How long do you wait for your seller to find somewhere?

Bonniepurple

I’ve made it very clear to the estate agents that we’re only moving for the right property.  There are plenty of options around that meet our criteria, so it’s not as stubborn as it sounds. I’m just not rushing to end up in something which is “okay” but not “good”.

BTW, our requirements are within the local area, off road parking for at least 2 cars, min 3 beds, min 2 toilets (one downstairs) and limited steps outside.  I know that there’s at least 3 properties (excluding ours) that fit on Rightmove.

yksi

How long is too long? How long is a piece of string...

Only your friend can decide how long they're willing to wait and what's reasonable. But I would echo the others and encourage them to keep looking at other properties. This seller really doesn't seem ready to proceed, and it's more than just the fact there's no link in the chain within sight. Frail and elderly people don't become that way overnight and it's often years in the making, so there is often no urgency in their minds, plus, it's really daunting to move from a home you've lived in for many years. I wouldn't say it's a red flag, but it's an amber one, and your friend should have their eyes open and accept that this home might never actually happen for them.

youth_leader

Thank you for all your comments, a piece of string it is. As a cash buyer in rented I got lots of vague answers from my EA's vendor, I just held onto hope and eventually got my completion date.  Very different for my friend.

She has now been told by a neighbour that her buyer was seen viewing a house on Tuesday, and has phoned her.  She has confirmed she definitely wants the house, and is prepared to wait.  

My friend can't break the chain as her new property will need all of her funds. 

She is planning to find somewhere to stay in the area and go down for a few days to view other properties.

Thrugelmir

youth_leader said:

I am just wondering how long is it reasonable to wait?  

Having found a property you want to buy. How much do you really want it?  Considering one is likely to live in it for many many years. Easy to have a tantrum and throw toys out of the pram. Doesn't get you anywhere though. Walk away and the process starts all over again. 

[Deleted User]

Slinky said:

The impatient need to be reminded that they probably didn't start looking and find somewhere to move to in the same short period of time they are giving their vendors.

This x 1000 

A home is likely the most expensive purchase someone will make in their life. It is unfair to rush someone into a decision of such magnitude and add unnecessary worry to what is already a stressful experience. 

When we come to sell, I certainly won't be pressured into buying somewhere I don't want or be forced into renting because of peoples inability to wait for more than a few weeks. 

steph2901

Bonniepurple said:

I’ve made it very clear to the estate agents that we’re only moving for the right property.  There are plenty of options around that meet our criteria, so it’s not as stubborn as it sounds. I’m just not rushing to end up in something which is “okay” but not “good”.

BTW, our requirements are within the local area, off road parking for at least 2 cars, min 3 beds, min 2 toilets (one downstairs) and limited steps outside.  I know that there’s at least 3 properties (excluding ours) that fit on Rightmove.

We did the same.  Made it clear that we weren't buying anything that wasn't right for us and we weren't going into rented either.  We found a house just after accepting an offer on ours, but three weeks into the purchase the seller decided they weren't moving anymore. 

It took us another four weeks to find a house, but we've finally found one and luckily no chain.

Our buyers haven't pushed, and if they had started to make threats about pulling out we would've told them to go ahead.  Where we live houses are being snapped up really quick so we would've found another buyer easily.

No point rushing someone and causing a load of stress if they are actively looking for somewhere.  Moving house is stressful enough without added pressure.

youth_leader

That's great you've found somewhere without a chain steph2901, and I am glad you have understanding buyers.  I hope my friend might find somewhere chain free during her visit.

thriftytracey

We sold ours a week ago and I had a major collywobble a couple of days ago, a severe anxiety attack when nothing seemed to match our requirements (and I wouldn't say we are being over picky).  I have rationalised it now.  As commenters have said it is a major decision to move especially if you are relocating and it will be your final purchase.

youth_leader

I understand thiftytracey, glad you are feeling OK again, it should be enjoyable.   Unlike my friend I was lucky I had the luxury of time as I was in rented.  I wanted to go home to the south, visited Kent and Devon but my budget was too low,  so chose to relocate within this NE village.  When I moved here 20 years ago with my late husband I hated it as the facilities are zero, but now I'm older,  only want the beach.  Was very lucky to be chosen by the seller out of all the bids,  and feel really fortunate I'm in this location. Place is still a tip six weeks on as none of my old stuff looks right, but I'm here.

I found Phil Spencer's house hunting advice Property Advice | Buying, Renting, Owning & Selling | Move iQ
really focussed me -

a) the location is key (might love the house, but if not in the right location, can't do anything about it)
b) write a list of must haves, and 'nice' to haves
c) budget
d) find a good solicitor
e) register with all portals, estate agents, and set up alerts.

He's got viewing sheets you can print off too - wish I had asked for a second viewing, kitchen tap has had it  

verytired11

I accepted an offer on my place a few weeks ago and have been going to as many viewings as possible. But! There is very little on the market and we have complex needs...so we are unlikely to find somewhere very quickly.  I would have started viewings ages ago but of course I couldn't get any viewings at all until I had an offer on mine.  If you've found the place you love, why give up on it unless you really are up against an immoveable deadline, especially when it may take a while to find another property and you may be back to square one with your new seller having to find somewhere.