How to approach owners?

teapot_3

A friend of mine has seen a house she really likes. Trouble is its not on the market but is pretty run down and needs a lot of work. Can anyone tell me if it would be appropriate to put a note thru the door to ask if they would ever consider selling it. Dont want to appear too pushy to the owners so how could she word the letter?

Would appreciate anyones comments. Thanks.

goldbyron

Yes I think it would be fine to post a polite but concise note through the door. I have done this recently and a few years ago. Both got a positive response. Obviously if they don't want to sell they will just ignore the note.

The note might just be the push that someone needs to sell their property. People also may appreciate selling their home to someone who expresses a real interest.

Gambler

We recently viewed a house but somebody beat us to it. We had noticed a house further down the road that was being built.

It looks finished and the date stone on the house reads 2004. The gardens have not been done and there is fencing aroubnd the plot. looks deserted every time we drive past.

Any idea how I can find out the current state or any idea as to what might have happened.

It's a lovely looking house too.

cargo

Gambler wrote:

We recently viewed a house but somebody beat us to it. We had noticed a house further down the road that was being built.

It looks finished and the date stone on the house reads 2004. The gardens have not been done and there is fencing aroubnd the plot. looks deserted every time we drive past.

Any idea how I can find out the current state or any idea as to what might have happened.

It's a lovely looking house too.

http://www.landregisteronline.gov.uk/

I think this site can tell you who owns the plot for a small feee.

Gambler

cargo wrote:

http://www.landregisteronline.gov.uk/

I think this site can tell you who owns the plot for a small feee.

Thanks. Have tried there but in this particular area there are a lot of plots of land. Hard to identify.

Jorgan_2

Gambler, are there any neighbours you can approach to ask about the property? We've got a similar situation with some one who has taken about 5-6 years to build his property. He is a builder & is doing it when time & money allows, when the money runs out he disappears for 4-5 months working away & then comes back for 1-2 months & continues with the work.

OP, its difficult yo know how to word the letter, to general & they will think its a circular thats gone to all the houses and if its too specific the sellers may think shes desperate to buy that one house & try to hold out for the top price.

teapot_3

thanks for your reply Goldbyron. I think she will give it a go and see what happens. No harm in asking I guess!

Tracy_Brash

Dear Teapot

If you don't ask you don't get. A letter through the door is quite acceptable as long as it is polite and is genuine. I agree that it can often be the little push that people need to make a decision they may well have been contmeplating anyway. Good Luck

theGrinch

go for it!