Being ignored by Vendor - FTB

generaleddie

Hi,

My husband and I had an offfer accepted on a house back at the end of September and are now no further along as the vendor hasn't found another property to buy. So far we have been unable to view the house a second time as the vendor is apparently always busy looking for new properties. The EA doesn't seem to be able to give me any further information but my solicitor has been told that he will not be instructing his solicitor until he finds a new property. Two weeks ago we posted a letter asking what was going on - whether he was still selling - to which we have received absolutely no response. We have had an offer accepted on a new place but I would still prefer the original house. I understand that this process can take time but should the vendor not have done something by now, or at least been communicating?

No one seems to be able to explain his behaviour - neither us nor the EA seems to be able to get anything out of him (nor does the EA seem that bothered?)

Prices have, obviously, risen since we originally offered but he hasn't asked us for more money, nor has he pulled out of the deal. Has this happened to anyone else? We were never in the biggest rush to move so would have been happy if he just explained he was struggling and opened up channels of communication. Am I just kidding myself to hope this sale might still happen?

Am wondering whether to just knock on his door - or is that a terrible idea? Alternatively I could ring the EA and ask for them to threaten to withdraw our offer unless he responds in [insert timeframe here] but I don't really trust the EA as they don't seem to have achieved much so far. Since I stopped chasing the EA back in the beginning of Jan I've not heard anything from them.

Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks

lee111s

Start looking at other houses and give them a date by which you expect there to be movement otherwise your offer will be withdrawn.

DaftyDuck

If he's being this difficult at this early stage, imagine how it'll be when he's got you over a barrel, you having paid survey costs, solicitor costs, and developed an emotional involvement. If the EA is also not that bothered, I'd certainly move on. Start viewing more properties, see what else you can find. Just possibly, this house is the best bargain out there, your dream home, the best bet. But, probably not.

As FTbuyers, you are easily led by an agent to believe that the deal you have is worth pursuing, whilst other houses with keen vendors come on the market, sell, and have new occupants happily celebrating Christmas in their new home.

Frankly, I'd start by viewing properties through other estate agents (to gauge the market a little), then I'd ask to view a couple with the original agent. I don't think I'd necessarily extend the vendor the courtesy of formally withdrawing my offer. I'd be ready to say my offer was still on the table but, since the vendor is neither in a position to accept, nor appeared keen to accept, I'd moved on.

Just remember to be strong-minded. There's a huge amount of money involved, and it's going to be a long time investment as well as home.

DRP

like DaftyDuck says...

move on, find somewhere else, don't tell the EA you're pulling out (it sounds like you've told them enough for them to guess)...

it is unfortunate but it sound like the vendor isn't really ready to sell or ready to accept a deadline.

cattie

I agree with those who say to move on & look elsewhere. I have a friend who had her house up for sale last year. It was 'sold' twice, both to young couples who initially agreed to wait whilst she found a house to buy, but months down the line with no house in sight for vendor, both ended up pulling out as they obviously realised that they could be waiting for goodness knows how long.

Friend is still living in the same house. Her problem is she wants top money for hers, but doesn't understand why her very low offers on any properties she has viewed & liked the look of were never accepted.

eagerftb

A similar thing happened to us end of last year. We found a nice property in October and had everything ready including the mortgage offer early November. The seller kept dilly dallying not getting the paper work across to Solicitors and not communicating at all. We even sent a letter and the estate agent tried a few times. Finally at the beginning of December I met him and he said he will proceed etc etc..but couple of days after meeting he asked for 25k more than agreed price. My solicitor and friends advised to walk away and that's what we did.

Found another one in few days after than and exchanged end of January.
So keep your options open. Hope this Seller responds to you but if he doesn't then go for other option no point in waiting while prices are rising by the day.

bouicca21

Not by any chance the person my ex was trying to buy from? Offer accepted last September. Two weeks ago when chased the vendors claimed to have chased their vendors and to have heard nothing back, then wham their EA rings up and says they long ago withdrew from their purchase and since prices have gone up they want another £27K or they will remarket.

Ex refused to up offer last night; it's back on Rightmove this morning.

GalaxyStar

I feel for you we're kind of in the same predicament, with a bit of a mess up by the EA along with it. Vendor ignoring EA now and us so we've had to start looking elsewhere. Hoping to fin somewhere again and hoping you will too, someone that won't mess you around