Seller refusing to allow builder round for quotes before exchange

pinkteapot

wild33 said:

So we've had another email from the EA, the reason they've given is that if a tradesperson causes any damage, who would pay for it? 

The builder's public liability insurance. 

Next question?

Anyanka1

OP, if you don't smell a rat by now...

If you really want this house, it might be time to think about telling the vendor, ahem, what works for you and what does not.  Your call.

NameUnavailable

What did the EA say to the vendor? They know that it's perfectly normal for people to get quotes for work that comes up on a survey, they must be having calls like that all the time!

The vendor must know that there's a big problem to do with the roof but then what exactly did your surveyor see/say?

wild33

It's gotten worse. They said via their solicitor that they had never refused access, when we have written confirmation from the EA that they did. The seller refused a reduction or to get any repairs done, then offered 3k off, then the next day withdrew the reduction. We said we'd like to see it again on Friday before deciding whether that was acceptable and they agreed, today they are saying we need to commit at full price today or they put it back on the market. I know we are being absolutely taken for mugs. I've got the surveyor calling me this afternoon, he's going to tell me what he thinks is required and whether any of it can wait a while.  

The EA had the gall to say I was being unkind for calling the seller demanding, and the little context we have of the seller is that they are going through a divorce and can't afford to reduce the price at all.

eve824

Sounds like they are trying to pressure you into this. I think I would walk at this point as there are too many red flags.

wild33

eve824 said:

Sounds like they are trying to pressure you into this. I think I would walk at this point as there are too many red flags.

Yes, that's absolutely it - I do feel very pressured and as everything is changing on literally a daily basis we don't have ca hance to let our emotional state settle before being pushed into a further compromise.

sheramber

Sounds like the two parties in the divorce have different  opinions on what should happen.

AdrianC

wild33 said:

and the little context we have of the seller is that they are going through a divorce

Bingo!

One of them doesn't want to sell.

Mani_London

Hi wild33: I would say no one can pressure you in buying something unless you're emotionally attached to the property. i would say do not attach emotionally and think as the biggest investment of your life. There are obviously red flags and i would say if they do not allow your builder to go and inspect, then just walk away. 

saajan_12

The angst and conflicting opinions from the divorce probably explain the flip flopping, so I wouldn't read too much into that. Proving what they said before isn't relevant anymore.

Just focus on whether you still like the property, how much you'd pay for it and how important any further checks are to you. Then demand that or state you're walking away. Right now its all words, and the seller is hoping you'll blink first. 

If you're not comfortable without the viewing / builder's quotes, then demand a date for that. If its not forthcoming then instruct your solicitor to stop further work and start viewing other properties. If the sellers come back and give in, then you can always pick up where you left off.