Surveys and estate agents tactics

thatadamwalker

Hi all,

I just wanted to post and see what others think on this as I'm not sure what to do in my situation.

I've just agreed a purchase on a property, offer accepted, valuation done, mortgage offer on it's way to the solicitors so we're close to completion.

However there have been delays to the survey I've arranged which are outside of my control.

Due to this I've had some very snappy sounding phone calls from the estate agents informing me that "we know it's not your fault but the seller is FURIOUS and want's this tied up, why not forget the survey as the valuation found no major problems".

On one hand I'm thinking that he's not furious and this is just tactics to panic me into making a decision so they can close the sale once and for all. However I'm left feeling annoyed and a little paranoid that he seller might get cold feet if things take much longer.

Should I be concerned here or should I chill out?!

Would you advise me not to bother with the survey at this stage (home buyers report) or would it be more sensible to find another surveyor who can get that done ASAP?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Adam

marksoton

I'd stand my ground and not be bullied.

FYI, you're nowhere near completion i'm afraid!

jbainbridge

Why did you not do the survey through your lender? That would have been quicker surely.

Get the survey done as soon as you can - it's for your peace of mind. Tell the EA to butt out!

thatadamwalker

Thanks all, the lenders did perform a valuation survey which didn't reveal any major issues.

However the mortgage broker I've used strongly advised me to also arrange a home buyers report separately to this.

Now I have the estate agents advising me not to bother with the home buyers report and I have others telling me to err on the side of caution and still get it done.

I'm torn and don't know which way to turn for the best!

(first time buyer by the way)

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Ignore the EA - they want their money, and don't give a toss if the house if falling down. Stick to your guns - a survey is a very good idea - the bank valuation does little more than drive past and check the property is still there.


Dear EA,


As I'm buying a six-figure asset, I need assurance on the structural soundness of the property. I have therefore instructed a RICS qualified Chartered Surveyor.
Unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, there has been a delay in the survey being performed. I have been assured that the survey will be performed by XX/XX/XXXX.
If there are any further such delays, I will of course be in touch.


Many thanks
thatadamwalker

bebewoo

Just ignore the EA it's normal for them to be ringing and hassling you all the time they just want their money.
Whatever the hold up was they'd be telling you to get a move on, just tell them it takes as long as it takes.........

Thrugelmir

thatadamwalker wrote: »

I've just agreed a purchase on a property, offer accepted, valuation done, mortgage offer on it's way to the solicitors so we're close to completion.

So why request a building survey this late in the day?

bmthmark

I had similar calls when I was going through the buying/selling process. My tip is stay relaxed and do not get bullied by the estate agents.

At the end of the day the EA wants the sale to go through asap, its only on completion they get the money. But trust me they will do anything to get it through.

When they rang me, the EA that sold my place said if I don't hurry up and find a new property my buyers will pull out as the mortgage offer will expire. Because of this the buyers are very stressed.
My response to the EA was i'm not fussed if the offer expires its not my problem and i'm happy to pull out of the sale, in fact i'm not really bothered if I don't sell my house.
As soon as I said that the EA started to back track and said don't worry it will be fine. After that I had no pressure at all! lol


Just make sure you don't get pushed around and be prepared to walk from a sale if they give you too much grief.

Good luck

thatadamwalker

Thanks all,

I had a delay with the mortgage application (first one down-valued the property so at that stage I told the surveyors to hang fire until we had a new deal which we now do)

I've decided to stick to my guns and not give in to the EA's bullying tactics.

I've just called them back and politely advised them that I will be seeking an alternate surveyor for the home buyers report.

I'm an anxious individual at the best of timse and I guess the call this morning stressed me out as it played on my worst fears of the seller getting fed up of waiting and pulling out. That would be horrendous at this stage because of the fees I've already paid out. I'm aware the property I'm buying is a second home he's already moved out of and pulling out would mean waiting even longer so I can't see that being likely!

I thank you all for your wonderfully varied opinions

HouseBuyer77

I would say that the timescales involved are a factor. Say your offer was accepted around a month ago and surveyor is coming next week. This is slow but not too awful. Seller will just have to suck it up.

Were your offer accepted two months ago and your surveyor isn't appearing for another month I can understand their frustration.

Davesnave

thatadamwalker wrote: »

Thanks all, the lenders did perform a valuation survey which didn't reveal any major issues.

However the mortgage broker I've used strongly advised me to also arrange a home buyers report separately to this.

As you've been told now, the valuation report isn't a survey.

I think what jbainbridge was suggesting earlier, was the same surveyor could have done both jobs at once, thus possibly saving you money and definitely saving you time.