Charlene's FTB - Diary 2007

CharleneUK

Hi there, sorry for being so quiet, I've just been incredibly deflated lately, I don't think I have the energy anymore.

Since the last time I posted, we've seen around 3/4 more properties.

We are thinking of putting in an offer for a 2 bed, 2 reception which can be converted into a bedroom....... Funnily enough, it's on the same road as one of the very first ones we fell in love with (which is still on the market btw!!) So we're thinking, pay £2-£3k more and get the original one which already has kitchen, garden sorted and laminated flooring, or take this other one and add the personal touches ourselves. Before I do this, I want to check with the council that no building plans are going on, because I still find it odd that such a small road is selling properties so much.

We were emailed a house on saturday afternoon which sounds absolutely perfect for us, and is the right price, so I'm hoping to view it in my lunch time tomorrow, fingers crossed! Thing is, this guy usually calls me when new properties aren't even on the market yet, but I think he was annoyed with us, when we didn't put an offer in on a particularly property, so I just hope its still there.

We've also fallen out with another agent, as the lady we deal with is so rude, and they continue marketing properties even after an offer has been accepted, as a general rule, which is off putting.

We saw a 3 bed that needs work yesterday, I don't think it's a good idea to buy somewhere that needs works, when the price is so close to what a full mortgage would be, I.e not much spare money for updating!! There is ANOTHER property going for £178,000 which we hope to view this week, but needs modernisation, but at least the price is much lower, so we could do it up a treat, well, if it isn't falling apart that is :rotfl:

There are also two 2 bed, 2 reception properties coming on around Thursday, so will chase those up as well, it's just really hard to keep going, I hope we get there soon because we only have another 7 weeks to find somewhere :eek:

:eek: Thanks for asking (and sorry for the mini novel! :rotfl: )

Tiger_greeneyes

It's not easy is it - but you'll be glad you plugged away at it in the end.

The road where there are a few on the market - it could just be coincidence. I lived in a tiny Scottish fishing village - there were 30 houses in my road and four were on the market at the same time.

However, it's always worth staking out! Check with the council and the police too - they'll be able to give you crime figures for the general area - and it's always a good idea to park up and walk around the area at different times of day and week. It helps you get a feel of the place and you'll also notice far more on foot than in the car.

The house you fell in love with at first - is it worth going back with another offer? If it's still on the market, they may well reconsider

Hang in there, there's nothing like having your own front door xx

CharleneUK

Thanks a lot. We've given ourselves till Friday to decide exactly what it is that we want to do and then we'll just go for whatever is best!!

Thanks again

Tiger_greeneyes

How exciting! Is there any reason why you've only got 7 weeks btw?

CharleneUK

Hi again, it's because the council only give you approximately 3 months to find a place, before allocating the money to someone else! Scary!

Tiger_greeneyes

It may be worth you asking them if you can have an extension on that time - ask for another month as there's not much on the market, they can only say no!

Also, bear in mind that HIPS comes into play 1 June, there's doubtless going to be an influx of properties on the market this month, you'll be able to pick and choose - and maybe get a better bargain as the market could well be saturated.

Fingers crossed for you

CharleneUK

Well, rounding up this rollercoaster ride! We had a second viewing on a 2/3 bed property today, and saw yet more potential buyers leaving. The EA (who has been great with us) says 'look, I'll be honest here, the vendor will take no less than £214 for this property as she'd just had a new kitchen put in, plus a new fire alarm system.

So, me feeling like, it's now or never, feeling we just won't find any better for our money, put the offer in and it was accepted! So why aren't I jumping for joy? If anything I feel absolute dread, I don't know if it's nerves or what! THEN to make matters worse, said EA emailed me a property, 2 bed, 2 reception for £199.950!!!!!! I could have fainted!! So I got hubby to call up and ask him why he hadn't told us this before, now he is saying it was going to come on, but it didn't.

Trouble is, I don't know whether to believe him or not Also, he said he's taking the property off the market right away etc, but I don't know if that's true either, and feel like asking someone to call up and check they aren't taking anymore viewings!! I know I know how it sounds, I'm just really worried that the other property indeed has come on and it sounds a dream, and also wondering if something is going to happen with this property as there was a viewing booked for this evening..... Will it be cancelled?

Argh, I don't even know how I'm feeling right now to be honest!

Tiger_greeneyes

What you've described is quite usual! You find a house, offer on it and then something else appears that sounds perfect! This is one of the biggest purchases of your life - you're bound to feel up and down

Why not go and have a look at this other house? You can still change your mind and withdraw your offer if this other house is your dream house. You can also ask the EA if the appointment at your house has been cancelled. If the appointment has, and you change your mind, the applicants can always be called and given another appointment if you do like this other place.

Above all, you have to do what's right for you

CharleneUK

Thanks for your response! I really appreciate it!! The EA said this other property was suppose to come on the market, but it didn't end up doing so..... I just don't know whether he is telling porkies or not, I hope not, cos we've had a great relationship up to now.

I'm also worried that I won't be seen a serious buyer if I mess around asking to see other properties when my offer has already been put it, do you know what I mean?

Tiger_greeneyes

I do understand what you mean - and it is certainly something to consider. Although if the vendor still accepted the other viewing, then what's sauce for the goose should really apply!

Anyway, the other house hasn't materialised so it's probably just as well

Are you happy with the house you've had your offer accepted on btw, or do you think it's it just this nervous feeling you're getting that's making you not enjoy it as much as you thought?

If it's just nerves kicking in, then once you've finally got your keys and moved in, then there's no feeling quite like shutting your own front door on the world for the first time