Selling a property to a friend, without an agent. What is fair and correct?

[QuintShhhhhh]

We had the house valued this spring, and friend is willing to pay the valuation price. She is keen on the house, so we thought we might as well not use an agent and not put it on the open market, seeing as she is keen.

We were thinking of getting a solicitor to do the conveyancing / sale to ensure everything is done properly. Take a 25% cash deposit from friend, and let her move in prior to completion. (she first suggested we swap houses till hers is sold - she is pregnant and naturally keen to settle asap) We are keen on porting our current mortgage and buy a smaller flat, and this needs to tie in with completion on both properties falling within a 30 day period.

She is putting her house on the market, wants to paint to get better offers, and she therefore wants access to both properties so she can repaint hers and put a new kitchen in mine, and she wants me to come with her to the notary to sign her up as co owner for our house, in exchange of her deposit.

To be honest, on hearing this I just think it easier for us to take our chances and just put in on the market and follow the normal process. It has gone from us making it easy for her due to pregnancy, and she wanting ownership of our house in exchange of paying deposit, and us totally out of the way.

At the same time I wanted to sell to her because she is a friend, and I did not want the hassle of having it on the market, but this sounds like much more hassle than it is worth.

[wowfudge]

Ha ha Fish - they'll have to find one with 'mug' written in their forehead first.

[VulcanWoman]

Absolute madness, have you known this Woman long, sounds like a Con Artist. I don't think I would even want to be friends with them, very odd, steer clear from now on if I were you. Good luck with your move.

[QuintShhhhhh]

It is a shame though, I was hoping for a quick sale.

[SoupDragon]

I not sure that is what you would have got though!

[QuintShhhhhh]

Do I know her well?

Well enough to know she is a good friend, and a fierce business woman!

[MerdeAlor]

Fish

For fierce read pushy.

[Roseandbee]

From the behaviour of a husband on top of what you have already told us, thank your lucky stars that you didn't agree to it.
Best of luck with your sale, it may not be as difficult as you think as the market has really picked up lately (well where I am anyway)

[starlight2007]

I am not sure this would of gone through as a quick sale.. I can see the sale of their flat going very quickly.

I think this is the best solution for you.

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

From what you've reported here OP they wanted a totally irregular transaction and as a fierce business person she/they would have know that for sure

Shame you can't save a few quid but cheapest isn't always best, an agent might help you secure a better price, or, you could try an online agent which can be much more cost effective if you don't think your property's difficult to sell.

[LIZS]

Think you've had a lucky escape. They would be nightmare buyers.