The decluttering, cleaning, vacating, pandering, nailbiting antics of the stressed out house sellers continued...

[CuddyMum]

Thought I'd better start a new thread... :)

Our agents are one of the internet ones, so does mean they can't really help with local knowledge about prices. There's a slightly smaller flat (but in better condition) on the same road that we were using to base our price on, but they've just reduced so were probably also overpriced. Then there's the flat that's on for about 160k more than us, even though still 2 bed, but they've extended into the loft so much more floorspace and has an en-suite. Suspect they're overpriced too!

We're in South London, so Reigate isn't a million miles away, plus DP works quite close to it. I'm doing my best not to think about how long my commute to work from there would be..

I haven't dealt with any online agents but I know that local agents seem to be aware of the local market and plus, in areas like mine, they know everyone's business (and seem very happy to share that information too!).

Might we worth trying the commute somehow one day. Do you have schools to think about at all yet? You might need to give some thought to childcare etc.

Dog - hopefully the divorced couple will come around re their price too. Have you seen anything else?

Nothing new has come on the market here for a couple of weeks . It's terribly frustrating. Several of the EAs that we've been in touch with say that it's terribly unusual for this time of year. Let's hope things improve SOON!!

A house I looked at was a "divorce" house. Unfortunately it showed in the house & I didn't like it. Good luck Dog.

Have another viewer booked for tomorrow at 1!

Dog, x post.

It's been quite quiet here as well.

Think the weather has delayed sellers as they want us for the photos! I did!

The house is in a truly dreadful state - some jobs completed but most just abandoned! It will require MAJOR renovation but does have potential. It's been on the market for 18 months - says it all really!!

I'm off tomorrow so hope to blitz the house in preparation for some viewings over the Bank Holiday weekend. I'd be very surprised if the last offer is increased but who knows?

I've spend a few weeks with my head in the sand, ignoring all house-selling procedures after our rubbish online EA went into administration.

They have now been bought up by another agency, who are still in the stages of sorting out the rubble, and we have registered with a local EA. So our house is advertised again - twice now. Today we had our first viewing with the new agent. Viewers liked the house, and were especially enthusiastic about the garden, but not too taken with the bathroom.
Tomorrow they are also looking at another house around the corner. I know that house; it is a lot like hours, and nicer inside, but with terribly messy neighbours and in a less nice spot... so we'll see.

At least the house we like has not yet been sold.

Hopefully your agent will convince them that it's much easier to change a bathroom than to live next to The Clampetts :)

Exactly. They could change the bathroom, but can't pick the house up and move it.

Fingers crossed Dog, you never know.
As you say, there's not much on the market, so every chance that they haven't found anything else.

Had a message on my phone today from Nationwide asking me to call re an update to my mortgage. When I called there was nothing on my records and the case was still suspended but I should call again in 15 minutes in case someone was still typing on my file. So, I called again, got through security yet again and explained everything again! Was told the surveyor had not recommended the property... hang on - they were clearly reading the old report. They've had to chase via panel services who confirmed that they will fax the revised surveyor report over but that there is a backlog. Now I have to call again later today to see if this has happened so that my case can be progressed and passed to the underwriters. Nightmare! I will never use a call centre for a mortgage ever again. :(

And now my buyer has insisted that she has agreed directly with us that we will move on 22nd May. Erm, no! They said 23rd or 24th, which is what I'm aiming for too. I know it's only a couple of days difference but it's a bit late in the to start getting stroppy (with the agent). I have to tie my purchase into this too. I have such a headache. I've passed all of the details on to my solicitor for him to deal with.

Me again! I thought I'd call the removals company to check their availability and they have been speaking to both my buyers. Initially to her. She was stroppy because they couldn't move us both on 22nd (ha) but can do 23rd. Then he called up, saying he was taking over now and he insisted on 23rd! The removals people are great and can move us both on 23rd. I've liaised with my EA who has advised that we exchange asap as they are both so volatile. I've passed this on to my solicitor. I've had to arrange a back up plan to move our stuff into storage in case we don't complete on the purchase in time. I'll worry about that closer to the time - which is only just over 3 weeks away!!! Shit!

My God Cuddy, sounds like its getting tense!
It'll be such relief once it's over and you're actually in.
At least it's not long now.....although that thought may stress you out even more!

I'm not even thinking about it yet. I daren't. I have three months. When you are ensconced in your new pad, you can come back and laugh at me running in circles...

Well, the Nationwide have now confirmed that they have attached the latest report from the surveyor and this will go to be assessed with the underwriters (another 2 days).

I have collected the Transfer Deed to sign and witness for our sale. The solicitor is advising that I try to simultaneously exchange and complete on both the sale and purchase although I feel that if we don't exchange on the sale asap that the buyers will change their mind (and the EA thinks so too). Obviously, we really are risking being homeless, especially if the sellers back out. I've no idea how this is all going to pan out in just over three weeks. If I get the mortgage offer soon, I will feel more positive. Some of the searches are back but the to-ing and fro-ing of the solicitor paperwork is likely to take longer! Feeling very frazzled right now.

There's nothing to do but wait and nail bite. These things have a habit of coming together at the last minute. I once had sent all of my belongings (entire house) on a ship across the Atlantic, whilst still waiting for permission for my youngest child to travel.

More more

later.

I'm stuffing my face with peanut butter on toast as I seem to have forgotten to eat today - no symbol for that but hey. At least I can have work tomorrow (and that's manic too). If I don't laugh I shall cry!

Good luck, CM! We're all thinking of you

Oh Cuddy it's enough to try the patience of a saint. Fingers crossed for you.
Our mortgage applications gone in, our IFA is making it and last time he did this for us it went very smoothly so fingers crossed it'll be the same again. He was also sorting out mortgage protection
Spoke to the LEA where we are moving to and they said to sort out the in year transfer applications asap as DS will have to go on a waiting list for the local school.
DH got very frustrated with how little control or choice we get in this process. I've pointed out we can only try to do the best we can.
Survey on our house has been done, survey on the house we are buying is booked. Conveyancing paperwork set in motion. Keep feeling I've forgotten something crucial.

Wonky - it sounds like you have everything covered so far. :)

Haven't been on for a while but things are picking up again. Two viewings this week and the people who came yesterday are offering on another house first which needs loads of work but if its turned down they will offer on ours. Another viewing tomorrow. At least noone is saying our house is too expensive so no need to drop the price just yet

We went to see a house which was over our budget yesterday which brought tears to my eyes. Its in a village called Bradford Peverell if you want to have a nosy. Beautiful but on reflection not practical for us with a small child. Apparently Escape to the Country are interested in viewing it.

Ooh - sounds posh!

Is it the £550k one?