FTB - Difficult Sellers

warby68

It seems just as likely that the sellers aren't committed to moving or haven't found anywhere to move to as they are to be wary of the multiple offers.

You need to sound the agent out if you can. If that's the reason you can leave your final offer on the table or put a time limit on it to 'encourage' them to find somewhere.

If they seem to be uncommitted though, I'd advise backing out.

Also be very wary of a smoke tainted house unless the smell doesn't bother you - are you prepared to completely redecorate, replace all light and curtain fittings, floor coverings and any left behind furnishings. It can need this and more.

Grenage

Don't get caught up on percentages and what you 'should' offer, it's all nonsense. You just want to get it as cheaply as possible, which is normally a combination of seller/buyer desperation and comparative sales.

If you think that asking price is too high, keep looking.

Fosterdog

If you really love the house but they turn down your offer just let the EA know that it is your final offer and you will leave it on th table for now but continue to look at other properties. Either the vendor will realise that is the best they will get and will eventually accept or you find somewhere else and then remove your offer.

It doesn't sound like it would be too hard for you to find a house that would meet your needs considering the things that would put most people off would be bonuses to you and other vendors might realise that and snap at any offers made.

KateySW

I sympathise OP, I've been going the motions as a FTB myself right now and I understand. It's hard when you have your heart set on a place.

I'd ask the EA if you can get a bit more info on what the seller's reasoning is for wanting some more time. It might be they don't have a solid plan in place for moving yet or, as others have said previously, you being keen with the offers has made them think they might get more. Either way, you don't have much control over that now without leaping in and offering even more, which I'd say would be jumping the gun and not a good idea, however tempting it is. It's not easy, but if I were you, I'd just confirm with the EA that this is your final offer, it will remain on the table and until you get an answer either way, you're open to viewing other properties.

I really hope it's the answer you want but if it isn't, I promise this won't be the only house that you like and will be suitable. I hate to sound all "que sera, sera" about it... but I guess I do!

TBagpuss

I agree with fostedog. Keep looking, let the agents know that is what you are doing. You may well find another property which you feel is equally good.

You could even chose to withdraw your offer. If the property has been on the market with no interest for 8 months you could probably withdraw your offer, look elsewhere and consider returning if in another couple of months you haven't found anything else which suits you.

Personally I'd be very wary of the whole 'stinks of cigarette smoke' thing, too - it can be incredibly hard to get rid off, and if they have lived there a long time it will have soaked into the plaster and woodwork and even a coat of fresh paint may not be enough to get rid of it!

Marvel1

It;'s strange as in other threads people say offer what you think it's worth, you made an offer and then people say you shouldn't below that much of the asking price!

BJV

OP I did exactly the same. In fact my first offer was more than 25% less. In less than 2 weeks I went up and up. ( ok the 1st offer was a bit cheeky ) In the end I got a fantastic deal and still lots less than the asking price.

Just as buyers are all different so are sellers.

If you love it and we have all had that feeling just grit your teeth as previous posts have said call the EA and tell them final offer. Oh and you need to know as there is another property which you don't want to loose. Give them a deadline. You are a FTB so a sellers dream you are the start of the chain and so make it very easy. As such they should be tripping over themselves to get you.

OP please remember that buying a house can be a horrible nasty, stressful time. I can handle stress and buy houses ( investment ) which always run smoothly. I used to read threads and think really ??? It is not that bad. I do it for investment and have moved before it is never that bad. My house last year ? God I genuinely thought I was going to go out of my mind.

BUT just keep reminding yourself that it will be worth it. A couple of month is nothing in the grand scheme of things. ( I still pinch myself every now and again when I get to the front door) I honestly wish you luck but call the EA now!

LEJC

I wonder if it is a case that the couple have lived in the house for a long time and become very attached to it....

It's one thing saying that you want/need to move because the stairs are getting difficult but another thing actually doing it!
If the house has been on the market for a long time maybe this is the first time that someone has actually come up with an asking price offer and in effect the couple are suddenly faced with the reality of the situation that they could indeed now be selling their home......

I wonder if they are motivated now that what they wanted has been offered....or it may just take a couple of days for the realisation to sink in.....

Whichever way it goes OP...good luck with your purchase although I'm not convinced that you've found the house you will end up living in....you like it but so do they!

BlueMini05

Well, they accepted the asking price - so i guess the ball is rolling now!

KateySW

Congrats OP! great news.