What to do/offer? - Advice please

emmita

I have been for a viewing on a house that I really like. When I phoned up to make the appointment the EA said that there's an offer gone in on the property. The house is on for a guide price of £235k and has been on the market since May 12. I have done my research and the house was a new build in 2006 and the current owners paid £225k for it. Since then they have added a conservatory. Also, they said there is planning permission to build houses out the back which should I think lower the price. During the viewing the EA volunteered the information that the offer was for 227,500. I didn't ask anything they just told me this information. Is this strange? They said the other buyer was in a position to proceed they were just having problems waiting for the money to come in from another country. I would be in a position to move quickly as I intend to rent out my house. I don't believe the house is lived in because it looks very staged and there is no sign of life. The EA said they were away on holiday. I really wanted to go in with a cheeky offer as I would be stretched to go to match the offer and I certainly don't want to get into a bidding war. What do you think, am I being played? What would you advise? Make a cheeky offer or sit and wait? I love the house but I am prepared to walk away.

emmita

I forgot to add, during the research stage I found that the house had been on the market in Sept 11 for 229,500 and it didn't sell. Now the price is 235k.

cte1111

How does the price compare to other similar houses in the area?

I wouldn't be 100% sure that the EA is being completely honest about the 'other offer'. If you ignore this, what would you be offering for the house? That's the offer I think you should be going in with.

emmita

Because it was a new build similar houses got sold at the same time, they went for no more than £200k but are all slightly different and I think that the £225 that the vendors paid was for all the high end finishes. I originally thought about going in with a really cheeky offer of £205k but I don't think I've got the face to now. My max that I would pay is £215.

It's in a village and I've checked previously sold houses in the same village around the same years and most have dropped and some substantially.

I really don't know whether to wait and see about this other 'offer' or go in and what to go in with.

julieb1987

I'd go in with an offer you're comfortable with, and make sure they're aware that you're in a good position to move quickly. If you don't think the EA will pass the offer on to the vendor you can go and see them in person and stay while they communicate with the vendor. See what happens. What do you have to lose?

DRP

julieb1987 wrote: »

I'd go in with an offer you're comfortable with, and make sure they're aware that you're in a good position to move quickly. If you don't think the EA will pass the offer on to the vendor you can go and see them in person and stay while they communicate with the vendor. See what happens. What do you have to lose?

Agree with this.

Also after making the verbal offer to the EA, summarise all your 'good points' in a letter and pop it through the door of the property (+ a copy for the agent).

Fire_Fox

emmita wrote: »

They said the other buyer was in a position to proceed they were just having problems waiting for the money to come in from another country.

How is that in a position to proceed?? Estate agent license to make it up as they go along. :rotfl:

emmita

Fire_Fox wrote: »

How is that in a position to proceed?? Estate agent license to make it up as they go along. :rotfl:

I've no idea, sounds fishy to me.

Anyway just to update you I investigated the planning permission and it's for a builders yard. Grrr how annoying, EA saying that there was planning permission granted for houses. House/garage and builders workshop.

Fire_Fox

I'd be tempted to write to the owner directly from now on and refuse to go through the agent at all. Point out their agent is a rank amateur in the dark art of telling porky pies having been caught out twice before you've even placed an offer.

If they are not up for bypassing the agent or are not happy with your offer I can top it. I am in a position to proceed, just need to win the lottery. :rotfl:

breadlinebetty

emmita wrote: »

I've no idea, sounds fishy to me.

Anyway just to update you I investigated the planning permission and it's for a builders yard. Grrr how annoying, EA saying that there was planning permission granted for houses. House/garage and builders workshop.

I wouldn't touch a property that was going to have a God-awful builders yard and garages built opposite!:eek:

If they were just building houses that would be OK (could even be a selling point...) but no way would I want a vista of a builders yard!!!