Why are they moving?

[hooliodancer]

I always ask this, people viewing my house ask it. I was just thinking though, is anyone going to say "because the next door neighbour is a cunt", or "because the husbands business went bust leaving them with 50k of debt which he hadn't told his wife about"???

So what's the point of asking really? Just pondering if I should carry on asking at the 7 viewings I have lined up next week. Perhaps I sound nosy!

Those could indeed be the reasons, although they are unlikely to tell you! But it is a fair question , things like divorce, job change, more kids than rooms affect you but not them.

"It's because of the subsidence and the Japanese knotweed in the garden that I don't want to deal with, and I'll hope you don't get a proper survey done."

"The layout is very impractical and the tiny boxroom really isn't suitable to use as a bedroom, in spite of me just telling you it would be perfect for your child."

"I can't cope with the noisy dual carriageway running past the end of the garden any more, although I will tell you we don't hear it as if I can't understand why you'd even ask about it."

They'll all say they're relocating for work, or need somewhere to store the boat they're buying, or need somewhere more suitable for running their business from. It will never be a reason that would make you think badly of the house or its location.

It does make a difference though. If they already have somewhere they want to move to they are likely to want a quicker move than someone who is trying out the market.

We viewed one house where they were going through a nasty divorce. Husband desperate to sell but wife didn't want to move. Another where the person had died and the kids wanted a quick sale to divide the proceeds.

And our last house we sold because I'd taken a job on the other side of the country

You should definitely ask. People are surprisingly honest and may give away info relevant to you. By way of example if moving to a new area it's comforting to know that any sellers are staying in the same area (as it can't be that bad). Similarly if they have the same number of children as you may want and are moving for more space or are moving to get into a catchment area, then these are red flags. I've been given all of those reasons in most recent search. The one we have had an offer accepted on is being sold as the couple split up years ago and the kids have now moved out. Had I realised it at the time it was really interesting data as they have been a PITA to get info out of or discuss anything

Oh definitely keen asking you never know what you might find out.

We got told "I dont want to sell, DH does" Surprisingly we didn't put in an offer...

We also bought from a divorcing couple. She had moved on, and in with new fella. He didn't know which way up the world was and clearly had been 'served' all his marriage. Lost his job and did not want to sell, as he would then be on his own in terms of supporting himself, paying rent etc. A real PITA, estate agent had to talk him through how to budget and pull together deposit/first months rent in order to move out. He pulled every trick in the book, even on moving day we were sat outside with movers, paid by the hour, at 5pm still waiting for him to leave. Our moving guy ended up going in and having a word, he then stuffed a load of crap in our garage, kept the key, and said he'd drop it back when he'd cleared it!!!

I have to say we weren't very honest. I don't think saying we're selling because we can't stand the kids kicking footballs at our house/car anymore would have got many offers.

One house we went to see the guy was selling it to us as it's brilliant because the kids all play out together outside etc. We couldn't get away from it fast enough ha ha

I have been really honest with my viewers. My stbxh and I separated last summer, this is our family home and I need to sell. I would stay if I could as its a lovely house and area but unfortunately I cannot. I think people know then that I will not be pulling out as I absolutely have to move and am committed to it.

I agree with a PP that people are surprisingly honest. We always asked and were prepared when we were asked to make sure we consistently said the same thing as we had a few reasons, but kept it simple.