How to approach a probate sale that's not on the market yet?

kilby_007

Hi everyone. I was looking for some advice/tips/do/don'ts on this subject. I learned through the grapevine that a lady has passed away who lived in an ideal property on the street we want to live and her children are looking to sell it. We missed out on another property locally that went to closed bids so I want to nip this one in the bud and deal with the vendor directly if I can before it goes to market. I'm going to stick a note through the door, as I don't have a means of contacting them directly, but I realise it's a sensitive subject and I don't want to come across as rude or unsympathetic. I was thinking of something along the lines of saying "I'm sorry for the loss of your mother" and then go on to explain that we're interested in purchasing the property, say a bit about who we are, our position (no chain/flexible on completion) and that we know it will take longer as it's a probate sale and we're happy for them to leave the property as is (i.e. they won't need to empty it or do it up) and leave our number for them to get in touch.

Any thoughts? Your comments negative/constructive/positive are much appreciated.

Mojisola

kilby_007 wrote: »

I'm going to stick a note through the door, as I don't have a means of contacting them directly, but I realise it's a sensitive subject and I don't want to come across as rude or unsympathetic.

I was thinking of something along the lines of saying "I'm sorry for the loss of your mother" and then go on to explain that we're interested in purchasing the property, say a bit about who we are, our position (no chain/flexible on completion) and that we know it will take longer as it's a probate sale and we're happy for them to leave the property as is (i.e. they won't need to empty it or do it up) and leave our number for them to get in touch.

Any thoughts? Your comments negative/constructive/positive are much appreciated.

I'd keep it simple and short - just the bit in bold.

If they get back to you, you can give more information.

hazyjo

I'd be inclined to add something like 'we're looking for our next home' or 'forever home' (whatever fits best). You want them to think you'll love it after a tragedy, not that you're a developer. It often goes in your favour.


Tough one. Good luck!

Hedgehog99

Put "strictly confidential" on the envelope or it might get opened by anybody who's given access (estate agents, house clearance people etc).

kilby_007

OK so first draft (sensitive bits X'd out):-

Hi,

I’m sorry for the loss of your mother. I have learned via a neighbour that you are looking to sell your mum’s property and we are looking for our ‘forever home’ in this area to raise our family – we have a daughter who’s X and a little boy on the way. We’re in a chain-free position - we are renting and not tied into a fixed term contract so we are flexible in terms of timescales.

If you’d be interesting in taking this further then we’d really love to have a look, so please call me on XXXXXXXXXXXX.

Thanks

ReadingTim

You might want to address it to 'the estate of Mrs [x], dec'd' or 'the executor of the estate of Mrs [x], dec'd', in the event (text removed by MSE Forum Team) left it to the local donkey sanctuary rather than the kids....until probate is granted, it's not theirs to sell, and, depending on what her will says (assuming there is one), may never be.

kilby_007

Problem is X is still unknown.

aneary

I think if it's going via probate you can find out online you could then go to the solicitors?

Mojisola

Penitent wrote: »

IIRC, Executors have to get the best possible price for the beneficiaries, so they may feel they need to market the property to ensure they're getting what the property can achieve.

If the beneficiaries all agree, the executor/s could agree to a direct sale - a quick sale with no estate agent fees can be very attractive.

NeilCr

How long ago was the death?

I was on the other end of this when my mum died. I had a note through from someone else in the block she lived in offering to buy her flat. But it was very soon after the death and it got the wrong reaction. I was furious and upset!.

I think you need to tread carefully

kilby_007

NeilCr wrote: »

How long ago was the death?

I was on the other end of this when my mum died. I had a note through from someone else in the block she lived in offering to buy her flat. But it was very soon after the death and it got the wrong reaction. I was furious and upset!.

I think you need to tread carefully

I don't know, but I know they're looking at getting it valued in the next 2 weeks. They're currently emptying/sorting.