Damage between first and second visit

Hot_Fuzz

Help, Found a property we both liked, put the offer in and it was accepted, went back today for another look/measure up etc, and i noticed that one of the double glazed french door had cracked in the glass, defo was not there last time, thinking it may have been the wind during the week. What do we do??

morleymackam

Ask them to fix it as a condition of sale?

stolt

did you ask them about when you went for the second viewing, perhaps they were planning to get it fixed anyway.

tomstickland

Cost of a piece of glass versus house is neglible, so I'd ask them about it but not be too bothered about it TBH.

Robert_Sterling

The broken glass is a bit of a pain.

tomstickland

"I'll get me coat"

spunkeyrich

I would say its reasonable for you to contact the agent and tell them that at the time you made the offer there was no broken glass so you expect it to be fixed or the cost of repairing it will be reflect6ed in a revised offer. nicely of course :-)

rich

tomstickland

Yes, revise the offer by £20.

Acc72

Of course it is reasonable - when you make an offer on a property, it is made on the basis that when you take posession it will be in the same condition as at the time of the offer.

What if the damage was not caused by the wind ?

What if the householders suddenly stopped caring about the property, and by the time the sale was complete there was even more damage ?

Debt_Free_Chick

I think that legally, you are buying the property in the condition that existed at exchange - not at the point you make the offer. Until then, there is no agreement to buy and you can simply withdraw your offer if the condition of the property changes.

That said, most buyers would put right any problems that occurred before exchange - not least as they do not want to lose their buyer.

TBH a broken pane of glass is not a big issue, but only you can decide if you want to insist that the seller fixes it as part of the sale.

welshcakes

Mention it to the EA just saying you noticed it and can they confirm in writing that it will be repaired prior to exchange. I realise that the glass is a small item however it will at least indicate to the seller that you do expect any further damages to be addressed and this may prompt them to have a check around and act on anything else that might come to light.

I always think it is a good idea to arrange a viewing just before exchange, a lot of people do this under the pretence of needing to measure up for carpets or curtains there about to order. The note pad (don't forget tape measure) scribblings can then contain any further damages/alterations you note.