House Buying in Scotland - Help!

vegasvisitor

Yes, I know that now....I probably wouldn't do it again. However I can also see how it could work to a certain extent. For example I would welcome that to happen with my sale - I think it's all about the parties involved and perhaps it's not a particularly smart thing to do given that Estate Agents can't always be trusted (except hopefully your own). I got told it was the way to go, but I think they just wanted to push me ahead. I would have made an offer through a lawyer anyway, so they weren't about to push a sale through by their actions.

Funnily enough, we aren't selling through that estate agent due to their conduct in the matter.

I agree, just do it properly - that's my experience anyway.

Fat_Fairy

well the solicitors usually sell the houses in Scotland in the same way that estate agents do elsewhere - but i see what people mean, it's usual that YOUR solicitor would do the offering on your behalf.

However, i think that face to face offers are more common these days, we've certainly had those kind of conversations both as buyers and sellers in Scotland.

What you won't find is a seller who'll consider an offer UNDER the asking price, as in Scotland the prices are set lower than the actual property value because the system (unless it's fixed price, which is creeping in now) is 'offers over'.

In 2005 in Aberdeenshire, for instance, it was common for people to be offering 30% OVER the price to be in with any chance - nowadays i'm not sure, you'd need local advice on the market right now.


*edit, sorry, i just realised you stated it was a 'fixed price' property which i would agree really means 'fixed price', no haggling!.

hamstercheeks_2

whereabouts in Scotland is it?

depends on the price 10% of £200k is very different to 10% of say £80k

alsodepends if they are in a chain

have u got a link?

hamstercheeks_2

tbh if it's FP then usually that's what they'll be looking to get to perhaps make up the extra to put down on their new house?? maybe

justjohn

Hi
I have been a lurker on here for a while, I have bought 6 houses in my life and i have always approached the selling agent, offering verbally then via solicitor if accepted. You do not have too use a solicitor for a verbal offer. Some agents would prefer a solicitors fax/call, i always refuse. I always tell them there is no point in me paying a solicitor to make an offer for an amount they may knock back.

Kev09

hearts wrote: »

Unless you put the offer through your Solicitor they will just think you are a chancer. If you are serious about the property put in an offer through the proper channels.

not true! I would always speak to estate agents first as your solicitor often charges for putting offers in. If it is going to be turned down all you are doing is stoking the solicitors pockets by getting them to offer

vegasvisitor

hamstercheeks wrote: »

tbh if it's FP then usually that's what they'll be looking to get to perhaps make up the extra to put down on their new house?? maybe

I'm not sure that many sellers wouldn't accept an offer under in the current climate. I agree that fixed price was traditionally 'offer me that first and it's yours', but now I think it's often used instead of a more dramatic drop in an offers over price. Apparently offers over is no longer expected to generate an offer over.

Things are looking more hopeful for us this week - no viewers since the three we had when it went on in October, but now two viewers this week. Here's hoping.

hearts

Kev09 wrote: »

not true! I would always speak to estate agents first as your solicitor often charges for putting offers in. If it is going to be turned down all you are doing is stoking the solicitors pockets by getting them to offer

Scenario. I walk into a EA. Hi m8 I'd like to buy that house. EA. OK. I'd like to pay 10% less than they are asking. EA. OK. What do I do next. EA. Get your Solicitor to put in a formal offer.
No EA (with any sense) in Scotland is going to take an offer seriously unless it is formal. You could be testing the water to put in an even lower offer. You could be a fantasist. You could be a Shark. Or more probably a Time waster. Until an offer is made FORMALLY you are merely a schister.
Solicitors don't normally charge for putting offers in. If yours is then change. They may start charging if you are putting in ridiculous offers every other day, but if you are seriously looking for a house they don't charge.

I should add to that, there is no harm in viewing the property and asking the sellor what they are prepared to accept. They may or may not tell you.

googler

Find a solicitor who doesn't charge for unsuccessful offers, and put the same offer in, drafted by your solicitor, in writing.

Once this is done, you may find the seller changes their tune. If not, and it's still rejected, you have to decide whether or not to revise your offer.

Good Luck