The house in question has been on the market for about 15 months, I think it has been sold stc twice in that time. The sale has recently fallen through, and I believe the vendors have progressed quite far on their new property, so are keen to move quickly.
On the basis of the fact that we are not in a chain, and can move quickly, I have offered £170k, asking price is £200k. The EA said they would put it to the vendor, but I've heard nothing back yet and getting nervous (although it's only been a day!). Fully expecting it to be rejected, but just wondered if it is possible to offend a vendor with a cheeky offer?! We are able to go a bit higher, just didn't want to go straight in with our best offer. I've never bought before - it's so nerve wracking!
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Is this offer too cheeky?
bettybyebye · 22/05/2013 20:21
Perfectly fine in my opinion. Average is to offer 20% less so you're above that and in a good position. You may offend but it's business and you're perfectly entitled to offer an amount you think is reasonable for you. Good luck, let us know if they accept!
Our current house was on the market at £187500, we offered £167000 and settled on £172000. Be prepared for them to say they'll accept £180k 
in which case I'd up it to £175 and say that's as high as you can go. But that's just me!
Oh Shakey, can you please negotiate for me when I buy my next house 
?
I would have gone up to £180 on mine, truth be told. but I wasn't about to tell the EA or the vendors that. Worth every penny
OP, I also think the fact you haven't heard yet is a good sign. Keeping fingers crossed for you.
Ooh strange they didn't mention the offer. I would question whether the EA has actually passed it on. And yes, there may have been a significantly higher offer but that could have been months ago and has no bearing on your offer.
Also, wondering why the property they're buying is back on the market? Plot thickens.
They may be relaxed about things but could equally be putting on a relaxed persona
How long since you made the offer? I would speak to the EA again.
House buying is a waiting game! If/when the vendors make any response at all, you'll know about it. I also think the silence is a good sign: you've offered less than they want, but other factors mean they haven't rejected it out of hand. If I were you, I'd sit tight and not call. If you do, they'll immediately know you're keen enough to respond to pressure! But I know that's easier said than done...
Update! They rejected the offer on Friday, bit of to-ing and fro-ing since then (during which I have tried to remain calm and sit tight!) and they have now accepted an offer of £185k apparently this is "significantly" lower than they previously accepted, so I guess timing was on our side. Now desperately trying to not get too excited and carried away as I know there's still a long road ahead...
Thanks to all for the comments and reassurance!
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