2nd viewing with owners this evening - what questions to ask?

kmmr

Chris_Quartly wrote: »

My mortgage adviser was also fairly scathing about the specific estate agency the house is being sold with, so I'm expecting them to try and pressure me into using their own people but I'll just keep them at arms length as best I can.

I don't understand this comment. The mortgage broker can't change the estate agency! Do you mean that the estate agent is providing you with a solicitor?

I think the general opinion is that using the estate agents suggested solicitor isn't a good idea. Nor using the mortgage brokers to be honest. Ideally look for someone recommended by friends.

Chris_Quartly

Yes basically he was saying he knows they use a lot of underhand tactics to try and pressure you into using their "recommended" solicitors and mortgage people.

sunshinetours

jenny74 wrote: »

Errrrr, since when?????? They didn't when I moved recently.

Sorry OP some seem intent in taking this off course

From Thames Water website
[URL="javascript:showFaq(4)"]Is it compulsory to have a meter?[/URL]

Since 1 April 2005, we have been installing water meters in certain areas of our region where there has been a change of occupancy. We have the legal right to do this under section 144B of the Water Industry Act. For further information, please refer to our regulator, Ofwat's website.
We are also entitled to fit a meter when a property has been converted into flats. Visit the Services for developers section of our website for further details.

Essex and Suffolk Water certainly have compulsory meter areas (I am in one)

Without running through all the Water companies there will certainly be others who have enforced complulsory meter areas aswell, hence my oiginal comments. Never said all would

This old thread probably helps
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=20022

Chris_Quartly

No need to apologise, that is of interest to me, we would be on Thames water, but the odd thing is that the owners of the house bought it in May 2006 so you would have thought they would have had a meter put in given the blurb.

sunshinetours

Chris_Quartly wrote: »

No need to apologise, that is of interest to me, we would be on Thames water, but the odd thing is that the owners of the house bought it in May 2006 so you would have thought they would have had a meter put in given the blurb.

Only started in certain areas in 05 so probably fell outside that area at the time - may or may not now, you will find out if you buy it!

Good luck with the offer

Chris_Quartly

Indeed, and thanks again!

Just had a call back that the couple had rejected the offer but they are keen to do something, I said I'll have to think about it but it migth take me a couple of days. He said that our offer just fell a little short of what they need for the property that they want to buy, which isn't really my problem, but I did expect the first bid to be rejected in any case.