Buying private with a speculative letter through the door?

Slinky

sonastin wrote: »

You put yourself in a weaker negotiating position over price using this method. You're keener to buy it than they are to sell it so they can ask for a high price and it'll be harder for you to persuade them to lower it. Fair enough you don't have to buy if they are asking to much, but it is something to bear in mind...

But if people don't know you're looking to buy, you may never find out their house COULD be available.

My friend who sold her house, the buyer had to wait several months as she wanted to move out after she got married. Her buyer was happy to wait to secure the property as it was one he particularly wanted. If he hadn't asked her, he might well have bought something else in the meantime as she didn't intend to sell for several months because of her wedding.

Bermuda_John

americans love to do this and so do "property investors" who are looking to get a cheap house. you wont get many replies but the ones that do reply and that are worth taking further will certainly be worth it in terms of % discounts. Sounds liek you are after buying more than one from your initial post, are you trying to start up as a property investor?

ik1

Thank you all for your replies.

Some really good personal experiences which is what I was really after.

No I am not after a property for profit...not yet anyway

I just want to be able to buy a family home that I can spend some money on and do it up to my own taste really. I have lived in my present home for 5 years but the plan was always to move up to a bigger property within a few years. There are a few properties in the area but I am looking for a "forever" home so that I can lovingly decorate it. Most properties coming on the market with good size gardens still going for a good price for a large 1930's semi but I am looking for a run down property so I can get it cheaper and then do it to my liking.