Seller pulled out...now wants back in

Tink_x

I heard buying and selling houses can be one of the most stressful things to do, but this is just insane.
we are first time buyers, finally found a house we liked, made offer back in March, taken a few months to get things in place but all was well last week - everyone in the chain (about 5 or 6 houses) all agreed to a move date in August - everyone was about to sign and exchange contracts to lock it all down and on Friday morning my seller sends his solicitor a vague email that they have to pull out due to his wifes health. Of course solicitors and estate agents tried numerous times to ring him, he wouldnt answer and didnt return any calls. They tried again Saturday and again yesterday. I was obviously very upset on friday and over the weekend, but by the end of yesterday id sort of accepted that it was over and lost - and viewed another house. Really liked this new house, so arranged this morning to view it again tonight.
Then this afternoon the estate agent rings me saying Mr X has finally been in touch and he wants to continue the sale and he acted too hastily and was just under a lot of stress and panicked basically. Which yes i can understand, this is a stressful time.
Estate agent said he has chased up the rest of the chain and everyone is still happy to proceed with the sales and now its basically down to me to decide, im the one in control.
Im not happy that hes put this on me - like its now my fault if the chain breaks because Mr X now wants it all back on again?!
Me and fiance will have a long talk tonight about what to do, i said i would ring estate agent in the morning and let him know coz i dont want to keep people hanging around as its not fair.
Im just feeling very overwhelmed by the chaos.

cherryx3x3

I totally understand how you feel, its the most stressful time.


Just give your self a little bit of time to decide what is best for you.


Ignore people like the above, absolutely useless post from them!

need_an_answer

If the rest of the chain is still able to continue then you would be foolish to break it now.


Mr x is back in the chain so whats stopping you going on?

Are you making your decision regarding the other house based on not having actually viewed it yet or are you going back for the second viewing tonight?...re reading your post I see its second viewing tonight.


Go with critical eye and try to put emotion aside.

Your costs will increase if going for the second property because of new searches etc and obviously time will be a factor for the rest of the chain,but if you really think the new house is worth the wait then its better to do it now than regret it once you are in house 1.

sal_III

You owe NOTHING to the rest of the chain. Only do what is in your best interest. If you liked the new place better - go for it.

SallyDucati

Tink, I know this is very stressful and you are obviously upset and feel like the seller is putting you in a difficult position. To me the question is basically do you like the house? If you still do then I would say go for it. Forget everyone elses feelings/(or what they may or may not blame you for) apart from you and your fiances.

Something must have happened to make the seller panic and he has calmed down over the weekend. Buying selling houses IS one of the most stressful things you do in life.

Tink_x

I do like the house, but there has been quite a lot of stress attached to it, i did actually freak out myself a few weeks ago, wondering if it was the right house and something in my gut was telling me no. I even made post on here about it asking if it was just cold feet or should i trust my gut! I did calm down after a few days and was happy with the house. Then when it all fall apart on Friday i was really upset, i was really down over the weekend but then yesterday i was like you know what, sod it! Lets move on, its gone, maybe it was for the best and it wasnt the right house. Lets go see this other one, it looks lovely!
But now its back on again, my head is just spinning.
Sorry for ranting but im just feeling panicked!

Rambosmum

Do you still like the house? Do you still want to buy the house? In a few months time, when the vendor is out of your life and you are sat on you new sofa in your new front room will you care it nearly didn't go through?


Whilst I agree, what he has done is frustrating at best, you haven't lost the house or any money and personally I'd just proceed, but it totally depends on how you feel.

pinkshoes

Are you thinking you would prefer to buy this other house?

Why not view the other house again tonight then make a decision then? That way you can choose whichever you like best.

Don't forget you have already spent money on fees for the first one...

sal_III

Basically if you still like the house go for it. All the frustration and second guessing will soon pass.

The fact is that there is no guarantee the next pick won't cause you even more stress.

So don't drop out of the sale, just because it has been rough sailing so far.

efes_shareholder

This is quite possibly the biggest expenditure you will ever outlay and you have to be happy with your choice

Give it lots of thought , and as others have said do what is right for you and not what is right for the rest of the chain

They say everything happens for a reason and maybe Mr X hasty act has given you the oppurtunity so learn how important the house as your home is to you

franklee

You say "we are first time buyers" so it's presumably a joint decision. Suggest you both view the two houses again and make a decision entirely to suit you. You do not owe anyone else in the old chain.