Get a grip !

Skint_yet_Again

If lenders are being funny about people being off sick then I will have to go back to work whether I’m ready or not 😕

MovingForwards

It will take a while for the conveyancing to go through so you'll get away with another couple of weeks as your sale won't complete for a while, then next month's pay would be back to normal in readiness to start yours off. Don't worry!

Chrystal

I think I'd try a cheeky offer on the dream house!  You've got everything to gain and nothing to lose by offering £12k under the asking price... doubt they'll accept that, but with any luck they'll come back with a counter offer which will be under the asking price, if they met you halfway it would mean you're only £4k short.  (bank loan?)   Worth a try anyway.  XXX

Skint_yet_Again

Thanks @Chrystal and @MovingForwards. So, the “dream house” was not such a dream. I’m sure they must airbrush the photos! Kitchen falling apart, integrated freezer not working, kitchen cupboards damaged, filthy oven, needs new boiler, new double glazing, mouldy spa bath needs ripping out & I would replace with shower, pebble dash on upper outer wall at back of house is cracked. 😕 Would need to get surveyor to look at that. 

Positives were lovely homely feeling, love the layout with dining room overlooking the garden, original fireplaces, original doors, original skirtings / picture rail / ceiling rose, nice road, near to park. Small garden, upstairs bathroom. 

Owners are looking to relocate to another part of the country & have not been able to view / offer until they have an offer on their house. So could take them months. No offers received so far according to estate agent. Told them it needed more work than expected & they suggested taking it into account with an offer. Said I would think about it. At £260k I was thinking £245k

MovingForwards

I'd go with £240k as it gives a little more wiggle room to increase to your final offer. Sounds great having original features!

The dash could just be old as it doesn't last forever. Did you try opening / closing doors and windows as they're a give away with property movement.

EAs create masterpieces or monstrosities with their photos and angles, it would save a lot of agro if they showed what it was really like. 

Chrystal

I wouldn't even offer 245... that only leaves you £5k to get all the work done, which sounds like a small fraction of what is needed.  Plus the stress and hassle of finding people to do the work and the stress of having it done!  Walk away is my advice.  You'll find something much better.  XXX

Skint_yet_Again

Puppy dog has been given all clear by vet 🤗 and insurance has paid out. I have paid my credit card in full. Just house insurance for next months cc bill £219 to pay from household bills account. 

I have thought about the property from yesterday’s viewing and decided against it. The price and cost of work needed just does not stack up. I am gutted but will keep looking. I am viewing another property on Saturday morning and another next Tuesday. I have 2 other properties to phone about this morning both under £250k

Part of me feels that if I can do viewings Etc I should go back to work. I know this is not rational if the doctor agrees and signs me off. My sick note covers me until Monday. My anxiety is ramping up when I think about going back, I know I am not ready and when I think about phoning the GP on Monday morning and trying to get through I feel sick. They open at 8am and I will be sat on the phone manically pressing redial until I get a position in the queue. 

I am getting a hair cut & blow dry today & I have known my hairdresser for years. She works from home so I feel quite relaxed about going. Once my hair is shorter it should be easier to manage and encourage me to keep it clean. I know I have not looked after myself as much as I should have recently and it should be easier to wash & a quick blow dry. Cost will be £24 from household bills account. 

Then I am supposed to be meeting an old friend for lunch but I am not feeling up to that so I might suggest we get a couple of pizzas from aldee and come back to my house. 

MovingForwards

Fantastic news about PD!

You will find the right property. How you written a list of wants, be nice to have and can compromise on? It makes house hunting easier.

Try phoning the Dr today. Being able to do house viewings, see friends and everything else you do is encouraged to aid recovery, it doesn't mean you're well enough to work.

Skint_yet_Again

I thought I was easy to please when it comes to property but obviously not 😆 

Front forecourt- to keep wheely bins at front of property and not have to pull them through the house once a week to be collected. Many houses here are flat fronted terraces with no rear access

Upstairs bathroom- many terraced houses were built in 1920s to 1930s with no indoor bathrooms so extensions were added on back of the house so you have access through the kitchen. 

Brick outside front & rear walls - many properties here are rendered & painted. I would rather have just brick for less maintenance 

Small garden - no grass, less maintenance. Can always remove grass / pave if not too big 

I can’t ring the doctor today because even if you manage to get through they call you back between 8am & 1.30pm and I am going out. I will ring them on Monday morning first thing. 

MovingForwards

Perhaps not ideal but a compromise would be a 3 bed, turning the box room into the bathroom and putting up with a downstairs one until the work is done. Then turning the downstairs into a utility / toilet area (false wall splitting the loo off).

Or if the master bedroom is big enough, put an on-suite in.

Obviously, the price would have to be right to allow it to happen; it's the design of my mom's house so I can easily visualise it, even down to the front for the bins!

Hope your day is going well.