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Property/DIY

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Original poster

How to find "the one"?

13 replies

frostyfingers · 02/08/2012 11:04

We were lucky enough to sell our house a few months ago - we took a hit, but had to do it for schooling purposes. We are now in a rental property, signed up until April next year.

Our problem is now finding somewhere to buy - there's nothing coming on the market that fits the bill, and we've widened our area, reduced our requirements and are looking at anything that comes even close.

We saw a house yesterday that is smaller than ideal, in a reasonable but not ideal location, needs work but is ok. I haven't had that "I want to live here" feeling in any of the houses we've seen, nor at this one.

How important is it that the house grabs you? Our last house didn't, and we knew it was only short term (we were there 6 years and I ended up hating it) - but I don't want to move again after this, I don't like being in rented, but feel I'm being too fussy. It's really getting me down and I'm doubting my ability to find the right place......

OP posts:

noddyholder · 02/08/2012 12:08

Wait a bit longer. You have months to find somewhere and teh housing market is looking shaky. You are in a good position to get a good deal

Zhaghzhagh · 02/08/2012 12:56

I think it would be a shame if you settled for less - which it sounds like you are considering. People buying just now are probably going to have to remain in that house for many, many years (financially) as house prices will remain static.

Enjoy your rental while you watch house prices become cheaper around you and wait for the right house.

CuddyMum · 02/08/2012 13:44

What area are you looking in Frosty?

Original poster

frostyfingers · 02/08/2012 14:02

Herefordshire - the market is pretty static atm. We've been looking on and off for two years, and seriously for the last year so know everything inside out! Even if we upped our budget (which we can't) there still isn't what we are looking for. It is a specific type of property (4 beds, 2 bath, either land or near livery) but they just aren't showing!

OP posts:

CuddyMum · 02/08/2012 14:07

I know what you mean about knowing everything inside out. I check Rightmove more than once a day!

RCheshire · 02/08/2012 14:07

I know what you mean about a static market/little coming on. Whenever I speak to an EA they realise I know the details of what's available better than they do. Rightmove addiction isn't healthy!

RCheshire · 02/08/2012 14:08

Ha.Cross-post.

CuddyMum · 02/08/2012 14:19

It's an addiction for sure!

myron · 02/08/2012 15:27

We were in exactly the same situation last year. We waited just over 12 mths before the right house came on the market, followed by another 4 mths for probate during which we planned a complete renovation plus extension. The builders have just finished a few days ahead of schedule. We are so glad that we didn't settle despite buying a house which required alot of work to get what we wanted but it was a great plot in the right location which was key. We focused on specific roads and then monitored the market like a hawk. We viewed our house on the 2nd day it was on the market (it had already received offers that morning) so we had to beat off competition to secure it. You have a big advantage in being in a no chain position (as we were). So....don't get disheartened and good luck!

notsomanicnow · 02/08/2012 18:15

Think this will be us 6 months down the line! About to move into rented in an area where very few houses come on to the market. And we are restricted to this (very small, very rural) area as our DS is starting reception at the school there in Sept.

I'm planning to leaflet drop every single house I see that looks promising. Is this something you have considered? Looking at previous mumsnet threads about this, it seems to have a good success rate...

LittleMilla · 02/08/2012 19:46

I was about to say about leaflets. You've hopefully seen one or two that were close and so I'd consider dropping flyers/notes through doors in your favourite areas.

With the market being so shaky lots of people are probably sitting tight but if they know that someone wants their house then you never know...

bumbez · 03/08/2012 10:57

Another vote for leaflet drops.

Have you considered a bungalow they are often on large plots and can easily be remodelled to suit your needs?

Also addicted to rightmove by the way :)

Original poster

frostyfingers · 03/08/2012 11:00

We had thought about leaflet drops, and will do so again. We also persuaded a couple of estate agents to put us in their "wanted" ads. Yes, we've looked at bungalows to either change or knock down and start again, we've looked at 3 beds that we could expand, we've looked at wrecks, in fact pretty much anything that comes close, just in case it will suit.

I feel like calling Kirsty and Phil (except I wouldn't want to be on the telly!).

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