Two offers both alike in situation

[readytosell]

If you had two pretty similar offers in terms of amount and chain, but one was someone looking to move locally and one was moving from far away, would you use that as a factor in deciding which offer to accept?

I don't know why I feel that someone local might be more 'attached' as they know the area, but also feel it's pretty ridiculous thing to base judgement on!

Local! I’m trying to move locally and really struggling to find anything as it’s all being snapped up by people moving up from the south, so I may be biased though.

If there are absolutely no other differing factors, then use that, but does feel a bit discriminatory. Maybe the non local family have relatives nearby or connections there too.

• Similar offers or exactly the same?
• Intentions for the house? Do up and sell, make it a rental or they plan to live in it themselves?
• Mortgage ready to go?

We went with local buyers (moved from London a year ago) rather than those moving from London now but that was mainly because the latter came in low and then tried to gazump the former. However we have been trying to move north on/off for a year and find that people don't accept our offers because we are moving long distance and not cash buyers like everyone else. (Although the area we are moving to is more expensive than where we are now! ) it's getting to the point I'm considering leaving my job up north because its just not worth the family stress.
Go with the people you get the best vibe from.

The offers are "pretty similar" but not the same? I'd tell them there are two offers and ask for their best and final offers then go with the highest.

Another one for local. I am in a place where local families are being pushed out by people moving in who have sold down south and are moving here. All fine and good when there is enough property but currently there's not and families are being forced away from their families and friends.

Ask for best and final offers that include an assessment of their position, are they in a chain, is their finance in place, do they have a deadline for moving such as term dates. Go with the buyer who is more likely to complete.

I'd go for the family moving into the area. Only based on my own personal experience. We relocated last year to an area far away. We flew to new are, viewed houses, found one we loved, offered, had new jobs lined up to start for a certain date etc. In the time between viewing and completing we didn't have the option of viewing more houses (new area a plane journey away). We were 100% committed as this was our only option for accommodation.

Probably not. People moving from afar might be more invested in this move going through, and less likely to have a favourite road they'd jump ship for if something else came up.

It's up to you though All else being equal we have turned down FTBs in favour of people in a chain.

Thanks all for the views. The offers will be going to best and final but currently they are only 2k apart, and both are selling to FTBs, so the chain is no different and both own outright. Good point though moving long distance may make you more invested, less likely to continue keeping an eye on the local market as well I would have thought.

Does one of the buyers love your house more than the other? That could be relevant if anything comes up on the survey - the buyers who love the property more are more likely to carry on buying?

I'm relocating and I would agree with some previous posters that that can make you very invested in a property. There is SO much to sort out when relocating that I don't want to mess around. I want to do as few days' of viewings as possible and get it all sorted. A local person can more easily view other properties. Just worth considering.

I'd actually go local if that was the only factor.

If relocating, why? Might they change their mind, choose another city etc - they're not attached to the area. If unfamiliar to the area they might discover something unknown previously that will put them off.

At least if local you'd imagine the buyers will already know all the local info iyswim, there won't be any possible surprises popping up to change their mind.

When my house went to best and final (years ago) I couldn't care less if they were local or whatever - price and proceedability were the only factors.
It is unlikely that the offers will be identical at best and final, and as you don't know these bidders personally, then take advice from your agent and pick the highest.

If both offers are equal I'd go with the local buyers, just because they are already invested in the area and more likely to complete.

@readytosell

Thanks all for the views. The offers will be going to best and final but currently they are only 2k apart, and both are selling to FTBs, so the chain is no different and both own outright. Good point though moving long distance may make you more invested, less likely to continue keeping an eye on the local market as well I would have thought.

Best and final is shitty behaviour in this situation.

Tippexy why?

Market forces.
Houses are always and only ever worth what someone will pay for them. Why should a vendor accept less than what someone will pay?

You don’t on EBay.

I’d go local. We did in a similar situation, we’ve sold to a family who love the estate and are from the town.

If there's very little between them, I'd also ask what type of property they are each selling. Someone with a newish flat in a tallish building could take far longer than someone selling an 80s 2 bed house on an estate.

Thanks for all the views, seems pretty split! Even the bizarre outburst from @Tippexy

Both came back with slightly higher offers, I've actually accepted the ones moving from away. They have family who live here and want to be within walking distance and there isn't much else available that fits their requirements. Of course hypothetically something else could come up and they pull out etc etc but they need to sell theirs to buy onwards so it feels like they are well invested.

Fingers crossed!

I'd consider what estate agent is being used. If there's an online one (PB for example), I'd go with the other buyers

I thought the next line of your post was going to be 'in fair mumsnetland where we lay our scene' very Shakespearian op!
However I think throw has best advice.

Did anyone else open this thread thinking there was going to be a Romeo and Juliet connection?

Anyway, I would have gone with those offering a bit more. 2k is not pocket money! Hope it goes smoothly for you.

@Sometimesonly definitely think we cross posted!

Because you’ve already had offers, one was higher than another. It used to end there. This current fad of going back to the buyers to squeeze out every last penny is immoral. And shitty! But I know you don’t care, so there we go.

@readytosell

Thanks for all the views, seems pretty split! Even the bizarre outburst from *@Tippexy*

Both came back with slightly higher offers, I've actually accepted the ones moving from away. They have family who live here and want to be within walking distance and there isn't much else available that fits their requirements. Of course hypothetically something else could come up and they pull out etc etc but they need to sell theirs to buy onwards so it feels like they are well invested.

Fingers crossed!

I think that's a great decision. I would have chosen the 'away' ones as it's much more difficult for them to look at other options snd a move further away tends to be more committed because of jobs/schools etc.

How much difference was there in their final offers?

Did your house make it onto Rightmove before it sold?

I'm trying to find the energy to speak to local agents about houses selling before they're listed. I just hate all the agent bullshit, so don't really want to speak to them, but needs must I suppose.

Best wishes for a smooth move!!