Vendor won't allow access to measure to replace appliances she has broken.

Slithery

newsgroupmonkey_ said:

I'm a big fan of Euronics for helping out independent local companies (it's basically an association where they can club together to get bigger discounts). They often have stuff in stock and deliver in a couple of hours.

Me too.

I completed on Christmas Eve once to discover a broken cooker and Euronics had a new one delivered in an hour. Good job too as I was hosting the family for lunch the next day...

cxw18

warby68 said:

These issues are frustrating but very minor in the scheme of things when it comes to a house purchase. An elderly person may not have moved for many years or even been involved in the move when she did. They do also genuinely get forgetful. TBH she could easily not have told you.

You do sound a bit petty saying get rid of the fridge as well, especially when it could just see you through the first few days.

You can get white goods very quickly.

Yes, annoying but not worth any stress.

I am only in the house for 3 days to sort things out and then a friend + a subletter (just for 2 months as I have to go away for work urgently) move in. Time hasn't been on my side and the vendor had informally agreed an earlier completion date and switched the tone on us the day of exchange. The vendor has shown extreme pettiness in various ways and I've seen the quotations of emails and so I would really rather just buy a fridge and know it works or is backed up than have to remotely sort it out when the 20 y/o fridge kicks it. + I don't want to pay the move-in cleaners for a deep clean of the fridge if I'm thinking of switching it.

I left out most of the details but the vendor and her solicitors have caused an unnecessary level of stress by refusing and switching back on many things like a gas safety check, saying they would allow access for measuring and then shutting that down after exchange, the day of contract exchange moving the completion date 5 weeks later etc. I don't want to go into it but I've unfortunately learned how you get backed into corners into paying and just letting others call the shots. I'm a first time buyer and panicking! Thanks all for advice.

warby68

Try not to panic.

With house moves the saying 'best laid plans' often comes into play. People do dither and change their minds a lot. There is a reason why its best not to overcomplicate a house purchase with lots of 'extra' detail (on both sides) and only act on what is confirmed at the solicitors. Hard to avoid 100% though.

You will be surprised how quickly you can get things done once you're actually in full control of your destiny but I would say now is the time to bring the friend who will stay there on board and ask if they will sort a couple of things if you don't have time.If you don't want the fridge cleaning just stick it outside if it hasn't been removed or put a label on saying do not clean.

As a FTB you probably will always be somewhat at the mercy of the chain above who generally will have less flexibility than you as they will be trying to tie together both a sale and onward purchase. Might be a bit unfair but try and stay pragmatic.

Unfortunately there are few rights to deal with people being fickle but I promise you will forget this lady and her awkwardness once you own the place. 

markin

You need permission to let from the mortgage provider, It may be best to call them lodgers, but if you aren't there they could change the locks on you.

Olinda99

Friend + subletter? This rings alarm bells - you could be creating a tenancy - be careful.

Getting a fridge could be the least of your problems

TheJP

cxw18 said:

warby68 said:

These issues are frustrating but very minor in the scheme of things when it comes to a house purchase. An elderly person may not have moved for many years or even been involved in the move when she did. They do also genuinely get forgetful. TBH she could easily not have told you.

You do sound a bit petty saying get rid of the fridge as well, especially when it could just see you through the first few days.

You can get white goods very quickly.

Yes, annoying but not worth any stress.

I am only in the house for 3 days to sort things out and then a friend + a subletter (just for 2 months as I have to go away for work urgently) move in. Time hasn't been on my side and the vendor had informally agreed an earlier completion date and switched the tone on us the day of exchange. The vendor has shown extreme pettiness in various ways and I've seen the quotations of emails and so I would really rather just buy a fridge and know it works or is backed up than have to remotely sort it out when the 20 y/o fridge kicks it. + I don't want to pay the move-in cleaners for a deep clean of the fridge if I'm thinking of switching it.

I left out most of the details but the vendor and her solicitors have caused an unnecessary level of stress by refusing and switching back on many things like a gas safety check, saying they would allow access for measuring and then shutting that down after exchange, the day of contract exchange moving the completion date 5 weeks later etc. I don't want to go into it but I've unfortunately learned how you get backed into corners into paying and just letting others call the shots. I'm a first time buyer and panicking! Thanks all for advice.

This screams that you are the issue rather than the vendor. You are pushing the seller to abide by your letting (not sub letting) of the property. 

Scotbot

400ixl said:

Can't you just ask them for the make and model number which will be written on the front. No need for strangers to then have access to the house which could be a concern for the elderly.

With the model number you can easily find the measurements of it.

 Never mind the make and model just ask her to measure the Fridge!

eddddy

Scotbot said:

400ixl said:

Can't you just ask them for the make and model number which will be written on the front. No need for strangers to then have access to the house which could be a concern for the elderly.

With the model number you can easily find the measurements of it.

 Never mind the make and model just ask her to measure the Fridge!

A bit risky! What if she measures it wrong?

400ixl

Maybe doesn't have a tape measure either which is why getting the Make / Model is easier and will also give the depth measurement as well.

cxw18

markin said:

You need permission to let from the mortgage provider, It may be best to call them lodgers, but if you aren't there they could change the locks on you.

Cash buy

Olinda99 said:

Friend + subletter? This rings alarm bells - you could be creating a tenancy - be careful.

Getting a fridge could be the least of your problems

There is a tenancy contract in place.