Buying your first home is exciting, but knowing where to start can be difficult. This October, we’re bringing together a mortgage adviser, estate agent and property solicitor for a free evening designed to make the whole process easier to understand.
For many first-time buyers, the challenge isn’t simply finding the right property.
Before you reach that point, there are plenty of questions to answer. How much could you realistically afford? How much deposit might you need? Should you get an Agreement in Principle before you start viewing? What should you look for when you find a property you like? And what happens after your offer is accepted?
That’s why we’re hosting First Home, First Steps: A Practical Guide to Buying with Confidence in East Grinstead on Wednesday 14 October.
The event brings together three local professionals who each play a different part in the home-buying journey.
Getting mortgage-ready
Mortgage & Protection Adviser Steve Ody of Citrus Financial will share practical mortgage do’s and don’ts for first-time buyers.
He’ll look at preparing financially before you start searching, deposits, Agreements in Principle and some of the things that can affect the mortgage options available to you.
Steve will also explain why decisions you make before and during the mortgage process – from taking on new borrowing to setting your overall budget – can make a difference.
The aim isn’t to encourage you to borrow as much as possible. It’s to help you understand what may be realistic and make sure the mortgage fits comfortably alongside the other costs of owning a home.
Finding, and securing, the right property
Once you understand your budget, the search can begin.
Sam Benson of RH & RW Clutton will give an estate agent’s view of the process, including what to look out for when viewing properties, useful questions to ask and what happens when you’re ready to make an offer.
She’ll also explain what can help you become a well-prepared buyer when you find the home you want.
Understanding the legal process
For many first-time buyers, conveyancing is the part of the process they know least about.
Elizabeth Philp of Setfords Solicitors will explain what your solicitor does after an offer has been accepted, including searches, enquiries, contracts, exchange and completion.
She’ll also look at some of the things that can delay a purchase and what buyers can do to help the transaction run more smoothly.
Bring your questions
Each speaker will give a short presentation of around 20 minutes, followed by a joint Q&A.
You’ll also have the opportunity to stay afterwards for refreshments and speak to Steve, Sam or Elizabeth individually.
And you certainly don’t need to be about to make an offer to attend.
If you’re still saving, currently renting or simply trying to work out whether buying your first home might be possible, the evening should give you a clearer idea of what to do next.
Parents and other family members helping a first-time buyer are very welcome too.
First Home, First Steps: A Practical Guide to Buying with Confidence
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Arrival from 6.30pm | Presentations from 7.00pm
RH & RW Clutton
92 High Street
East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 3DF
The event is free to attend, with refreshments and nibbles provided. Places are limited to keep the evening small and informal.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited. 12/09/2026
About the author: Steve Ody is a Mortgage & Protection Adviser at Citrus Financial. He helps first-time buyers, home movers, remortgagers and landlords understand their options and make informed decisions about their borrowing.
Steve is known for his friendly, practical approach and his ability to make the mortgage process feel clear and manageable. He also has strong ties to East Grinstead, having served as Town Mayor and supported a number of local community organisations and initiatives.
