How do people make such quick decisions?

YoungBlueEyes

The one I'm in the process of buying now is my third attempt

MysteryMe

ginger_chocolate wrote: »

So just thought I'd update: we saw a house on monday that both OH and I liked and, with my mind on the advice from this thread, I put an offer in the next morning. Unfortunately the EA called back at 3pm on Wednesday to say we'd been outbid. I upped my offer to the max I was willing to pay for the house. This morning we were outbid again and I folded. The house is now likely to go for considerably over asking price by the sounds of things - seems a lot of other people like the same things we do. I'm disappointed obviously, but in a way, pleased to gave got over that offer making psychological hurdle. Back to viewings I guess. How many houses have most of you offered on before you got one that stuck?

Well done, you've made good progress here and the agent will see that you are serious buyers so will hopefully keep you in mind with new listings.

burlyten

Family sold a house recently, 2 offers of asking on the same day then a 3rd 'cash' offer swept in about £20k more than everyone else. Highest offer accepted but 2 months down the line it turns out it wasnt 100% cash they had and they also negotiatied down to just above the asking. People lie just to get the house off the market sometimes. The whole system in England stinks.

Smodlet

SeasideSally wrote: »

My husband and I have been talking about this a lot, as we're about to start the whole moving business. We've drawn up lists, gone through Rightmove listings, checked pollution levels in areas, etc., but we both have to admit that the only thing that's counted in the past when looking at properties is that gut feeling. Either you have it or you don't. My husband (the hopeless romantic), who's moved a lot more than I have, says it's like falling in love; if the world doesn't shift a bit when you view a house, it isn't 'the one'.

This, with bells on... Of course, if the house shifts, you should probably run screaming before you subside, heave or landslip. :rotfl:

Well done, gingerchocolate; you have overcome a significant hurdle. One thing I would suggest is make friends with EAs who have the kind of property you want on their books. Go in and say "hello" whenever you are in the vicinity, get on first name terms, hell, take them home-baked cookies or a box of chocs if that is what it takes. There is no feeling like being the first person to view a house new to the market.

If you happen to get a seller who wants minimum hassle and make an offer they are happy with, they don't have to endure multiple viewings and you can stop looking... And step away from the Rightmove, put your hands in the air, do not click that mouse!

Good hunting.

ginger_chocolate

Well done, you've made good progress here and the agent will see that you are serious buyers so will hopefully keep you in mind with new listings

I've offered on a second house this afternoon - will hopefully hear something on Monday. just wish EAs would quit all the BS about you having to bring in payslips and bank statements to their mortgage adviser to 'substantiate your offer' before it's even accepted (or sometimes even before you view!) Do all EAs try this on? I'm not naturally very confrontational and having to assert myself on this constantly is getting exhausting.

Red-Squirrel_2

ginger_chocolate wrote: »

So just thought I'd update: we saw a house on monday that both OH and I liked and, with my mind on the advice from this thread, I put an offer in the next morning. Unfortunately the EA called back at 3pm on Wednesday to say we'd been outbid. I upped my offer to the max I was willing to pay for the house. This morning we were outbid again and I folded. The house is now likely to go for considerably over asking price by the sounds of things - seems a lot of other people like the same things we do. I'm disappointed obviously, but in a way, pleased to gave got over that offer making psychological hurdle. Back to viewings I guess. How many houses have most of you offered on before you got one that stuck?

The first area I was looking in for my last move was a bit like this, houses were getting snapped up within hours of going on the market or were going to bidding wars and often selling at well above asking price. It was a nice enough area but part of it was also that it was a bit trendy and fashionable and considered to be very 'up and coming' when actually I think it had 'up and come' as much as it was going to and I think some people probably regret paying as much as they did to secure those houses.

I ended up buying somewhere a couple of miles away, less fashionable but actually nicer in a lot of ways and the market was less crazy. I did offer after my first viewing though, I've always done that, I've never actually had a second viewing.

ginger_chocolate

The first area I was looking in for my last move was a bit like this, houses were getting snapped up within hours of going on the market or were going to bidding wars and often selling at well above asking price. It was a nice enough area but part of it was also that it was a bit trendy and fashionable and considered to be very 'up and coming' when actually I think it had 'up and come' as much as it was going to and I think some people probably regret paying as much as they did to secure those houses. .

Yeah - I think a fair few people around here are over-paying for their houses. I'm determined not to, but competing with people who are willing to offer way over the odds does make things a bit difficult.

Red-Squirrel_2

ginger_chocolate wrote: »

Yeah - I think a fair few people around here are over-paying for their houses. I'm determined not to, but competing with people who are willing to offer way over the odds does make things a bit difficult.

Are you able/willing to look further afield and at different areas? Thinking outside the box can really pay off!

Bass_9

burlyten wrote: »

Family sold a house recently, 2 offers of asking on the same day then a 3rd 'cash' offer swept in about £20k more than everyone else. Highest offer accepted but 2 months down the line it turns out it wasnt 100% cash they had and they also negotiatied down to just above the asking. People lie just to get the house off the market sometimes. The whole system in England stinks.

That's rubbish, but if I were the vendor (providing my own purchase wasn't put in major jeopardy, but perhaps even so) I would tell a buyer who attempted this that I was no longer willing to sell to them and I would go back to others who had originally offered.

I wouldn't entertain underhand tactics like that. We found it very difficult to find a house ourselves so I would not endorse behaviour like that.

tori.k

As smodlet said it really does pay to befriend the EA and have them in your corner. We got to know an EA pretty well due to our preferred house falling through after nine months due to on-going title issues.
They gave us a heads up that our now current home was going onto the market so we had a little time to checkout the location and of the ten offers that were made on the property our was excepted despite not being the highest purely because the EA knew our whole position and the vendors were looking for a quick and easy sale. A win win for everyone.