Wobbly Monday - what would you do?

dreaming

Thanks Downshifted.

Had spoken to surveyor who explained that although house is not about to fall down, it does have problems which may be expensive to put right, and that some of the d-i-y vendor had done had caused potential difficulties (siting of pipes etc). Also boiler flue has been sited incorrectly (near to opening window) and have so far been unable to obtain gas fitting certificate from vendor (solicitors are requesting as well). Makes me wonder if he fitted it himself:eek: Did not like estate agent's attitude when I asked to renegotiate price/get more information - said that I might struggle to find anything else as "there is nothing on the market at the moment" (I specifically want bungalow due to back problems) and might lose my sale. Also said that the surveyor had told him there were no problems. When I asked him about that, surveyor said he hadn't said that at all, and that EA had indicated that the vendor was a "bodge the builder" and laughed.
Just hate all this as I think I am a very honest person and expect others to be the same.

surreybased

dreaming wrote: »

Thanks Downshifted.

Had spoken to surveyor who explained that although house is not about to fall down, it does have problems which may be expensive to put right

I think this is the key - you have a surveyor say that there will be expense if you purchase the property (& hassle). I know who I would believe. Get some independent quotes for the work and then renegotitate.

Sammy85_2

Downshifted - Go travelling!!

Thats the one bit of advise i can offer you. Once you have a house and mortgage (unless you are super rich) you'll then be tied down and it'll make it so much more difficult to go travelling at a later date.

We're going travelling for 6 months for our honeymoon and we've had to start saving 18 months in advance so we'll have enough saved up to cover the mortgages while we're away and temporarily jobless. (nevermind saving for the wedding!)

Please please go and do your travelling while you can. I wish i had!

SouthCoast

downshifted - go travelling!!

+1
..............................

jeffmasson

maybe you could do a bit of both buy a cheap flat near family (to keep a eye on it for you) put all your stuff in it and go traverling then when you get back if the maket has gone up sell if not rent it out might work out cheaper than storing your stuff

downshifted

Dreaming - could you consider renting somewhere for a while and becoming a cash buyer? Something better will come on the market eventually, although it is true there is not a lot of choice at the moment. The EA is working for the vendor of course - but he will do himself no favours if he doues not treat his buyers with respect

dreaming

Downshifted - good to know your situation looks more promising now.
Have calmed down a bit over w/end, and realised it was the EA's attitude that really got to me, rather than anything else. I don't feel that what I was asking was unreasonable (I wasn't asking for mega-bucks off, just to start negotiations around the £6-7k mark). Am going to ask DB (who is architect) to come down and look at the property before I make any decision.
Don't particularly want to rent as I like security, but have arranged to look at a couple of more properties (bungalows) and also may consider house. My present one is victorian, with v.v. steep stairs and high ceilings, but newer property may be more manageable.
Thanks for your encouragement. Fingers crossed for you.

downshifted

Dreaming - I know what you mean when you say "having calmed down a bit" It is a stressful time and I was almost spluttering down the phone when the EA just gave a point blank refusal to all my carefully reasoned arguments :-) Still we got there in the end and signed the documents yesterday - exchange should be next week. We have been renting 8 months now, and it is not the same as having your own place - however it has given us the opportunity to try out a new area and has also made it easier for us to stand firm on negotiations this time.

Good luck and do post how you get on :-)

dreaming

EA contacted me today (not the guy I've been dealing with but "completion team")to say how do I want to proceed. I asked what the vendor's reaction had been to be told they haven't contacted him as they don't see the need!! I said I was concerned about gas system as I haven't seen guarantee/fitting certificate, and the guy said he supposed he could see my point. Am looking again on Thursday with DB and pushing sols to get guarantees etc., but have looked at finances and may be able to raise bit more cash to up my budget and look at one not needing quite so much work.

downshifted

Sounds like they are wondering if you are going to walk away.....let them wonder for a while. I guess they will only contact the vendor if and when you put in a reduced offer

Best wishes