We viewed a house yesterday. Another couple were already there when we arrived and had made a verbal offer to the vendor before leaving (before we got there). Vendor got told off by agent for engaging in talking dosh directly with viewers. We made an offer an hour later via the agent. I suspect we have both offered the asking price. Due diligence re finances has been done. We are in a strong position there. We are also renting atm as are the other viewers. Obviously it may get into a bidding war and other viewings are lined up over the next few days. House had been on for one day. Properties in the area sell like hotcakes. I suspect the house has been undervalued and if I were the vendor with just one day on the market and two offers of asking price (our first offer of 10k below was rejected) I would be in no rush to accept but would let the other viewings play out. However, they have not moved house for 26 years and are perhaps a bit naive - am sure agent will put them straight though! Also they have found the house they want to move into and have now (since receiving our two offers) put an offer in on that one. I think they are just keen to get a fair price and not draw things out, and not lose this house they have seen.
I know this is probably a bit underhand and I am 95% sure I won't do it (and I consider the viewers before us putting an offer directly to the vendors a bit underhand too) but I am 5% wanting to put a note through the door saying "pick us"?! It has been vendors family home for 26 years. They raised their kids there who are now at uni. I get that it's hard for them to be selling. Lots of memories. Can I ask her to pick us cos we will look after it or is that below the belt and as good as emotional blackmail?! If it were me selling (offers being the same and financial position/ability to move quickly both being the same too) I would actually pick the family who I thought would look after and enjoy the home I had raised my kids in, but then I'm a soppy old wotsit.
But then again, is it just fair game in a very stressful housing market?!