Diary of a House Search

lessonlearned

Does anyone know this concept.

Basically it's just a posh way of saying always double check everything yourself and never rely on what you have been told.

Well I have just been doing some due diligence on the properties I
viewed this morning.

Prop 1 - Vendor viewing - info given seems ok.
Prop 2 - EA viewing - hmmnn - a couple of discrepencies here.

Quelle surprise - perhaps she was just a tad confused. Maybe not!!

Anyway she has just rang me to book a second viewing for next weekend. It will be another member of staff in attendance.

As part of my due diligence I have of course checked bought and sold prices.

Current asking price £99,950 - sold price in Sept 2009 £60K. Note the date - so much for the Vendor has lived here for a long time. Ha.

Well blow me down, I could have sworn house prices have been largely stagnant since 2009, if not falling in price.

Who would have thunk it. I just so happen to stumble on the one property where it's value has rocketed???. Don't think so......

Now I know this area is currently very fashionable but come on - £40K growth in 3.5 years of recession??? Nah. :rotfl:

If they won't budge on price - plenty more fish in the sea. There's a deal out there just waiting to be done. I'll winkle it out.

Needless to say I also got off my backside and walked the area after I had left the flat. I always recommend this. A driveby is all well and good, but if you are driving then you can't really be viewing at the same time.

You can't beat pounding the pavements when you are house hunting. It was a bit too cold and blowy this morning for my delicate constitution but I shall be hitting the streets again before I make any decisions.

I do like the area and I'm sure I'll find what I'm looking for. Just a bit of time, a bit of effort and a fair amount of streetwalking is required.

No - not that kind of streetwalking.:D

no1wf

I feel like if I was watching you do your job I'd be like "damn you're good!" You think about things I never would if I was in that situation.

lessonlearned

no1wf wrote: »

I feel like if I was watching you do your job I'd be like "damn you're good!" You think about things I never would if I was in that situation.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Maybe it was the bang to my head when I was a toddler. I fell down in the entry way to our house. I still have a slight raised bump on my forehead and that was nearly 60 years ago.

Perhaps it tilted my brain so I just look at things in a different way.;) My ideas are generally slightly left of field.

Seriously I do think that sometimes what is needed is a bit of lateral thinking. I hate the expression but yes I guess it is "thinking outside the box".

Anyway thanks for such a smashing vote of confidence.

The more and more I think about current EA business models the more I think it's time for a seismic shift in the way things are currently done.

One thing is for sure - there are a lot of unhappy, dissatisfied customers out there.

Over and over again, when I read some of your stories, I find myself practically screaming at my computer screen at the EA's crass stupidity.

I can see as plain as day that viewers are desperate to buy. Talk about missed "buying signals". Those signals couldn't be any clearer if the purchasers were jumping up and down on the EA's desk with a big placard round their necks proclaiming "I want to buy, I want to buy".

They are offering the EA's the business on a silver platter and the EA's just seem to turn their backs on it. I just don't get it.

At the risk of sounding horribly mercenary I could weep at the thought of all that lost commission.!!!

I'm sure if you showed them videos of their performance those EA's would be kicking themselves. Perhaps that's the answer. Perhaps we should just hold a mirror up to them so they can witness for themselves just how bad things have become.

I think it's time for me to roll out a nationwide training scheme.

LL's Training Centre for Excellent EA's.

Do you think Dragon's Den would go for it.

no1wf

I think it's all customer service in the end, you'd think if the EA's are going to get commission on a sale they would at least put in the effort to get the gig!

I deal with customers at work and we have our regulars who come in every day, some multiple times! Some who are very specific about who they go to and one gentleman even said he only comes to us for the staff!

Hopefully I never have to deal with an EA, which will reduce the risk of encountering a bad one. But hearing of bad experiences does make me wonder if some are up to the job, you're getting paid and you might get extra if you do well, don't lie and put some effort in and you'll get recommended to others.

jibbyboo

Absolutely agreed no1wf.

As a LA for HMOs on fixed term contracts I give more information and am more amenable than almost every EA who has shown me a house- I deleted the word 'sell' me, because none of them have really attempted to demonstrate the benefits of the property, nor answered my questions. From some attitudes, you'd think they were just a providing you with a curry that they can't be bothered telling you about- even if you ask questions.

Particularly for a FTB, this is a huge financial obligation and an EA should play the part of assisting you to know as much about the property as possible, and reassure security where necessary.

Wish lessonlearned was my EA

lessonlearned

Good morning all

Well - although yesterday's viewings went well enough, and although I have booked a second viewing on one of the apartments, I'm still not entirely certain that I shall be putting in any offers.

So it's back to the drawing board.

After my walk round the streets yesterday where I sussed out a couple of hopefuls I scoured Rightmove last night for the details and will be ringing up agents today to make appointments to view.

One is another apartment in the same complex, smaller but further "away" from the main road, the other is a small terraced house a couple of streets away.

The big disadvantage with many apartments is the lack of outdoor space. We don't want much, a postage stamp will do, somewhere to sit with a glass of vino on a warm summers day and for DS2 to fire up the barbie. A small terraced house with a patch of outdoor space might fit the bill.

When I become a rich and successful property developer :rotfl::rotfl: I will ensure that all my apartment blocks are built with proper balconies like the ones you get on the continent.

I am also going to try and secure a viewing of the mad cat lady's house. I will endeavour to contact "Daniel" and get him to pull his finger out.

Isn't it strange that so few people have surnames these days;) I always address my clients and customers as Mr/Ms unless they give me permission to use their Christian name.

Not only is it good manners, but it also sets up the parameters for a proper "business" relationship. Even though we usually then go onto being on first name terms that initial formality makes for a better working relationship.

It sets out the working relationship on the best footing because it demonstrates my professionalism, it gives me gravitas and seriousness and it shows that I have respect for my clients and customers.

I can't stand David (Call me Dave) Cameron's fake blokeiness.
"Call me Dave " indeed - your the bliddy PM for goodness sake. How on earth do you expect anyone to take you seriously after that.

Anyway, I digress. Back to "Daniel".

I tend to operate the 3 strikes and you're out rule. If he doesn't co-operate pronto then I will write to the lady in question and request a viewing.

If necessary I will compose a nice chatty letter and get my sister to give it to her when the lady next visits my sister in the shop. My sister can put in a word and a nod for me at the same time.

When house-hunting never under-estimate the power of networking. We all know that getting on in the world is often as much down to who you know as to what you know.

The best deals, the best jobs, the best houses, the best marriage partners nearly always comes down to personal introductions and recommendations.

(That's how my husband snapped me up. We were introduced through a mutual acquaintance. He always says he knew from the first instant that I was the best deal he ever found and that he had no intention of letting me get onto the open market :rotfl::rotfl:)

So - you house-hunters out there - as well as pounding those streets - tell everyone you know and everyone you don't know but who is prepared to talk to you that you are searching.

You never know, they might just know someone who knows someone who wants to sell.;)

So time to start the day, get myself organised and hit that phone.......

Nearly forgot. Last week I did a preliminary viewing on a sheltered housing complex for my parents. They really don't want to move and it is breaking their hearts to have to do so but they can no longer manage in their quaint but rather higgledy piggledy cottage. All steps and odd angles.

My sister is taking them for a viewing today but we don't really think it's quite right for them so some time this week I need to up the ante and start searching again for them.

Obviously there is no such thing as a retired EA. :rotfl:

PS just received a call from EA who is marketing Prop 1 for my feedback. Good to see she is doing her job and making those follow up calls. This is the one with the man who is desperate to sell - so it does seem that the EA's are doing their best for him - hopefully he'll get his sale soon.

My little friend did tell me that although he had very few viewings up until about Feb he has had a bit more interest over the past couple of weeks. Let's hope one of those goes back.

However, I think his appt is one for investors therefore he is unlikely to get his full asking price. It just needs too much work for the average FTB.

phoebe1989seb

Glad to see you've made a start with the viewings Lesson You've certainly got a lot on your plate with having to search for four properties, but with your experience it sounds as though you're going to enjoy every minute of it - as I would. I was disappointed when our 22 yr old DS managed to find a flat to buy without much input at all from DH and I - his GF's family were far more involved as they had family in the area so we didn't actually get to see it in person till after completion!

Last year we were in the position of having to move my parents. They had been in their house 49 years and didn't want to move either, but in the end events conspired against us all and there was very little choice left. My mum has Alzheimer's and dad had been caring for her as we live 90 mins drive away. The initial plan was to sell up and buy them a sheltered flat in the nearest town to us. The complex we looked at was not prepared to entertain a resident with Dementia, so it was back to the drawing board. In the interim my dad had a fall, was hospitalised and ended up being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.......so now they're both in a nursing home and the proceeds of their house sale are funding their fees.

Hopefully you are doing this for your parents at the right time Lesson - if only mine had listened to DH and I a few years back when we suggested they sell their big house and move to a flat - or an annexe next to us - things could have been so different. I do hope it all works out for you.

Regarding the idea of networking when it comes to selling/buying, I agree it can be a great idea. When we were looking to buy a *forever* family home a few years back we were disappointed that the house we wanted to buy went under offer before our current one did. There were only three houses of similar design and size in a particular road we loved and the one we missed was the first to come onto the market for years.

At the time I had a shop and had befriended a girl who worked in a children's clothes shop across the road. A few weeks after our disappointment over the house we were talking in my shop and I happened to tell her about the house. Turns out her FIL owned one of the remaining two houses and was thinking of selling. She said if we were really interested she'd get him to give us a call when he was in the UK - he spent much of his time at his house in the US.

A short while later he called us and we arranged to view the house. Unfortunately it wasn't in the same condition as the original house as it had been divided into flats and some of the Victorian features removed. It was also tenanted and the downstairs tenant refused us entry. Despite all of this we fell instantly in love with the house and the owner agreed to sell to us privately as soon as we were under offer.

There were many complications along the way, but a few months later we were the proud owners of our dream home. DH, DS and I moved in and began tackling the work - it was a real labour of love and we did the majority of it ourselves, over many years..........the result was the house I posted recently in the 'Have a look at this' thread

My recommendation would be to definitely leave no stone unturned when property searching - that diamond in the rough is out there, just waiting to be discovered......but then you don't need me to tell you that

Keeping everything crossed you find the properties you are seeking very soon - you certainly deserve to

lessonlearned

Hi Phoebe

What a nice chatty post - I'm glad I'm not the only one who can talk for England......

How sad about your parents - I am very much afraid that we are facing exactly the same issue with my parents. I fear that they've left it far too late and that the next stop may well be a nursing home. I first suggested that they think about moving over 10 years ago and practically got disowned for my pains......They are 87 and 88 respectively and getting very frail. Mum has vascular dementia too. So so sad.

I love your story about your dream house. I thought it was gorgeous.

Well now - I have news. I have finally got "Daniel" to book that blasted appt to view the mad cat lady's house. Now I'm not sure if it is my "diamond in the rough" yet, because the access looks a little tricky. The property is at the top of a very steep private lane, fine in summer but definitely a snow-go area in the winter.

The property does enjoy "stunning views" and you only get those if you are prepared to do some climbing.

Daniel decided he needed to warn me about the property.

Quote "I've not visited the property but I understand the lady is rather fond of cats". This is EA speak for take a clothes peg for your nose.

I burst out laughing and told him I was well aware of this lady's eccentricities - apparently she calls her own hands "paws":eek:

I didn't mention her nickname of "mad cat lady". I said to him I wouldn't tell him what her nickname is round the town. Apparently he already knew. Poor woman, the world and his wife seems to know all about her.

Daniel said he just wanted to warn me, because several viewers have been rather shocked.

Sounds just like a project to me, filthy, smelly, ramshackle, private location and stunning views. What's not to like. This could be the one.

However, she might be "mad cat lady" but apparently she is one shrewd cookie - I'm probably going to have to pay top whack.:(

Did I tell you I am allergic to cats, seriously 5 mins and I'm sneezing, coughing, wheezing and itching like crazy.

Anyway appt booked for Wednesday - should be fun. I'll try a RM link later for Cat Lady's house so you can take a "cleg" as we say round these parts.

Have booked back to back appts for DS2 and I on Friday, solicitors, viewings and broker. I daresay we'll squeeze lunch in there, somewhere nice and posh to reward ourselves for all our hard work.;)

Right time to get the hoover out.....

jibbyboo

I finally got a good result from an EA!

After my email, the assistant manager of the actual selling team (rather than an admin assistant or lettings person) contacted me and will be conducting my third viewing tomorrow. She has also arranged for the vendor to come too, so that she can answer my questions that the EA was unable to answer.

Do you have any third viewing tips Lesson?

Hope Daniel/ mad cat lady viewing goes well on Wednesday! I know what you mean about a project, the property I am looking at was decorated by someone with very specific taste - all very kitsch, dated and frilly. But that adds to the excitement! And is a nice easy (and relatively cheap) project for a FTB.

moneyistooshorttomention

lessonlearned

- that comment re the mad cat lady being known as "one shrewd cookie" got me thinking "Maybe I could learn a thing or two from said catwoman....:)". Any clues on how they've formed that impression of her - what might I usefully learn from her?;)