House seller has been really awkward is this normal?

grasshopper2014

I've been in the house buying process for about 6 weeks. Found a house, it looked in reasonably good condition and in an ok location.
Since the offer was accepted, I've found that the sellers have been really awkward and unhelpful. Every viewing I've been to, it's always the seller's father who has been there and never the seller. Is this normal?
I noticed some things that needed fixing like a few roof tiles had slipped and guttering over grown etc, reported it to the EA, who said it had been fixed. I went back yesterday again to view and make sure the bits had been fixed. Again, it was the father I had to deal with and this time he was incredibly rude.
My problem is, I am close to exchange but during this entire process I've had the feeling that something isn't right, because its never the seller who is present. Do i set aside my dislike of the seller/sellers rude father and go ahead or consider pulling out? I feel really confused as I really don't know what to do, I've probably over simplified the issues but I dont want to sound like a massive complainer! I dont feel emotionally attached to the house as I've steeled myself to not feel anything til its over. Is this normal?

[Deleted User]

Have you had a survey?

grasshopper2014

Yep, the survey said "aspects of the electrics" were concerning, but i think thats the circuit breaker box. Minor damp in the cellar and in the living room. I expected damp in the cellar, I went back to view the living room, no real evidence of damp.

hcb42

Seller might not be in the area, could be working away

Unless agreed as part of sale, not sure why the seller would be making minor repairs, if you are noticing this sort of stuff , it could be a reason seller isnt around.

How many viewings have you done ?

martindow

It's a stressful business buying and quite normal to be anxious or have doubts.

I would not be concerned over the fact that the vendor's father shows you round - no doubt the vendor is at work somewhere. It is not normal to ask the vendor to do minor repairs. They are likely to spend the minimum possible (if they choose to do anything) and maybe repair it badly or cover things up temporarily. It is better to make sure the price you are paying matches the condition of the house and organise repairs yourself.

ilikewatch

As a vendor, I would be starting to get a bit annoyed after more than a couple of viewings. From experience, buyers who want to to undertake numerous viewings are unsure about the property and far more likely to drop out of the sale and waste everyone's time.

Old_Git

grasshopper2014 wrote: »

I've been in the house buying process for about 6 weeks. Found a house, it looked in reasonably good condition and in an ok location.
Since the offer was accepted, I've found that the sellers have been really awkward and unhelpful. Every viewing I've been to, it's always the seller's father who has been there and never the seller. Is this normal?
I noticed some things that needed fixing like a few roof tiles had slipped and guttering over grown etc, reported it to the EA, who said it had been fixed. I went back yesterday again to view and make sure the bits had been fixed. Again, it was the father I had to deal with and this time he was incredibly rude.
My problem is, I am close to exchange but during this entire process I've had the feeling that something isn't right, because its never the seller who is present. Do i set aside my dislike of the seller/sellers rude father and go ahead or consider pulling out? I feel really confused as I really don't know what to do, I've probably over simplified the issues but I dont want to sound like a massive complainer! I dont feel emotionally attached to the house as I've steeled myself to not feel anything til its over. Is this normal?

you appear to do doing several viewings which is p1ss1ng of the vendor .Do you need to meet the seller ?
The vendor has let you have the viewings I would be more concerned if they refused viewings after something showed up in a survey .

Are you by any chance a first time buyer

MadelinesMum

Perhaps that is just how the old guy is, probably nothing against you personally. TBH, I would probably view the house twice, instruct the surveyor then possibly only view again right before it completes to measure up for curtains etc...

Good luck.

Mrs_Soup

How many viewings have you done? More than 2 before exchange and another one afterwards before completion and I would be getting irritated too.

Errata

Every viewing I've been to, it's always the seller's father who has been there and never the seller. Is this normal?

How many times have you 'viewed'.

grasshopper2014

I am a FTB, it is not my intention to irritate the vendor. I have provided all the information needed to the EA's, solicitors etc. I was expecting to have been setting a date for exchange when my solicitors told me the seller had not even submitted the documentation needed to kick off the searches! They have pushed me to do everything ASAP which I have done, only to find they have not bothered to fill in the forms needed to kick off the process.
I don't think its a good idea to commit to buying a house without seeing it more than once! its a lot of money to commit to a superficial viewing. To date i've done 3 viewings, is this excessive? I dont intend to do any more.
I know it doesnt sound like anything, but i'm a ftb doing this alone. I've been renting for years and am really scared of ending up with a paper house. i've no experience in buying houses and am being told horror stories daily which isnt helping to calm my nerves. I dont know what's normal and what's not, sorry to be a pain.