Buying a house

[lauren23]

My OH has started his new job in Manchester and we're currently looking for a house to buy. We've now put in 2 offers on 2 different houses..first one was rejected as it was below asking price and the second house was rejected because we were pipped to the post by hours by another buyer. I'm losing the will! Every house I ring up to view has gone even though it's still listed online! Tell me I'm not the only one! We really only want to live in Knutsford so I know our area is quite limited and there won't be much on the market but we have a healthy budget of 550k..I just want a house! Is it too much to ask?! I'm probably not looking for advice but just wanted to rant and know I'm not the only one who is stressed by buying a house!

It's difficult in a fast-moving market. A few things to do if you haven't already -

Email all the local agents in your target area, sign up to their alerts, tell them what you're looking for and that you can move quickly. Then pester at weekly intervals. You want them to think of you as soon as they're instructed on something. (We're about to complete on our next home, and I did the initial viewing at the same time as the agent - she basically took me along as she went to measure up. I made an offer there and then.)

Speak to a broker and make sure you're proceedable, ideally with something agreed in principle.

Leaflet the streets you're after - "Hello, we're A and B, we're new to Knutsford and looking for a family home like yours. If you're thinking of selling, please get in touch. We can work to the seller's schedule."

Then it's just persistence and a bit of luck really. Rather lose a house than overpay on it.

Thank you! They're all really good ideas. We've registered with the agents but I'm probably not pestering them enough. We've got the mortgage agreed and we have no chain. It's just so frustrating! We've thought about renting but there's just next to nothing worth having in the area.

It's so difficult. We had this situation for years in our area... Good luck.

Not much help i know, but I think we only managed to buy because we offered the week article 50 was signed, everyone was wobbly!

You need to remind the EAs that you are there and ready. Hassle them but in a way which makes you come across as pleasant and organised. EAs only get paid when a sale completes so it is in their interests for a property to go to someone who will complete quickly and with minimal fuss. These are the people they will ring first.

Find out which is the best conveyancing solicitor in the area and get set up with them. Tell EAs this. Helps show you're organised as above.

Agree register with every local EA
Also set up a right move search, you will get an email when houses go online. Ring the agents as soon as you get the email if there's any likely houses .

My son was offered a place in Sutton grammar school . We were told Sutton is good place to live hence we decided to move Sutton . Have seen few houses in sm3,sm1and Sm5 . Hard to decide which part of Sutton is consider a good place to live ?
Any suggestion ?

shree you'd do better to set up your own thread with "Sutton" in the subject line, so people who know the area can weigh in.

Thank you .
I have seen house in sm5 2bl . It's a good size house.wondering if anybody have any knowledge around the place. How good is this place to brought up children .my son starting secondary school in Sutton grammar school hence would like to move close to school and also I have girl is in year 1 , need good primary school for her. Thanks !!!

Shred as Essential posted, you need to start your own thread. Or alternatively look on the elevenplusexams forum under the Sutton section as there are plenty of posters sending their child to Sutton GS.

So I literally can't cope..house gone on today, it's perfect! We'll be the first to view tomorrow but there's a day full of viewings!! What are the chances of us getting it?!

As good as anyone else's?
Good luck, it will work out.