor can be quitre stressful and the last thing I wanted was to come to an accomodation with problems. People can choose to live in shared accomodations and pay 400 GBP per month in rent. Do not get me wrong - there are nice accomodations for 400 GBP per month as well. However with a family I always wanted a nice accomodation which had atleast 2 bedrooms which was safe, clean and near the hospital.  


                                                        


WHY BEVERLEY 
When I was a non trainee SHO in Slough, my wife and I used to go to London almost every weekend. It was lovely. However it is very expensive. 
Compare houses and apartments on Rightmove to get an idea. 
Plus London is so busy. I spent an hour on the road to get to a city 10 miles away. 
So London was out - we spent 18 months there and the charm of London quickly faded away. 
So this left us with other areas when I applied for CMT: 
1. Wales- silly reason but I found it wet and windy. I was wrong though. It is a lovely place to live. But that was my reason when I was a SHO deciding on where to settle. 
2. Ireland and Scotland - out for the same reasons 
3. London and South - out as too expensive 
4. East Midlands - For some odd reason, it never appealed to me. 
5. Manchester - Did not like the traffic , again silly reason. 
6. North - too cold 
So this left me with Yorkshire. At that time ( in 2017, for CMT), we were given details of rotations. Since I had not decided which speciality of medicine I wanted to train in as a registrar, I wanted to do rotations in Respiratory, Stroke, Neurology, Gastro and Renal. So When I narrowed it down, I was left with a handful of jobs - one of which had Harrogate and York. At that time, we were expecting so I went for the trust which had the best maternity services ( in 2017 it was Harrogate from the options I had) 
So I chose that as one of my prefernces and luckily, got in. 

I enjoyed my CMT so much due to various reasons :
1. Had my daughter during that - it made everything better! 
2. As I had already passed my MRCP 1 and 2 , I just had PACES to pass in my 2 years of CMT so it was not very stressful 
3. The teams in Harrogate and York were lovely. 
4. As I was living just 10 min away from these trusts, I spent plenty of time with my family. 
Hence, I decided East Yorkshire was the place to settle! 
I applied for specialty training in acute medicine and started my ST3 in Scarborough. 
I then moved to Beverley to work in Hull as a ST4 and 5 trainee. 
Luckily, the house I got to rent was a 3 bed detached new build from Barratts in a lovely location in Beverley. 
My daughter started nursery and then preschool which was across the road. Our neighbourhood was fantastic and we made loads of friends. 
She then started school and luckily got into one of the best schools in the area in September, 2022 which was again within walking disctance/ 2 minute car ride. She settled in and hence we decided that we will not move from here. 
So Beverley was the place to settle then. 

CHOOSING A HOUSE
When we decided to buy a house in Beverley, we started to look around. Luckily there were a lot of new builds in this area so we visited a few and narrowed down to a few options. 
The one we wanted was from Barratts, a 5 min walk from our daughters school and in the catchment area of the secondary school we like. 
It was also just a 10 min drive from where we live. 
The only issue - it was a future build and even the price was not released. However the salesperson very kindly gave us a rough estimate. 


                                                                      



WHY DID WE LIKE THIS PARTICULAR HOUSE 
My silly reason:
I wanted a detached garage. 
Our genuine reasons 
1. South facing garden
2. 4 bedrooms so that we have plenty of space for family members visiting from abroad/other cities
3. The size of the rooms was bigger - unlike most houses we see here 
4. Separate study downstairs
5. Reasonably sized entrance and hallway - not cramped 
6. One neighbour on one side, lining of trees at the back which are also away from the back lawn. 
7. Spacious driveway 

WHY BARRATS 
We were renting a house which was actually a Barratts show home for the past 3 years. Now we have all heard about the shady quality of new builds but we did not have any issues in this particular developers house. We were aware that it varies from site manager to site manager and even Barratts has had a few dodgy builds in the development we were renting. 
However we felt satisfied as that particular house was meeting our requirements, some friends had bought houses in the same development and were happy with the site team, we decided to go ahead with this. 

WHY NOT AN OLD BUILD?
We preferred to get a new build which has not been used by anyone else. We had been renting various properties ( Slough, Harrogate, York, Scarborough and then Beverley) and wanted a hassle free move to a new unused property. 
Also, we did not want to go through the hassle to renovating an old build. 

WHY NOT AN ALREADY COMPLETED NEW BUILD 
We wanted a few options like an upgraded kitchen, more downlights, upgraded tiles in the bathrooms, more electric points outside and hence decided to go for a build which was about to start so that we could choose options we always wanted. These 7 years of patience, plenty of experience with rental properties helped us get an idea of what we wanted and now that we had a choice, we wanted a house built around what we wanted. 

THE WORRY WITH NEW BUILDS 
As you might be aware, new builds can have a lot of issues. Luckily, a few friends of ours bought their house in the same development and were quite pleased and did not have major issues. 
So it depends on your developer and the area. 

DISCUSSIONS WITH OUR MORTGAGE ADVISOR 
Now that we had decided about the house, had a rough idea of the cost, we decided to talk to a mortgage advisor. 
We spoke to Wesleyan ( https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/ ) as they frequently deal with doctors, understand locums, include that in the financials to help get the mortgage approved. 
The advisor gave us the good news that yes, we can afford to buy a house we wanted to BUT the mortgage rates were very high. So high at that time that the mortgage was almost doubled. 
Hence we decided to wait. 
                                                        


OUR LUCK 
A few weeks later, Barratts announced a 5% deposit scheme. The interest rates also started to fall. So I called Barratts and asked about the property we were interested in - they still had not released it. 
In March, I received a call from the salesperson that the property had just been released. It was in build stage 1 ( ie the foundations were being laid) and they had a few offers on it. 
I contacted Wesleyan regarding an agreement in principal but since this 5% deposit was only available through Barratts and not through a lender, they suggested to talk to Barratts directly. 

OUR MEETING WITH THE SALES TEAM 

We met the sales team and went through the details. 
This is what they were offering 
1. 5% deposit. 
https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/offers/deposit-unlock/
2. NHS discount 
https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/offers/key-worker-deposit-contribution/
3. Free flooring and carpets 
They gave us a few contact details of a mortgage advisor and a few Solicitors. 

MORTGAGE ADVISOR 
We spoke to https://gledhills.mortgage/ who regularly deal with Barratts customers, know about the 5% deposit unlock scheme Barratts had just started offering and also dealt with doctors on a regular basis - so understood main salaries, locum pay slips and the fact that trainees rotate to new trusts each year. This conversation was all on the phone. 
They stated that will not charge us and will take commission from Barratts directly. 
The advisor asked for scanned copies of:
Our ILR 
My job contract 
Bank statements 
Pay slips 
Current tenancy agreement 
Details of cars on PCP , etc 
I emailed it all across and he gave an agreement in principal. 

                                                                        


SOLICITOR 
https://www.janebrookslaw.co.uk/
I took quotes from the various solicitors I was given details for by the Barratts sales team. I checked for their costs online beforehand so I knew what the baseline quotes were. I went for the one which had the best reviews and was most reasonably priced. 

EXTRAS:
We upgraded:
The carpets 
The flooring 
The Kitchen 
Bathroom and WC tiles 
We went for more downlights 
We had more electric points for sockets, external lights 

WHY WE OPTED FOR IKEA WARDROBES
The developer was offering built in wardrobes for a very high cost. As we were renting a show home built by the same developer 10 years ago and had exactly the same wardrobes, we knew that we could get better quality ones which met our requirements. We decided to design our own on the IKEA website and got some brilliant choices for almost half the price! 
Issues with external wardrobes:
1. You need to ensure the measurements are accurate. Luckily we had the exact floor plans and also measured the spaces in the rooms for these.
2. The wardrobes are not exactly made to fit perfectly. There is some space on top of them ( which we intend to fill with boarding later on) 
3. You need to book deliveries and then hire an assembly team if you do not intend to assemble these on your own. We went for:
https://www.facebook.com/flatpackinstall/
4. You need to ensure the items are delivered as soon as you get the keys and then book the assembly team - you are given an official handing over date a week or 2 in advance and at that point, IKEA had same day to upto 4 weeks in advance deliveries. 


HOUSE VISITS:
We visiting the property twice. 
The first visit which was offered by the developer was when the structure was complete, walls were painted. It was term break at that time so we took turns to go inside to visit the property whilst one parent stood outside with our daughter. 
Hence it was a rushed visit. Neither of us could measure the areas for IKEA wardrobes. Also, we were awestruck when we stepped into our first house we had bought so we could not really focus on what we had actually come here for. 
Therefore we booked another visit and luckily, it was at a time when our daughter was at school.
By this time , the kitchen counter was fit, bathroom tiles were also fit and the internal wiring and lights were done. 
We were allowed to take pictures and spent a good 30 minutes going through each room. 
I had a checklist for the optional extras we had opted for ( ie extra downlights, sockets, upgraded kitchen, etc ) so I ticked them off my phone as we went from room to room along with taking pictures for future reference. 
The first visit was with the site manager who was very patient and explained everything in detail.
The second visit was with the saleslady who was dealing with us since we booked the property and again, she noted down any concerns we had. 
From the 1st of October, the access road to the property was open hence we walked there on a daily basis to have a look and get ideas for external lighting, etc.
Had a tour with the site manager on the 23rd of October and then were allowed to stay to take pictures, make a list of any concerns. 

                                                                    



SNAGGER 
As we are clearly clueless when it comes to snagging, we hired a professional snagging team:
https://www.tonge-robinson.co.uk/
We went for the top package as we wanted to ensure we are able to get everything sorted beforehand. 
We booked their service on the day after our legal completion date. They informed us about urgent issues to raise immediately which included 
1. Leak from shower door
2. Leak from shower over bath screen 
3. Dishwasher hose not connected properly. 
And they prepared a more detailed report of other issues. 
They sent an official report within 4 days which we sent to the developer. 
We met the site manager soon after and they have satrted working on the issues raised. 

MOVERS 
As we resided less than a mile away from the new property, we could easily move most items ourselves. 
So we spoke to this team:
https://www.facebook.com/ManWithVanCan/?locale=en_GB
We booked an appointment with him a few weeks in advance and he checked all the items and gave a very reasonable quote for all heavy items for unassembling, moving and reassembling. 
Anyvan was quoting more than double! 


                                                                


I felt we shold get a good quality security system. The costs depend on what products you choose and we went for a detailed security system. We have a few cameras covering all sides of the house with motion sensors. 

OUR MOVE IN DATES
We kept renting for 4 weeks extra. 
In that time, we got all the deliveries for furniture sorted, curtains, blinds, security system, snagging , etc 
And since we lived just a few minutes away, we slowly started moving in. 

FUNDS 
This is the most important topic. The costs of houses are more than what they used to be a few years ago and the interest rate has gone up significantly. 
So the 1,800 per month mortgage that I have to pay now was less than 1,000 7 years ago. 
Have a look at the bank of England interest rates here:
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/the-interest-rate-bank-rate
In order to save this amount ( which comes to be around 50,000 GBP for the deposit, choices, extra expenses over the past 6 months), I have had to locum. Due to rising costs of living, I have not been able to save from my main salary. 
This has meant that I have had to spend every weekend working in a hospital which offers me better rates ( from 85 to 100/hour) - However even then I do not get to take the whole amount home, almost 45% of this is taxed. 
So I have had to locum almost every weekend for the past few years. First it was visa costs ( which luckily have now come down ), then ILR and British Citizenship costs ( around 9,500) and then the expenses for the house. 
I recognized that I would not be able to afford anything with my base salary and hence have had to work extra hard. 
It is by no means an easy journey - I have managed to save up enough for the house but it has come at a cost- the cost of spending time away from family - my wife and my daughter. I have missed out on taking her on her friends birthdays, taking her to the park, reading a bedtime story. I have tried my best to compensate for this by taking leaves during weekdays to take her to school and spend time with her when she comes back home. 
Luckily, I have found trusts and the right people in those trusts who offer me escalated rates but it does take a toll. 
And this is why we are striking:
https://www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/junior-doctor-campaigns/pay/junior-doctors-guide-to-industrial-action-in-england-2023
It is no doubt worth it in the end but if you ask your consultants who CCT'd a few years ago, things were much easier back then and most of them bought houses early in their careers in the UK due to low costs of living, low mortgage rates and less costs of houses. 

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR ME?
Whenever you feel ready - both financially and are settled in a region. 
What you do not want is to buy a house and not be able to afford the mortgage. 
Or buy a house and have to travel 2 hours one way to a trust where you have got your training. 
I bought a house 7 years after I came to the NHS so please do not rush. 


                                                        



1 MONTH DOWN THE LINE.... 
Just an update after a month - the developer has fixed all snags including minor cosmetic changes. I have the contact number and email address of the site manager and he responds promptly to any queries. It has helped that the developer is still building houses in the area and as a result the whole team is available for any concerns. 
So far, I am very impressed with the builder and cannot fault the site team. 

SOME TIPS

HAGGLING:
Negotiate with the developers. Ours offered NHS discount and some offer more perks as well like 
- free flooring and carpets which you can upgrade 
- upgraded kitchen and bathrooms tiles 
- offer to pay mortgage for the first few months 
- Solar panels 
- electric car charger port 
- mortgage contribution : upto 1k per month for the first year
You can get upto 50k discount this way! 
So shop around to get a general idea. 

                                                                    


TAKE YOUR TIME 
Do not rush into making a decision. We had the money for a deposit but waiting for the right house and the 6 months extra was worth it. 
The mortgage rates are sky high right now and we got lucky with a rate of 4.53% ( the rates increased 2 weeks later)

WADROBES
Check the quality of items like wardrobes, etc from the developer and compare it with furniture stores like ikea. Other local companies are also worth checking. 
You can save a massive amount. We saved around 4k. 

SOLICTORS AND MORTGAGE ADVISORS
Shop around for solicitors and mortgage advisors. If the developer recommends someone, ensure you check their reviews. 

QUALITY OF BUILD
The property's quality of build varies from developer to developer and is mostly dependent on the site manager so make sure you ask people living in that area how they have found the property. 

USING YOUR LOCAL GROUPS 
Local Facebook groups are a very useful resource to get information about where to get furniture from, where to find handymen , electricians, etc 

BASIC SPECS
Be aware that you will get a house with very basic things like a standard kitchen and half tiled bathrooms. When you start adding choices the cost goes considerably higher. We spent around 20k on getting an upgraded kitchen, flooring , carpet , extra sockets , Silestone for kitchen top , tiles for the bathrooms. So you need to look into these costs as well and don't think it will just be the standard cost of your property you will be paying. 
In some cases , like ours , you may have to pay a certain amount of the extras you have chosen on the day you finalize these with the developer. 

EXTRA COSTS
Keep around £10,000 extra for various costs which include
Relocation
Security system 
Furniture 
Etc 

RAISE CONCERNS 
Get a snagger. I cannot fault these guys:

Get the site manager to go through the snags with you. 
Our site manager spent 2 hours with us going through each and every snag mentioned in the PDF emailed to us. We would have easily missed these issues and they would would have caused a massive issue later. 
This is their job. Remember, you have spent a huge sum of money and now is your time to raise issues. 
Having said that, in most cases the site team are still around especially if there are more new builds in the same development which are being built- so please raise any issues you have with the site team. 
                                      
                                                          


OTHER RESOURCES 
Talking to colleagues at work 
Talking to mortgage advisors 
Google!
w build " , " barratts " , etc 

I hope this blog helps. At the time of posting this , the mortgage rate was 5.4% and this is very high- If you are thinking of buying, you may want to wait or consider a smaller property with the view of paying off the mortgage early. But I am no expert here so please do get an opinion from a professional. 


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