Has somebody ever tried this to buy a house? Or is it too crazy?

Iwantabighouse

Hello all,

we are still desperately looking for a house (it is now over one year that we have been looking).

Looking in the local paper, I saw a notice that somebody has died with the usual announcement that "whoever has a claim must contact lawyer xyz by end of August".

Do you think it would be really crazy to call the solicitor and ask if the heir is going to sell the house and if so I would be interested in buying it (at the right price, of course)? The house is massive, with a nice garden although it needs work (I went by a couple of times to look at it from the outside).

Has anybody ever done that? I find it a bit inappropriate, given the situation. At the same time, if the heir is planning to sell, it would save him the estate agent fee.

Please, let me know (honestly) what you think.

Regards,

Iwantabighouse

wageslave

My Da, him of sainted memory, used to scour the deaths section of our local paper and nip round the poor widows to buy the family car.

It worked.

I am not sure what you hope to achieve by approaching the family solicitor though. They generally aren't vunerable and/or desperate.

You would need to directly approach the family.

If you have the brass neck it just might work.

Eventually.............

EDIT I misread your post. Not a bad idea if you offer the market price. Certainly can't hurt

googler

If you're keen enough, then why would they want to take a private offer from you? Wouldn't they be better getting it out to the open market and having others compete with you and bid against you? This may get them more than they might save on EA fees.

Iwantabighouse

Maybe I can simply call the solicitor and ask whether they are selling and what estate agent they are using.

I do have the name of the beneficiary (and can find his address) but I find it quite bad to approach somebody who has just lots his mother and ask whether they want to sell.

The solicitor seems more neutral and not personally involved.

Mrs_Z

I don't think it's a bad idea (approaching the beneficiary directly) as long as you do so in writing and compose your letter very sensitively. They may well be glad to have a private sale if they don't need the house - would save them dealing with estate agents on top of everything else. Or alternatively, maybe contact the solicitor. I think i'd go directly to the beneficiary - they can only say 'no' or tell you the 'get lost' but at least you tried. No harm in trying I think.

wageslave

Go direct to the beneficiary. Tell them you pass the house every day on the way to work and have always loved it or something along those lines.

You realise this a difficult time etc but you are more than happy to pay market price and it would mean nasty, picky strangers weren't marching round their mothers house.

Don't mention estate fees. They will work that one out for themselves

Can't see the harm in trying

Iwantabighouse

Thanks a lot. I think I will send a letter to the beneficiary (I just need to gather my courage). Do you think he would refuse to deal with me if he then decides to go through an estate agent (it does sound quite an invasion of his privacy, also finding his address via 192.com)?.

wageslave

You don't need to mention where you got his address. Although I would say I got it from a friend of a friend.

Look what is the absolute worst thing that can happen?

They can ignore your letter and you are still at square one.

Who dares wins Rodney:)

EDIT On the whole, people are very rarely offended by the offer of money.

KateLiana27

Honestly, I think your initial instincts were correct. It may be that the beneficiary couldn't care less, wants to offload the house asap and would welcome your direct approach - but I personally would find it intrusive and I guess at least some others would too. At least make a quick phone call to the solicitor first to see where that takes you? In my experience many solicitors in this situation are on good terms with the beneficiary (they will have to work closely with them to sort out the estate) and will happily pass on an enquiry that might be to their advantage.

ognum

I currently have a probate house I am dealing with, the house will have had to be valued by more than one agent and a market (not probate) value established.
I would be happy if someone pushed a note through the door asking if I was going to sell, you may not get a great deal because a value will be know but you may get a house that never hits the open market.
Go for it!