Buyer's survey has returned some random things...

Kynthia

Sounds like they aren't aware that the surveys make an old bath panel sound like a major fault. Honestly just tell them that these are minor things to be expected when you aren't buying a new build and that you're happy to sell to someone else.

LDO

The surveyor was here for 35 minutes which I was surprised about as his office said it could take up to 2 hours for a property our size (3 bed terrace)

He spent a grand total of 60 seconds in the loft, and never turned the light on. As I said earlier, he looked at the roof from the street without binoculars.

It's weird, one thing he didn't pick up that we know of is the front boundary wall of the garden. It needs repointing quite badly. We decided not to get this done and agreed we'd probably incur the cost of it if it came up.

G_M

I certainly would not negotiat on price on any of these issues.

Offer the invoices you have. If the purlins were strapped 15+ years ago it's unlikely any warranty would still be valid anyway (at best another 5 years).

Either get your EA to explain how trivial th issues are, or if you don't trust the EA, then either write yourself, or get your solicitor to write, explaining each point just as you have here.

Do NOT ask for the report, which would be a prelude to a further discussion which is not justified.

Any further hesitation/attempts at negotiation by the buyer and start viewings again so you have a fall-back buyer.

LDO

Thanks G_M, I'll be getting in touch with the EA tomorrow and making sure they relay our responses to the buyer immediately. We'll be sticking to our guns. I'm debating whether to get a local roofer out over the chimney anyway. Puzzles me that one.

jcaow

I agree with the early poster that they do sound like inexperienced buyers with jitters - I do think buying a house can be very different from owning a flat if its leasehold and low maintenance and from renting. Hopefully they will talk to some sensible people who will reassure them and they are not just trying it on for a discount. Sit tight!

annie123

Beware of blowing the buyer out totally.
The EA will be asked my viewers why the sale fell through and they are legally obliged to be honest, and should any further questions be asked such as has it has a survey? were there any roof problems etc they have to answer them honestly.

This could put a new buyer off obviously as they hear ' problems with property and vendor being stubborn and un-cooperative'.

Better to go back to EA and ask if they have seen the survey? if they have a copy can you go into the office to read it yourselves? did it value up OK?, are there any works that are a condition of the mortgage offer?

A lot of what you describe is the surveyor covering his own back.

thequant

These homebuyers do make dramatic reading, it maybe a case that as anyone coming across them for the first time they will be spooked. If they have any common sense they will be asking friends and family their opinions of the reports, who will put them straight that these are really none issues. Although I would say that their opening offer is a worry, although they may not have planned anything, they might feel like cheated in paying more than they wanted and might use this opportunity.

camptownraces

annie123 wrote: »

Beware of blowing the buyer out totally.
The EA will be asked my viewers why the sale fell through and they are legally obliged to be honest, and should any further questions be asked such as has it has a survey? were there any roof problems etc they have to answer them honestly.

This could put a new buyer off obviously as they hear ' problems with property and vendor being stubborn and un-cooperative'.

Better to go back to EA and ask if they have seen the survey? if they have a copy can you go into the office to read it yourselves? did it value up OK?, are there any works that are a condition of the mortgage offer?

A lot of what you describe is the surveyor covering his own back.

Personally, I wouldn't trust an Estate Agent who had put such a derisory initial offer to the vendor. This sort of firm can egg on the buyers, probably knowing their real limit, to reduce their offer further in the hope of clinching a sale. Agents obviously haven't sized up the OP very well, and are taking him/her for a fool.

There is no need to show the superficial homebuyer's survey to the Agent (who is supposed to be acting on your behalf). Surprising that buyers didn't go for a full structural survey on this property.

Don't waste too much time with these buyers before you put your property back on the market, possibly with a different agent.

DRP

camptownraces wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't trust an Estate Agent who had put such a derisory initial offer to the vendor. This sort of firm can egg on the buyers, probably knowing their real limit, to reduce their offer further in the hope of clinching a sale. Agents obviously haven't sized up the OP very well, and are taking him/her for a fool.

There is no need to show the superficial homebuyer's survey to the Agent (who is supposed to be acting on your behalf). Surprising that buyers didn't go for a full structural survey on this property.

Don't waste too much time with these buyers before you put your property back on the market, possibly with a different agent.

Personally, as a vendor I would want to be notified of any offer made , no matter how much.

I wouldn't want the EA second-guessing whether he thinks I consider an offer 'derisory' or not...

G_M

LDO wrote: »

Thanks G_M, ...... I'm debating whether to get a local roofer out over the chimney anyway. Puzzles me that one.

It can do no harm - whatever the roofer says you do not need to share with the buyer unless you choose to.

If you ring a local roofer (or two) and say you are worried about your chimney - can they take a look, they will come and give you a free quote.

Of course, you must beware they might simply want to create work for themselves, and burble vaguely about pointing and stirrups (yes, like the roofer - I made that up!), so make sure you understand what they tell you needs doing.

But if they say your chimney is fine, you can be confidant they are honest. No workman will do himself OUT of a potential job!