Charlene's FTB - Diary 2007

CharleneUK

Thanks as always TG!! Just proves how little I know about it all! Much appreciated.

What does everyone else think of my post above? Any more thoughts?

Tiger_greeneyes

It's a steep learning curve isn't it! You'll be able to do the next one standing on your head

CharleneUK

LOL, thanks! I went for a 3rd viewing today, the vendor looked shocked to see me, then realised who I was and gave me a big hug and kiss! LOL. I did bring my mum, aunt and friend in the end and the vendor was saying it's fine and she knows it's nice to get others opinions!

She allowed me to show everyone around and was explaining she may have to leave the fridge freezer as the place she is going is quite small.

The good thing is, generally everyone was happy with it and felt I'd made a good choice, the bad side is my friend notice a dip in the ceiling and the plastering work that needs doing etc, but there are minor apparently and will come up on the survey!! Going there again, I'm very happy and feel I was right in the first place and that it'll be a really good buy!

Looks like everyone else has given up on this thread, but thought i'd share with TG at the very least (who has been brilliant I might add!)

CharleneUK

Many thanks to board guide for changing title of this thread!

Argh!! The saga continues! Just received an email from my solicitor. Vendor has stated she does not want to move till 1st October!!!!! You what?! I did not have this long long date in my mind at all, although I know things could take this long, but really? Why bother marketing your house now if you want to wait so long? This is really annoying now, and I don't see the point in rushing anything at this stage.

At least my broker has confirm my mortgage offer will be available till 29th October, but I really wanted to be in by August latest What to do now is the question?

Tiger_greeneyes

Thanks for your kind comments Charlene!

Worst case scenario is that there's only September between August and 1st October... you could exchange contracts once the conveyancing has been done (say in four weeks time, for instance) and you'll have 1st October as a definite moving date, no matter what happens. Completion dates are the bain of everyone's lives - there's always threads where people are unhappy with the completion date they've been given. It may help to find out why the vendor wants to wait so long - it could be that she's got no choice in the matter - she may only just have found out - or she may have put the house on the market thinking it may take a while to sell. I know it's frustrating though, it's still only May! Four months will go really quickly though, and it'll give you another months wages behind you before you start paying mortgages etc. As soon as you exchange, you can start buying the things you need for the house. That's what I did with my first flat

As for plastering - it's probably only skimming that needs to be done - I've just had a quote on my front bedroom - it's about 15' x 15' with very high ceilings and they're charging me £295. I know it's costly but it's probably not the nightmare you were imagining. As for the dip in the ceiling - worst case scenario is to replace it - taking it down isn't difficult, and then it's just a case of plasterboarding and skimming it. A nuisance, but it won't cost the earth. It may not even need doing - time will tell

All old houses need stuff doing to them, it's unavoidable

CharleneUK

Thanks TG!! Apparently, the vendor will be 'away' from August - September, so this is the earliest she can move now. I know it's only a month, but it's just going to mess everything up as I really wanted in while the kids were on school holidays! Nevermind, it wasn't a guarantee anyway I guess..... Think I may well call up some EA's tomorrow though, see what else is out there.

Thanks for info on fixing the place up, that's helpful! I think we'll just go in and do what we can, when we can really! Best way to do it.

x

Tiger_greeneyes

I know it's not much of a consolation but there's a half term holiday in October...

Maybe the vendor would be prepared to rethink a completion date if she knew it was that important to you to move during the school holidays? For instance, if she's not going to be there, and she's moving in with family, she may well be happy to get everything packed up and over to her relatives before she goes away so you can complete in time?

It may also be worth asking the council how long they take for their end of the deal, it may well be that you can't be in before October, anyway.

CharleneUK

Thanks as always TG.

I called the EA's yesterday to see exactly what's going on, but the lady in question did not work saturdays and the one who was covering said on the file notes it simply says vendor wants to move ASAP. She tried calling vendor but got voicemail. She said maybe the vendor has early redemption penalties or hasn't found somewhere, but those don't add up to 'being away mid august - September' So like you said, I hope we can negotiate.

My broker just informed me that the EA's contacted him on Friday wanting to know when the survey was to be done, which I find odd as the Vendor does not want to move till October? Ugh, watch this space.

Ooh forgot, the council do not delay with the money, they release it upon exchange of contracts within 5 days.

CharleneUK

Well today, yet another story! In the morning I was told the vendor was waiting to see if her offer was accepted on another property, then this PM, was told vendor had place accepted and had already carried out survey and is fine to move!! LOL, wonder what is going on? Someone is telling porkies that's for sure!!

Have told broker to hold off, and emailed solicitor to verify this information!! And so it goes on! LOL, you have to laugh really!! Hopefully wires were just crossed and we'll be in our home by August

olive84

That's good news! Honestly the amount of rubbish that gets passed between people, their EAs and solicitors has not ceased to amaze me during my house buying experience. I've learnt that in order, your solicitor tells the most truth, then your vendor, and last is the EAs. I think they invent 70% of what they say. Mine does anyway!