Really dislike my seller!

TrixA

We are very close to exchange and I am so tempted to walk away out of sheer dislike for our seller. Our structural survey revealed three problems needing an immediate remedy, two of which were essentially down to irresponsible DIY. We obtained quotes then underwent a torturous negotiation process taking four days when it should have taken a few hours. From what the agent relayed to us it appeared that the seller was totally outraged at the idea that we would expect a reduction for works when she thought the house was fine. Also, she had really wanted a higher offer for the house to begin with (even though we're paying a record price for the street).
Eventually she agreed to contribute £3k for works quoted at £6.5k. We accepted this. However, our solicitor communicates that the seller is now refusing to obtain an indemnity policy for an unrelated matter, on the basis that we are making her contribute to the remedial works. The sale price is over £400k and she's quibbling over a few hundred for an indemnity. I'm telling myself to take a deep breath but it just seems so childish and petty :mad:

busybee100

TrixA wrote: »

The sale price is over £400k and she's quibbling over a few hundred for an indemnity. I'm telling myself to take a deep breath but it just seems so childish and petty :mad:

She maybe thinks the same

kiddakidda

Let it go

The house will soon be yours and the path between you and the seller will probably never cross again

enthusiasticsaver

What is it with solicitors and indemnities these days? Both us and my daughters have bought and sold five different properties this year and three different solicitors have suggested indemnities for various works from electrical work to new windows/doors without guarantees (lost) to chancel repair liability. Are they on commission for these relatively new products? We never had these years ago. As for bad diy yes that happens and usually it is reflected in the price but as you say you are paying a record price for the street I am assuming not in this case. Ultimately you and she have a choice as to whether you want the house and do not want to lose the money you have already spent out on surveyors, solicitors etc and she has to decide whether she wants to risk losing her buyer. What is the indemnity for and is it really needed?

Running_Horse

It's business, not personal. You want to pay so much, they want to receive so much. Somewhere in the middle you will get your house, and they will get their money. You will never meet or communicate after that point. Deep breath...and exhale.

Bart1

So you agreed a price, then changed your mind wanting money off so the vendor agreed a £3G reduction and she's the bad one??????

DRP

Bart1 wrote: »

So you agreed a price, then changed your mind wanting money off so the vendor agreed a £3G reduction and she's the bad one??????

yes indeed! there is always 2 sides 2 a story...

dinofabio

TrixA wrote: »

We are very close to exchange and I am so tempted to walk away out of sheer dislike for our seller. Our structural survey revealed three problems needing an immediate remedy, two of which were essentially down to irresponsible DIY. We obtained quotes then underwent a torturous negotiation process taking four days when it should have taken a few hours. From what the agent relayed to us it appeared that the seller was totally outraged at the idea that we would expect a reduction for works when she thought the house was fine. Also, she had really wanted a higher offer for the house to begin with (even though we're paying a record price for the street).
Eventually she agreed to contribute £3k for works quoted at £6.5k. We accepted this. However, our solicitor communicates that the seller is now refusing to obtain an indemnity policy for an unrelated matter, on the basis that we are making her contribute to the remedial works. The sale price is over £400k and she's quibbling over a few hundred for an indemnity. I'm telling myself to take a deep breath but it just seems so childish and petty :mad:

just because a surveyor has found a few problems doesn't automatically mean the seller has to reduce the price by way of compensation. She has met you half way which is more than most would.

As for the indemnity - I would ask your own solicitor if they are taking a commission for selling you this! As far as I know an indemnity is just an insurance, you and the seller have the option to refuse to take it (at your own risk of course).

Keep pushing her and she might take it off the market - she doesn't seem to like being pushed around by the sound of it!

nobblyned

Bart1 wrote: »

So you agreed a price, then changed your mind wanting money off so the vendor agreed a £3G reduction and she's the bad one??????

Ha ha, you serious dude?

TrixA

Bart1 wrote: »

So you agreed a price, then changed your mind wanting money off so the vendor agreed a £3G reduction and she's the bad one??????

We discovered some new information about the house that wasn't obvious on viewing. I think most people would have requested a reduction in those circumstances. Our high offer price reflected the fact the the house was in excellent cosmetic condition.

TrixA

enthusiasticsaver wrote: »

What is it with solicitors and indemnities these days? Both us and my daughters have bought and sold five different properties this year and three different solicitors have suggested indemnities for various works from electrical work to new windows/doors without guarantees (lost) to chancel repair liability. Are they on commission for these relatively new products? We never had these years ago. As for bad diy yes that happens and usually it is reflected in the price but as you say you are paying a record price for the street I am assuming not in this case. Ultimately you and she have a choice as to whether you want the house and do not want to lose the money you have already spent out on surveyors, solicitors etc and she has to decide whether she wants to risk losing her buyer. What is the indemnity for and is it really needed?

The indemnity is for an internal structural wall that has been removed, with no record of any building consents. The seller claims to know nothing about it but given that we now know she has family in the trade (hence the bad DIY) I'm not sure I believe her. Apparently the indemnity will cover us for council enforcement action but not for structural failure, so we are still taking quite a risk.