FTB - 1st viewing advice

frugglewump

So we went back this morning for a daylight viewing:

Roof was fine (although just remembered I didn't check for a tv aerial), noticed a few more dents around the place, however, the major thing was the water all over the bathroom floor.

I hadn't noticed last time, but one of the pipes has a rag around it which is probably where the leak is. We're still interested, but I think I'll either get our plumber to take a look and give me a quote or describe it to him and ask what the worst situation would be.

I'm still thinking of offering 167,500, but phrasing it as 167k or 167,500 if the plumbing is fixed.

sarah_elton

Definitely make the offer dependent on the plumbing being fixed - they can always say no, and it saves you (a) the hassle of getting it fixed and (b) the upfront cost on top of solicitors, mortgage fees, moving costs etc etc. Every little helps at an expensive time!

The flat I'm buying had a rotten board on a window frame (a decorative bit of wood so not structural, but would eventually have spread). As it's second floor it would have been a builder job but I said xxx price, subject to that being fixed and they agreed. Sounds like your market is still moving fast compared to round here, but they may well say yes to secure the sale.

Also, all those 'little dents' etc are important - you position the lower offer in terms of the fact it's not in perfect condition, and there are things that need doing. Even if they're not that costly, it's bargaining points. With mine the guy had painted all the internal doors so thickly they no longer shut!! Mentioned the fact they need replacing when making a lower offer.

frugglewump

Managed to get hold of our plumber today and he gave us a figure for repair costs if it needs to go as far as replacing the pipes & joint. He also agreed to come with me to the house to give a proper quote if they refuse to mend it or go in to examine repairs for very little £ assuming he doesn't get the mending job - he is very popular with landlords round here because of his low costs & punctuality.

The only thing I feel I need to figure out now is what figure to use for a 2nd offer if this first one is rejected. This will sound odd but whilst I am crap at people skills I am good at pretending to have them if I am prepared enough (at least lecturing has taught me something!)

I got a coneyancing quote over the phone today - i didn't realise the search costs etc were on top of the solicitors fees (ouch!). I was very glad to read the online conveyancing thread.

mummytofour

There is some greta advice there!

I would add, pay what you think its worth to you, how badly do you wantthe house and what chances do you have of finding something like it that fits the bill as well?


Good luck.
Vxx

dooj

If the bathroom floor is wet and has been wet for a while make sure the floor underneath is not wet and rotting, also if vendor is happy to let you view the house with a wet floor what other things may be wrong with the house. Take your time having a good look around, go into bathrooms and flush toilets and turn on and off taps, open and shut doors, have a good look outside and on the roof, look to see where drains are and if they are clear, go into all corners of rooms and look behind furniture (if possible) If the heating is on when you go round then touch all the radiators to see how hot they are and if the boiler is noisy.
These are just a few of the things a wish id done wen i bought my house.

Dont be afraid to walk away if you feel you are being ripped off.. there will always be other houses, you will know wen you have found your home.