Bidding on two properties

[BoBoo]

Is this a problem?

We are under really tight time constraints to find someone to live and have gone from having nothing to having two possibilities. The two at the top of our list are of a similar size and price - can we play them off against each other and put bids in on both? If so, would you tell the estate agents that this is what you are doing?

I've done this, twice. Both times the sellers found out, I suspect the estate agents talk to each other. However you are allowed to do it, nothing to stop you at all. Its up to you if you tell the estate agent, it could put the seller off if they think you're not serious or it could make them more likely to accept an offer if they think you have an alternative.

I would offer on 1 but tell the EA that if the bid is not accepted you will be making an offer on another property. That is the truth of the situation and could work in your interests.

Decide which one you like most. Offer on one but saying you want to know if offer accepted within 24 hours or the same day.

We ended up with an offer on two houses by accident last week but that was because the first vendors didn't meet the deadlines we had set. We didn't buy the first house, the vendors were very very upset/angry - however, they didn't meet quite reasonable deadlines to accept offers twice.

I would explain to all estate agents what is going on.

Have done, and told both EAs. Like you, genuine reason (we needed to complete by X date for mortgage reasons). I would be upfront and go for it.

Hi. Thanks for all your replies. I bid on both, but kinda went from one to the another and let both agents know I would be offering on another if my offers were rejected. So I think it helped put us in a position of power and hopefully we'll get an offer accepted on one this afternoon. Now we just need to try and get in there before we have to be out of this house. Eeeek.

Frankly I see no problem with it. Plenty of sellers agree a sale with one buyer and continue accepting offers from other buyers.

What you can do is just say to both sellers that whoever accpets your offer first and signs the contract gets the money. Let the agents know what you are doing and put a fire under their feet.