How would you deal with this 'awkward' seller...

Doozergirl

I don't know how anyone here can value the house without having seen it The OP knows how much the house is worth to them and that's all that matters here.

Just because the vendor is elderly, it doesn't mean that he is vulnerable, nor does it mean the OP is taking advantage of him.

Just my opinion. No doubt I'll get flamed for being fluffy again. :rolleyes:

vansboy

Thanks Doozergirl!

Like the title of this thread says, it's just looking for ideas on how the seller can be made aware of the real situation - without hassling/upsetting him etc etc, certainly not my aim.

VB

clutton_2

sorry if i jumped the gun

kelloggs36

Do more market research and then put in a final offer and make it clear that this is the final offer. If he rejects, then walk away. As you keep coming back, he has a reason to hold on in there.

MisterDDB

just remember that the EA is a persistent and compulsive liar and has probably never uttered a true word in his miserable life.

therefore, make an offer at what a level you are happy with - remember, this is a home, not an investment (if that is the case) and if the seller accepts - job done. If they refuse, walk away.

DO NOT LISTEN TO THE EA. THEY ARE LYING SCUM

MJMum

just remember that the EA is a persistent and compulsive liar and has probably never uttered a true word in his miserable life.

That's a bit strong! :eek:

vansboy

MisterDDB, sorry you take that view, but in this case, I do think the agent are not being helped by the sellers inability to provide them with a more acurate amount at which he'll sell - hopefully them asking to give written instructions might get somewhere!

VB

TamTam72

I really feel for you as I have very recently been in a similar position myself. Saw a house we liked, put in several offers before finally alighting on one which was accepted (£470k against asking price of £500k). House is nothing special, needs a lot of work, but advertsied with 2 acres of garden, which in my neck of the woods is a valuable commodity! Turns out only 1.3 acres, making the property a lot less valuable, so we revised our offer to £430k, which compared to other similar properties, is still a very good offer bearing in mind the work needed. Anyway, cantankerous old vendor wouldn't even entertain our lower offer so we have had to walk away. Really gutted but there is no way we are paying way over the odds for the house.

It's now back on the market at the original asking price and still showing as having grounds of 2 acres....grrrr... really hoping that nobody buys it and he comes grovelling back to us...but the chances are very slim

If you're dealing with an 'awkward' vendor, sometimes the best thing to do is walk away, however painful that may be. Hope it all works out for you better than it did for us.

chant1l

£65000!! I think I need to get back on the tools!
He is not being akward any more than you are , you are both trying to reach an agreed price, you just haven't gone up high enough yet....

Oh and Paint I am totally with you on this one, the dummy sale is a lousy way to go about things, people may buy houses on the strength of it and commission surveys/architects/finance fees because you (stevecat) can't negotiate sensibly.