FTB - noting interest and when to offer (Scotland)

Headintheclouds_3

I'm a FTB and have viewed 4 properties - the last of which fitted my extensive checklist of 'must-haves' (or rather the neighbourhood did!)

Following a chat with my solicitor, I agreed not to play my hand right away and instead lodge a note of interest (the property was just on the market and, according to the EA, the vendors 'might accept an offer' and might not)

My question is: should I now keep in constant contact with the EA to gauge whether or not there is any other interest or wait until they contact my solicitor? Also, if there are no other notes of interest at what point should I bite the bullet and go for an offer?

I'm sure my solicitor could answer this but keen to get as many views as possible. Any advice gratefully received. I'm in Scotland.

smegy9

where about in scotland are you?

dwight-van-man

It does make a difference where you are. I live in Edinburgh - here you note interest then wait until a closing date is set because 99% of sellers will not accept an offer where there are already notes of interest. You might even find that the selling solicitor will not accept an offer until theres a close. However, I'm moving to Aberdeen and there its perfectly acceptable for a buyer to submit an offer, even where there are other notes of interest, and for it to be accepted (although it might just force a closing date...)

Where-ever you are, its a bit like poker... To maximise your chances, ask the sellers what they're looking for. If they give you fluff about not knowing what they'll get and taking their solicitors advice, ask them again in a slightly different way. If they still won't name a price, ask them a third time. You can pretty much guarabtee if you ask someone three times, they'll tell you... Ask them if a quick entry date would be a deal breaker. Be chatty, make sure they like you and remember you - people will always prefer to sell their house to someone they like. Make sure come closing date, they remeber your name...

smegy9

good advice thanks

Headintheclouds_3

Thanks for the reply, Dwight. I guess I'll have to develop the confidence to ask these questions of the sellers.

smegy9

where in scotland are you looking headin clouds

havekidsamskint

I hope this helps

I am selling in central scotland at offers over £86k, while a closing date will probly bring in a higher offer I would be more interested in a decent offer from 1 person and just finalise it so less stress for me.

It might be worth thinking about making an offer and telling the seller that this is it and you don't know if you would go to a closing date just to see if you get your offer accepted

good luck