A house with radiators and electrics stripped, water system drained down

river_kwai

First offer rejected, had second viewing and discovered windows broken by vandal. EA told me that the seller would repair the window, so put my second offer in.

Second offer also rejected and the EA told me that the house is sold as seen, meaning that I would have to increase my offer and repair the damage window at my own cost. (And also replace all the radiators)

With the current housing climate and the vandalism issue, I would have thought the company would get rid of it ASAP, but I have been proven wrong.

The house is for sale for £220k and has been on the market for more than 3 months already. 1st offer £210k, 2nd offer £212k. The next cheapest but smaller house in that area is for £233k.

Doozergirl

It really depends on how much work needs doing then. If it is all superficial, which being a new house, it might, then £220k doesn't appear that bad on face value. If it's a only few thousand pounds of work involved and a smaller house is more expensive then it may be a comparatively good deal.

Get a plumber and an electrician in before you think about increasing your offer though. They should agree to that.

If you get an offer accepted, ask for the window to be repaired for security reasons. It'll be ages before you complete and can fix the window yourself.

river_kwai

I am still pondering about increasing my offer but I am definitely NOT going to offer the full asking price. The EA was also puzzled when my offer was rejected. They said they expected the seller to accept the offer (Then again, the EA is working for the seller, so I can't take 100% of their words)

Not going to offer the full askng price is my main problem, which means that I cannot guarantee that I can get the house, which is why it is ackward to get plumber and electrician out to a property when you yourself is not confident that the offer would be accepted.

river_kwai

Doozergirl wrote:

If you get an offer accepted, ask for the window to be repaired for security reasons. It'll be ages before you complete and can fix the window yourself.

The window has already been boarded.

Doozergirl

river_kwai wrote:

It is ackward to get plumber and electrician out to a property when you yourself is not confident that the offer would be accepted.

Don't worry about this. The fact that you have made two offers makes it clear that you are serious about the house. There is no-one living in it so you're not inconveniencing any homeowner. Explain to the agent that you need quotes before you will consider increasing your offer. Getting them in before or after the offer is accepted is neither here nor there if you are acting like you are going to buy it.

If you have no intention of paying asking price, I have to tell you this. When I sell, I have no time for people who pretend not to be interested and make offers. I feel no obligation to them. You want to play hardball, I feel nothing for you. Gushing comments about the fact that you love the house, the area, want to raise your children near to grandparents etc, but are seriously pushing your budget to get it and are worried that your inexperience at 'fixing' houses will cost you dear are more likely to get you this house than pretending not to care. Swallow your pride, lie if you have to, MAKE THE AGENT FEEL SORRY FOR YOU so they can convey this to the vendors if you want this house for their best price.

When you have made the appointments at the property, explain to the agent whilst they are there that £212k is really pushing it budget wise, especially considering repairs. Tell them that any more means having to take out a loan or borrowing from family members. After your quotes, make your final offer (and mean it) and reiterate that you have absolutely no more money but LOVE the house.

Good Luck!

kinesin_2

Check the radiator pipes carefully. Depending on how they have been cut they might have been crushed and no longer circular, and hence !!!!!! all use and it's impossible to get a good seal on a push fit, easier on a solder join but hard work and all dependant on how much damage has been done.

river_kwai

Doozergirl wrote:

If you have no intention of paying asking price, I have to tell you this. When I sell, I have no time for people who pretend not to be interested and make offers. I feel no obligation to them. You want to play hardball, I feel nothing for you. Gushing comments about the fact that you love the house, the area, want to raise your children near to grandparents etc, but are seriously pushing your budget to get it and are worried that your inexperience at 'fixing' houses will cost you dear are more likely to get you this house than pretending not to care. Swallow your pride, lie if you have to, MAKE THE AGENT FEEL SORRY FOR YOU so they can convey this to the vendors if you want this house for their best price.

As the seller is an asset management company, they might not be as sympathetic. I am wondering if making the agent feel sorry for me would have any effect on the
seller.

Doozergirl

You cynic! There is a person at the other end making a decision for that company. Do you think they will favour you if you say nothing?

You have nothing to lose and a house to gain by playing a different tack. My experience shows it works; It always works when buying and I still always fall for it when selling. Swings and Roundabouts :rolleyes:

GDB2222

Ahem, what is an asset management company? I think you need to know more about whom you are dealing with before upping your offer.

I am also confused. Is this actually a brand new house, as someone said above?

Personally, I would just tell the agent that your second offer was your final one. Then wait a week and see what happens.