Put offer on house but confused?

victoriavictorious

Talkingsinger wrote: »

Hi, thanks for the replies!

I offered the asking price straight out because I felt like the house was worth that and didn’t want to play games. Judging by what other houses have gone for in that area I wouldn’t say it is worth much more than what I’ve offered, if at all.

EA said owner was just back from being away when they spoke to them last week regarding offer so I don’t think so?

I’m not in a position where I can wait around for ages anyway tbh! So have been looking at other houses. I do my mind if they want to wait and have a few more viewings since house has only been on the market for 2 weeks but I’d rather they were just honest instead of saying “still deciding”, you know?

Totally agree with you. Having been through this horrible process 9 times myself (and each time promising myself I'll never do it again) I've always found it brings out the very worst in people. It's especially galling to the apparent minority who prefer to play fair.
Sorry but even the vendor being away over Easter still does not excuse the agent for failing to let you know (as promised) by the close of business that they had not been able to get an answer yet.

victoriavictorious

DaftyDuck wrote: »

Never cut off your nose to spite your face. The owner might be dilly-dallying, or might have had the flu, or might be looking after an aged granny, or just isn't in the hurry the OP wants....

It's hardly a reason to decide they are Machiavellian enough to dump the deal.

OP, sure keep looking, but never throw toys from pram... it's a business transaction!

Sorry but there are plenty of other houses. I would be willing to bet that this reluctance to give a response is more about good ole greed. Business transaction it may be, but it could turn out a very costly - and abortive - one for OP.
Ask me how I know.:(

PhilE

Give them a deadline of 24-48 hours and then inform the EA you will be viewing other properties.

hazyjo

PhilE wrote: »

Give them a deadline of 24-48 hours and then inform the EA you will be viewing other properties.

I'd not give a deadline (why would I?!) but would still be viewing other properties anyway - and would make sure I viewed one up with the EA selling this one. I certainly wouldn't be waiting for a yay or nay.


For the record, I would never offer asking price. They're just thinking they're going to have a queue of people round the corner and that they're priced too low (as AnotherJoe said). Not to say I'd never pay it, but I would always go in under to start with.

googler

PhilE wrote: »

Give them a deadline of 24-48 hours ...

... which is standard practice, in writing, in Scottish transactions. Sellers don't get away with dilly-dallying around like this, because any offer they receive will have a clause similar to this;

"This offer unless earlier withdrawn is open for verbal acceptance by (insert time and date) with written acceptance reaching us no later than (insert time and working day) following the date of this offer and if not so accepted shall be deemed to be withdrawn."

Typically, verbal acceptance, rejection, or agreement to extension of time, perhaps due to illness or such, is expected within a day.

n15h

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

Just keep looking. You've made your offer. You're not tied in to anything; you've got nothing to lose.

100% agree with this - you're not committed until you exchange contracts. Carry on looking. All the best

dunroving

googler wrote: »

... which is standard practice, in writing, in Scottish transactions. Sellers don't get away with dilly-dallying around like this, because any offer they receive will have a clause similar to this;

"This offer unless earlier withdrawn is open for verbal acceptance by (insert time and date) with written acceptance reaching us no later than (insert time and working day) following the date of this offer and if not so accepted shall be deemed to be withdrawn."

Typically, verbal acceptance, rejection, or agreement to extension of time, perhaps due to illness or such, is expected within a day.

Interestingly, in the US (not sure if it's all 50 states), an offer is deemed to be not only active, but *binding* until withdrawn, or some deadline is reached, as above.

In other words, if you submit an offer and it's accepted, you are legally bound to buy the house (notwithstanding certain ways of wriggling out via provisional clauses included in the offer).

In the OP's situation, for example, if he found another house and submitted an offer, which was then accepted, and the owner of the first house then accepted his previous offer, he'd have two houses!

There is an attractive logic to it, as everyone is crystal clear where they stand.

G_M

What's happening? Help! Has Trump taken over our houses as well as our gold courses? Have we left Europe and become the 51st State without my noticing?......