Persuading a sweet old lady to sell her house?

SuzieSue

trooperdog wrote: »

Thanks for the posts guys,

I'm inclined to just go and knock on her door. I don't know her have never approached her before and what I do know is from my wifes family who live in the area.

I also like the idea of the letter she can show her family, great idea

Thanks again everyone, I'll let you know how I get on!

Does you wife's family know anyone who knows her? Depending on how old she is she might be distressed if you knock on her door and she doesn't know you. It might be better to ask someone she knows to accompany you or just tell her that you would like to speak to her. But if you do go yourself then I would take your wife and children with you.

trooperdog

Yeah that's what I want to try and avoid. Micky. Im going to pop and ask why she hasn't sold, and what concerns she has, and state that I'm interested. I'm not going to mention prices or ask there and then to sell, I'll give her a letter with my intentions and contact details etc and see what happens!

trooperdog

Wife is a good idea although I'd like to keep it a surprise, I could take my mother in law who has spoke to her a few years ago \I think this may help.

SuzieSue

trooperdog wrote: »

Wife is a good idea although I'd like to keep it a surprise, I could take my mother in law who has spoke to her a few years ago \I think this may help.

Yes, you should definitely take a woman with you and your MIL sounds perfect.

sleepless_saver

trooperdog wrote: »

Yeah that's what I want to try and avoid. Micky. Im going to pop and ask why she hasn't sold, and what concerns she has, and state that I'm interested. I'm not going to mention prices or ask there and then to sell, I'll give her a letter with my intentions and contact details etc and see what happens!

If someone I didn't know turned up on my doorstep and asked me why I hadn't sold a house, I would tell them it is none of their business and shut the door. Try to see it from her point of view - otherwise you risk getting off on completely the wrong foot.

I'd just say that you'd noticed the house was empty, you're interested in it because you want to live in the area, and would be grateful if she would read your letter.

DVardysShadow

SuzieSue wrote: »

.... MIL sounds perfect.

Where is your oxymoron detector when you need one?

Ivana_Tinkle

sleepless_saver wrote: »

If someone I didn't know turned up on my doorstep and asked me why I hadn't sold a house, I would tell them it is none of their business and shut the door. Try to see it from her point of view - otherwise you risk getting off on completely the wrong foot.

I'd just say that you'd noticed the house was empty, you're interested in it because you want to live in the area, and would be grateful if she would read your letter.

That's exactly what I was going to say! You have to think of how you'd feel if a stranger turned up out of nowhere and started asking questions about your home. Also, I'm sure you don't mean it this way, but it could sound as though you're implying she's somehow obliged to sell the house and has to justify why she hasn't.

I think if you are going to knock on the door, it should be just to briefly introduce yourself and show how lovely you are before handing over the letter. Personally I wouldn't knock but would make it very clear from the letter that I'm not a developer and am not generally leafleting the area, but just thought the house would be perfect for my family and would love to talk to her about it.

Also, I'd proceed with a bit of caution when it comes to the "family home" aspect. You don't mention what ages your kids are, but many older people would be v wary of living next door to a family with young kids - it could actually count against you in your charm offensive!

SuzieSue

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Where is your oxymoron detector when you need one?

Some are. I've had both types - one interfering one and one I wouldn't change.

SuzieSue

Ivana_Tinkle wrote: »

Also, I'd proceed with a bit of caution when it comes to the "family home" aspect. You don't mention what ages your kids are, but many older people would be v wary of living next door to a family with young kids - it could actually count against you in your charm offensive!

But the OP wants to buy it as a family home, so it is only right that he tells the lady this. If she doesn't like children then she won't sell it to him and he has lost nothing.

Ivana_Tinkle

I don't mean that the OP should hide the kids away, but there's a big gulf between pretending they don't exist and assuming that if you turn up on the doorstep with them, all smiling sweetly, she'll automatically be charmed (not suggesting the OP was going to do this and anyway I'm sure the kids are lovely anyway!). I just think the OP should be a bit cautious.