Part-Exchange Failure

ayrshire_buddy

Looking for any advice.
Will try and keep it short.

We reserved Miller Homes new build, based on p/x.
Haggled over p/x value, extras , etc but decided being chain-free and quick sale was worth the reduction in market value.
Miller actually use a 3rd party to do their p/x and you sell to them.
We had telephone questionnaire with them, then an estate agent valuation by 3 EA's carried out - price agreed. We then received first written offer and they carried out Home Report (we are in Scotland).
Home report threw up a few things (nothing that warranted retention, etc). P/X company decided to get specialist reports - which we have not seen yet.
These reports were not mentioned as being required until 5 days before moving date, so we had half-packed, etc
Verbally roofer told us it was fine and all woodwork was good.
Damp surveyor came out and said there was some condensation in bathroom, and small damp patches in middle of chimney breast - none above or below (therefore he did not recommend any damp treatments for this).
We have an old lean-to single-glazed, timber framed sunporch, which has seen better days - but it is quite obvious to anyone viewing it is atear down and replace or just tear down.
however, I believe as it is not part of main building structure and is reflected in price it is not a major issue.

P/X company have now refused to take our house - we are awaiting them giving us copies of the report. They just say it is a risk, their is no talk about reducing price or us getting work done and then they will take it - just a flat no, which seem strange when we are so far down the process.

Miller are very sympathetic, etc - however, they say their hands are tied.
My own gut feeling is p/x company have maybe researched prices/market a bit more and decided it is in the too hard to sell category at that price (our house is in a nice area with all other detached houses).

This opportunity came out the blue, so house was not as pristine as for a private sale, but definetely in reasonable condition.

It could be that when we get sight of these reports then house is condemned and that you cannot blame p/x company - but I doubt this s the case.

very frustrating and gutted as they have spent 3 week sto get these 2 reports and drop bombshell now.

DVardysShadow

I would go with your gut feeling that the part exchange co have got cold feet, they have not reneged on you so much as on Miller, I feel. Unless you are really desperate, let Miller and the partex co sort themselves out.

ayrshire_buddy

Quick Update.

Eventually seen p/x companies damp report, it contardicts with my own damp report in parts and recommends work were mine doesn't.
What you would expect for a large damp company looking to get work, my report was an independent surveyor.
The most interesting part is it refers to a detailed attched estimate, which I requested.
The p/x company forwarded this to me, which is basically one line stating damp repairs £4300, it is also on the p/x companies headed paper (not the damp survey company) - extremely suss.

Difficulty is where I go from here - really fancy the miller home, everything is right for us and it is the only one of its type and size on the development.

have tried to push it back onto miller to step up that the p/x company are chancing it and trying to wriggle out of it.

I have grudgingly offered to look at price reduction, but not sure if tehy are even interested in that.
Even trying to talk Miller into taking it direct P/X they used to up until 4 months ago when they started using this company.

Any ideas/suggestions welcome.

DVardysShadow

ayrshire_buddy wrote: »

...
Even trying to talk Miller into taking it direct P/X they used to up until 4 months ago when they started using this company.

Any ideas/suggestions welcome.

Probably there is nothing to be done on this in the short term. Miller have taken on this partex co for their own reasons and this will be a decision made at a very high level. So there will be some senior egos which need bruising before they accept that this company are taking the mickey. Rather than directly attempt to negotiate, I would suggest that you see if you can meet at least 1 level above your normal contact, taking your own survey and the partex companies report and spurious estimate and tell them that you don't like being taken for a fool - that even raising the issue of damp is false and the 'estimate' is just an insult to your intelligence, so what are Miller going to do to save the deal?

Obviously the partex co have to make a profit somewhere. The advantage to Miller is that their own partex risk factor goes away, but the partex co are left on their own to make a profit by taking the mickey, because it is the only way. The sooner Miller realise that this is leaving a nasty taste, the sooner they will move on from this approach.

suki1001

I suspect miller's upstairs aren't particularly bothered if a few houses don't get part ex'd. There'll be a bit of back scratching, and if it falls through, hopefully the buyer will be so smitten, they'll still consider buying, as op is doing. Everyone's a winner (well the companies are anyway). They're not doing anyone a favour.

ayrshire_buddy

Thanks for your thoughts, pretty much what I was thinking myself.

I am going to try and get a bit higher up in the Miller tree now - as I really feel they have hung me out to dry.
The more I look at the facts the more angry I get, so now time to vent thi swith all the facts at a senior level. It may not ultimately change outcome, but hopefully will go to releasing the last 6 weeks stress.

You look at the Miller Home Swap Advert and it states 'guaranteed buyer after you meet the basic qualifying criteria' - no risk, no hassle, etc. Nowhere does it state that it is a 3rd party p/x and that you have to wait until 4 days before move-in date and detailed surveys carried out to p/x company satisfaction - with no avenue to discuss/remedy/negotiate on any issues.

Anyway will let you know how I get on.

ayrshire_buddy

Just a quick update on how I got on.

After a fair bit of shouting and complaining, Miller managed to drag the P-X company back to negotiate.
After prolonged disussion, the net result is that I lose £2000 on value of p/x for so-called repairs I don't necesary agree with, however, managed to get some white goods thrown in as compensation.

Been a horrific 8 weeks, but now looking forward to moving 2 weeks today.

Miller have done well in getting the p-x company to do a u-turn and I have been reasonably impressed with their customer care (obviously in their interest to get their house shifted as well). It is a relatively new partnership with the p-x company that obviously has teething problems.
But I would definetely advise anyone going down the miller p/x route to wait until the full survey is carried out, before assuming everything will sail through.

Now starts the new build nightmare of snagging .......

rickimcc78

Hi,

Glad to hear the outcome was as you wanted (although it did sound stressful) and hope your getting on well in your Miller home!!

We have just started the process of maybe part-exchanging with Miller homes, their third party buyers have an estate agent coming out on thurs.

Out of interest can you remember the name of the TP company they used when you had these problems?

Thanks,

Ricki

brianbadger

Hi,
We are working our way through the Partex process with Miller Homes, and their 3rd party buyer just now.
We were contacted today by surveyor who want to come out in 3 days to do a Home Report (we're also in Scotland).
My question is this - were you billed for the Home Report or was that paid for by the 3rd party (Secure Homes Purchase) prior to them putting the property on the market themselves?
I saw the email from the surveyor today and all I could think was..... more expense!
Thanks in advance for your info.
BB