How can I ask an agent if their client is open to offers?

si-mate

I've seen a house on rightmove which is around £30,000 over budget. It has only been on for a couple of weeks.
I don't want to waste everyones time by viewing, second viewing and then offering knowing that we can never get near the asking price.

Is there anyway in which I can approach the EA to ask if the vendors are open to offers without being told the usual "they're looking for near the asking price"

moneysavinmonkey

If you are fTB or a cash buyer or not in a chain emphasize this to the EA. Make sure you have all your mortgage sorted and possibly do that thing with the EA where you proove you have a deposit. that will put you in the best position. Then just ask them!

tanikk£

Very simple. "You've got a property for sale, is it worth viewing it having a XXX maximum budget ?"

Kez100

You can. We did in the 1990's. I asked for property details on every house up to our maximum £75000 and any above that would drop. However, the EAs were really cagey about it and just wanted me to take the lot, view and then discuss offers. I understand where they were coming from as vendors probably change their minds on what they will accept depending on the circumstances at the time the offer was made. However, no reason when booking viewings to be upfront....remember then if you later find a house on the market at your maximum and you go for a low and cheeky offer the EA knows exactly how far you can go!

In the end we bought privately from a friend who knew our maximum and told his mate who was desparate to sell. We viewed, put in our maximum offer which was a massive reduction from the asking but he knew that when we viewed, and he accepted. I imagine that is what you are trying to achieve....good luck!

willis

Hi,
I've done this several times before, and estate agents have always been fine about it. Just call the agent and say you're really interested in the house but it's beyond your budget. Ask if the owners would be open to offers. Or you could just say that you're interested in the house but the maximum you could pay is xxx, is that a price the owners would consider. If they say no, just say that it's a shame as you really like the house, and will they let you know if the situation changes or if the price is reduced in the future. Make sure they take your contact details so they can do this.

In my opinion, it might be a bit too early if it's only been on a few weeks, but you never know, the owners might be keen to sell asap and would consider offers. Make sure you tell the agent any good points (eg: you are proceedable, your mortgage is in place, you are looking to move asap etc).

PasturesNew

So far as I am concerned a house is on at an "asking price". EAs say "I would MARKET this property at ..." The price is not the price, it's what the estate agent would like in a perfect world.

Go view it, then offer what you think it is worth. If you ask if they are open to offers you will get knocked back possibly. Just put an offer in and see what happens.

happinessfactory

As Willis has said, just be straight about your position and budget with the agent - they're human beings too!

I've asked to look at houses 30% above my budget, and the agents have yet to put the phone down.

This is almost certainly the definition of a buyers' market:D

si-mate

Thanks for all your replies. I'll give the agent a ring in the morning.

si-mate

I should add were under off to FTB'ers so I think we're in a good position to make cheeky offers.

loulou41

I saw a house at 400k, when the EA asked, I told him my budget is 350k but could stretch if I like the house. He told me the owner is looking at 390k+ and I will be wasting everybody's time if I am not prepared to offer that much.

cats!

It's an "asking price", just that, no more - no less.

Offer what you think it's worth. Expect to get turned down at first, but if you really want it fight for it! And drop a note to the vendor confirming your situation!