Buying from purplebricks?

Amazon1990

Hi, looking for some advice.
My partner and I are interested in a house being sold by purplebricks. We were told by owner who showed us round that they'd had very little interest ( been on market 4 months) and only one note of interest from someone who admitted couldn't afford it.

So we put in our offer ( the valuation amount. Which they asked for offers over) and once put in had email updates saying new viewings had been scheduled.
I assume this is tactics?
We were then told they wanted 5 grand more, we haven't replied yet as need to think about this, and now getting email updates saying 4 more viewings booked!!

Is this something purplebricks do? Has anyone had similar experiences?

ReadingTim

Arguably, because these mails are (I assume) 'system generated' (ie confirmed viewings via the purplebricks online system) they're more likely to be genuine, rather than EA sales tactics.

But in reality, it's no different than an estate agent calling you up to see if you've made a decision on whether to offer more, and dropping into the conversation that other viewings were taking place.

Either way, the end result is the same: you're aware there's other interest, and are faced with a choice: up your offer (ideally with the proviso it's taken off the market) or stand firm and hope no-one else offers more than you. Your call.

Fiesto88

Currently buying through Purplebricks and didn't encounter anything like this. We viewed, put offer direct to vendor on the same day, she messaged back straight away with her contact details. We discussed by phone and settled on a price, revised our offer on the website which was accepted. We then had the estate message asking for our DIP and proof of deposit and the property was marked as SSTC straight away.

Pumpkim

We offered on PB house, we later had our own buyer pull out so it went back on the market and during the time taken to sell ours again, we got notifications of a viewing, then an offer, then removal from the market. I believe it is system generated and reflects genuine activity.
Has the property been recently reduced which might explain the flurry of activity?

tiernsee

Also bought using Purple Bricks. Offer went in and agreed with seller, from the estate agents perspective all went smoothly. I suppose as they charge a fixed amount there is no reason for them to artificially create offers? All I would say is be warned about using their recommended conveyance - we did as we thought it would be quicker and simple sale with no chain either side and they were dreadful. Still have now completed and got the keys

kinger101

I doubt the emails have been generated deliberately by staff at Purple Bricks to falsely claim other viewings have been arranged. Though it would be quite easy for the vendor to trigger these, as they can enter false information themselves.

I've had notifications from PB for a couple of properties, and they come so infrequently that it just tells me everyone else thinks the properties were overpriced to as they've had so few viewings and no offers.

I'd call the owners' bluff......tell them your initial offer will be expire if it's not accepted by the end of the week.

purpleparrotuk

I messaged purplebricks three times via rightmove yesterday to view a house and no reply. Are they normally this slow?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Amazon1990 wrote: »

We were told by owner who showed us round

why not make an offer to owner face to face then, and deal direct.

I've bought a house on a handshake, and got legalities sorted after.

Keep_pedalling

[Deleted User] wrote:

Hi,



why not make an offer to owner face to face then, and deal direct.

I've bought a house on a handshake, and got legalities sorted after.

Not sure how that helps the seller still has to pay their fee to PBS.

Keep_pedalling

kinger101 wrote: »

I doubt the emails have been generated deliberately by staff at Purple Bricks to falsely claim other viewings have been arranged. Though it would be quite easy for the vendor to trigger these, as they can enter false information themselves.

I've had notifications from PB for a couple of properties, and they come so infrequently that it just tells me everyone else thinks the properties were overpriced to as they've had so few viewings and no offers.

I'd call the owners' bluff......tell them your initial offer will be expire if it's not accepted by the end of the week.

I doubt it's a bluff, PB either already have their fee or will get it on the sale. It is a fixed fee so they have no reason to do this.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

Not sure how that helps the seller still has to pay their fee to PBS.

yes, of course, all fees will have to be paid, but at least you know you have a deal, and no more gazumping.