Viewing another property, same agent - how to play?

dats

Hi all,

Currently renting and trying to buy. Found a place, but best & final offer at 97% of asking price was rejected earlier this week so walked away.

I'm viewing a place tomor with the same agent. When I called to make an appt, EA said 'so you're not buying place A, then?' To which I said, well no, not at the moment. Curious as to what my 'file' says!

Anyway, place B is on market for £5k more than place A, but needs work. Asking price is £10k over my limit. I have tried to be as circumspect as possible as to the max I can afford, but not sure whether the agent 'knows' my limit.

Seeing as I would only be able to buy place B if they took an offer (my max would be around 94% of asking price), should I:

• Ask the EA directly whether the vendors are likely to accept an offer?
• Ask roundabout questions about the vendors' circumstances and try and gauge things that way?

This may all be a moot point, as I might not like the place(!) but after my previous experience I'd like to try and establish earlier whether I am wasting my (and their) time.

Sorry if this is a bit longwinded.

andys15

When i previously bought a house, I did what you're doing but for a purpose, to worry the owners of the house we wanted. I had offer rejected, on our 3rd visit to the house, so went to view another house with the same agent on the hope that the agent would tell the vendor. Not sure if it worked but the offer was accepted 2 days after viewing the "other" house.

dats

Thanks, Andy. Yeah, that had crossed my mind. Vendor seemed so immovable, though. Even after my second offer, all I got was 'want something closer to the asking price...' so I guess I wasn't surprised.