FTB - Second thoughts

leanneb010

I'm a first time buyer and stumbled upon the house by pure chance. Described as walk in condition, upgraded and it was near our families, it had been on the market for over a year with no interest. Myself and my partner went to view the property and liked it instantly, it was nicely decorated, spacious and had a perfect room for our baby daughter. At the viewing we asked if there were any issues we should know about and the seller was adamant there were none, and went on to tell us that she had re-plastered the walls and was leaving x+y+z. Her estate agent went on to phone me several times over the course of the next week while I was waiting for my mortgage to be confirmed, asking if I was putting in an offer. Once my mortgage was OK'd we put our offer in of £5k under asking price, as knowing the area, and little things in the property we felt this was a good place to start. Rejected as were our next 2 offers, basically taking us to asking price, subject to survey, which was again fine.
Then the problems start. Seller wants sale concluded within 3 weeks, which my solicitor said no to. We get the survey done which states that there was excessive moisture levels in the walls. We pointed this out to the seller and stated as she had had damp proof treatment done before could she get the contractors out to check. IT TOOK HER 3 WEEKS to even agree and get someone out. It has come back that yes it is rising damp and unfortunately in different areas, so her previous work warranty does not cover it. The estimate to treat was £1250 + vat (not including if they discovered any other issues) and she offered a goodwill payment of £250, which even my lawyer laughed at.

I pointed out that the property was advertised as walk in condition and upgraded, and my partner pointed out that the fact she was so desperate to sell quickly and that she was going on and on about getting walls re-plastered (which we now suspect was to cover this up) and dismissed another worry about a damp patch on the bathroom ceiling (Her words "Its not on the home report and is an old issue", but the home report is over 1yr old)

My lawyer has gone back to her EA and stated that she can get the work carried out before sale, or I am walking away. That was 2 days ago.

In the meantime we have seen another few houses, more expensive, but bigger and with more opportunity to develop. We are viewing them on Saturday and I have spoke with my advisor about my mortgage.

I'm almost tempted to tell my lawyer to tell her to shove it, before she agrees or disagrees to the work. And I'm tempted to claim back my survey fees from her, as like I said, we suspect she tried to cover up the rising damp for a quick sale.

Should I just cut my loses with the first house and check our other options?

Leanne

DVardysShadow

leanneb010 wrote: »

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I'm almost tempted to tell my lawyer to tell her to shove it, before she agrees or disagrees to the work. And I'm tempted to claim back my survey fees from her, as like I said, we suspect she tried to cover up the rising damp for a quick sale.

Should I just cut my loses with the first house and check our other options?

As it was described as 'walk in' but it has damp, then in your position, I would walk away from this one. Who knows what else they are hiding. But you are unlikely to be successful in claiming back your survey fees.

When you get an offer accepted on a house, you have to regard survey and solicitor fees as being a gamble.

pinkteapot

You can walk away, but you can't reclaim any costs you have incurred from the seller I'm afraid.

To be honest, I wouldn't get swayed by 'walk in condition' or be tempted to pay extra for it. Every place I've had has been in good condition but we have still repainted pretty much every room. Unless a house is decorated in exactly the colours you'd choose, you'll want to put your own stamp on it. Even if it is colours you'd choose, you'll probably want to anyway. I think it's something to do with the nesting instinct.

With a littlun to look after taking on this house could be more hassle than you want if the damp problems are more extensive than they first appear.

GAH

Do you still really like the property and want to buy it?

Even though vendor sounds like a right pain in the backside, (and there are a few out there), its upto you.

You aren't going to be able the claim the survey fee back unfortunately.

I would wait and see if she what she comes back and says.

DannyboyMidlands

I'd walk away. There are literally millions of houses in this country so plenty more fish in the sea. It'd be nice to find about 5 possibles, throw down 5 low offers and see if you get any bites.

geoffky

I would not run away...i would run as fast as i could..what else have they covered up and lied about....too much risk for me..

leanneb010

Thanks, you have pretty much voiced what we feel... and there are other houses, we are in no rush to move and can wait if needed so, she can do one

carefullycautious

My mum moved into a house that was beautifully decorated. As soon as the winter kicked in so did the rising damp and all the paper fell off the walls.

Run as fast as you can

mcc100

Apart from the condition of the property I'm sure you have had a lucky escape.

It has been on the market for over a year with no interest and yet you end up offering the asking price.

It is clearly over valued ...... any chance of a rightmove link on the property ?

leanneb010

I can't post links yet, but it's on the GSPC website quick ref: 171719

like I say, advertised as walk in and upgraded, popular locale is a bit funny, as I would not consider it the greatest area (And I have lived here most of my life lol).

mcc100

http://www.gspc.co.uk/property/171719/

Is that the correct link Leanneb010