Can someone read my thread about viewing a house and offering , need some constructive criticism

[shinybaubles]

We viewed a house last week, that is really nice (not in love with it) and practical etc, the owners have already knocked 100k off the original asking price, and we are considering putting an offer in, so after a weekend of research on many websites etc we have realised that the house really needs to drop it's price by another 100k to be in line with other similar properties etc.
So do we offer what we think it's worth and risk offending the vendors, we are cash buyers and the vendors told us quite a bit about their financial situation. Basically they want someone who can put a deposit down and we can.

And the other questions is should we buy a house that we like and find practical but are not head over heals crazy about?

Anyone ...

I do think its generally easier to have the estate agent haggle for you, that's what they are their for.

Its hard to compare prices to other recently sold houses. When i sold my last place we had loads of viewings and offers but a couple of people offered really low. The estate agent asked them why and they compared my place to other recently sold places, except the agent pointed out that they weren't fair comparisons. The other properties either didn't have their own garden which ours did or weren't in as good condition or were half a mile further away from the tube station which makes a huge difference in London.

The agents were right and we got over our asking price. This was in the current climate.

Good luck shiny. I think it all depends on the vendors. We nearly bought a house a few years ago which had knocked 75k off the asking, we put a lowish offer in and they accepted. However - the survey came back saying there were damp issues and that the roof needed replacing in the next few years so DH insisted they drop the price further and they pulled out. Basically I just think that when the accepted offer doesn't feel to all concerned as though its a good deal, one party is more likely to pull out than if the converse is true. Doesn't make it inevitable though and worth pursuing sometimes because you could end up with a bargain!

Will you let us know what happens Shiny? I love to hear the end of these house buying/selling stories.

Well I know we are putting in a low offer, and am prepared for them to say no, although given they need cash and have looming time constraints, we may have a chance.
I am thinking if you don't ask you don't get... it's worth a try. I will make sure that I word it in away that will cause least offence - and point out that we are limited by the cash we have etc, ...what do you think?