Making an offer.

Tonyw193

So this probably sounds and is really stupid question but how do make a formal offer on a house?
We have found a house we want to make an offer on but not sure how exactly approch it. Obviously we will phone the estate agent but from a few things ive read some have said express that your first time buyers, solicitors and DIP.  I've alsk read you should put this is writing to the seller. Is this simply and email to the agent and ask them to pass onto the seller, some have havd also expressed attachment to the property i.e seeing bringing a family up there.

Some of that sounds a little excessive. I understand the FTB approach. I was just wondering how best to approach this. Thanks for the advice. 

NameUnavailable

It depends where you are but in England you would phone (or email) the agent and say something like "I viewed the property at.........and would like to make an offer of £........".

If you're offering much below asking because you spotted damp or some other issue, or the property is over priced compared to similar ones you've seen, then mention that as justification.

Most agents will ask other qualifying questions like what is your position, how much is your deposit, have you got a mortgage in principle etc.

Slithery

I wouldn't tell them that you're a FTB, just that you aren't in a chain.

hazyjo

Just ring the estate agent.

You've got most of it. They will need to know you're proceedable. Say you're a FTB so obviously you have nothing to sell. You'll probably need an agreement in principle (or whatever terminology they use). They may try to get you to see their advisor/ broker. Would be helpful if you had a solicitor in mind, although they will need to be on your lender's panel so you probably can't actually instruct them yet. I presume you have at least 15% deposit.

No need to write to the seller. The EA will do that. (That advice may change for example if they won't submit your offer.)

Did you meet the sellers when viewing? The time for "make them like me" is then or on a second viewing, especially if there's lots of interest. It usually comes down to money though.

RelievedSheff

We went to the estate agents in person when we offered on our last house, our current one was different as it was a new build.

We took with us a copy of our mortgage agreement in principle and proof of deposit and we went through our offer with the estate agent who phoned the vendor while we were in the office and got the deal agreed there and then. We went in with an asking price offer as we felt the price was very fair for the property and at the time we were first time buyers and chain free. The vendor was also chain free as they were ready to move into another property that they already owned.

Tonyw193

Thanks a lot for the advice 

daivid

If you are offering below the asking price there is no need to justify why. If you are going to offer justification keep it short. A reasonable seller will expect to recieve offers under (but not neccessarily accept), an unreasonable seller will not be swayed by your justification.

hazyjo

Meant to add, offer with room to negotiate. Not just one offer, take it or leave it.

I wouldn't negotiate more than twice or they'll just keep coming back if you keep going up!