Charlene's FTB - Diary 2007

CharleneUK

Hi guys! We've seen only 2 properties so far, one today, one yesterday.

Yesterday was a complete dump, and I'm not being funny but, we told them what we were after, and it did not come close! The EA was lovely though and said he liked us and will make it his personal mission to find us somewhere.

Second one we viewed today and although we loved it, apart from the two reception rooms are walk through, so no real chance of converting and the bathroom is after the kitchen, which I thought was an odd, not to mention unpleasant place to situate a bathroom, but anyway, I digress, here is the issue.

This house is not yet on the market, so the EA doesn't know exactly what it will go for, but explained the seller is eager for a quick sale, she's pregnant and has been renting the house out but now wants to sell, so can be flexible with the price. Good we thought, until she said it'll probably go on for £225 or there abouts. Now then, our budget was 200, 205 at the very very maximum, she said the seller will go for about £210 and throw in a few things if happy, but how does she know this, if the house hasn't even been priced yet? Sounds dodgy to me (but maybe it's totally normal, that's why I'm asking you guys!) Also, I've just looked at the EA site and there is the same type of house, exact same features etc on the market for £209!!! So it is sounding more and more funny as it goes on.

Can we (if we were completed agreed) Go ahead and offer around £202 anyway? Even before it's officially gone on? What would your advice be?

The vendor does not live local either which is a pain, as only she will know some specific questions I'd need answering.

Tiger_greeneyes

Hi Charlene You've just described a perfectly normal couple of viewings!

Firstly, the one with the through lounge - it's very simple to erect a dividing wall, and also very cheap. I wouldn't let that put you off if you really like the house! Many Victorian houses have been converted to have one large through living room rather than two smaller rooms.

Also, Victorian houses weren't built with bathrooms in mind - therefore there are two main configurations of Victorian house - bathroom upstairs in an old bedroom, or bathroom extension off the kitchen - leaving the extra bedroom upstairs. Both are entirely normal and you're bound to see examples of both in your quest.

As for the EA, it's entirely normal for the EA to have a gut feeling about what a vendor might accept. It's part of their job. The vendor might even have told him what she'd accept. You're perfectly at liberty to offer on the property - the EA might even be able to use your offer to get the house on the market sooner.

You can always direct your questions to the EA - they'll ask the absentee vendor for the answer.

Just being nosy now - which areas are you looking in at the moment? I love house hunting

CharleneUK

Hello! Oooh I'm all excited! I'm very happy with this house and hope to have a second viewing soon for a 'view with your head' type things in mind.

The reason I was confused about the EA was because if the property hasn't gone on yet, how would she know what the vendor would accept? She's only guessing what price it might go on for.

The other property I saw was on the same road as well, we've just driven past again this evening and it's now sold, but it was definitely on for £209.

Anyway, the area is Selhurst, round the corner from where we live, it's perfect, very quiet, which is what we want, and has everything we want on our personal checklist as far as decor, low maintenance garden, double glazing, central heating etc.

I'll be receiving a call from the EA tomorrow about a second viewing. Thanks for all that info. If all or most of my questions can be answered I have a feeling we'll be putting an offer in, which will probably be rejected, but I think we'll be going for it anyway!! God, this is so exciting! LOL

p.s - general areas we're fine with our: Selhurst, Croydon, Thornton Heath, Norbury, South Norwood, West Norwood, Upper Norwood, Coulsdon, Purley (we wished!) The annoying thing is, everytime I go to rightmove, the properties have gone 'ages ago' and they haven't updated!

Tiger_greeneyes

I'm glad you like the house so much! It's such an exciting time, buying your first property! I know the area well, I used to live very near Selhurst Park football ground. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but if you've lived there then you'll know where I'm coming from I'd go back there to live without any worries at all!

Barnard Marcus in Lower Addiscombe Road and Park Regent in South Norwood are agents worth including in your 'rounds'. They're two agents I've worked closely with in the past and have good reputations in the area.

Good luck with your offers, do let us know how you get on!

CharleneUK

I will! It's Barnard marcus who showed us round today! I even spoke to their financial adviser who was really lovely. Will also register with Park Regent. Cheers! Will definitely let you know how I get on.

Tiger_greeneyes

From what I remember, the financial adviser there is Tom. But I'm going back a bit now and he could have moved on ages ago! Was it Nuala who showed you around? She reminds me of Kirstie Allsop! That's if she's still there of course

I recommend dealing with Neil at Park Regent, he's very trustworthy, we used to work there together when it was Nationwide EA.

Have fun tomorrow

Doozergirl

Tiger, I'm really sorry; I entirely forgot to reply to your pm I wasn't in the property game at that time, lived in South Norwood 94-97 ish but I might have served you while I was working in Blockbuster Video in the High Street! :rotfl: I was at college then .

Charlene, I'm always a little sceptical when agents keep changing the price they think the vendor will accept. I think it's an attempt to gain your confidence and to try and get 'on your side'. I'm not generally down on EAs but this does sound like a game to me Not to say don't go for it, but don't automatically think you've got a bargain because he says it should be on at £225, okay? (but that is cheap!)

Tiger_greeneyes

Doozergirl's absolutely right Charlene, EA's do their best to become your 'friend' because there's something in it for them - it makes you feel more obliged to buy through them for a start.

I was also living in South Norwood 93-97 - and used to pop into Blockbuster regularly! It was on my way home from work on a Saturday lunchtime! I walked up Oliver Grove to get home so it made sense to visit Blockbuster on the way to stock up on videos and wine gums!

Doozergirl

Tiger_greeneyes wrote: »

I was also living in South Norwood 93-97 - and used to pop into Blockbuster regularly! It was on my way home from work on a Saturday lunchtime! I walked up Oliver Grove to get home so it made sense to visit Blockbuster on the way to stock up on videos and wine gums!

I'm laughing and cringing all at the same time. I was the one in the little Lion King t-shirt, okay! :rotfl:

Doozergirl

In fact, I'm definately blushing now. I'm sometimes given the impression people might respect me. They're all wrong!