Offer rejected but still invited for second viewing

[Gaab1900]

Good morning everyone,

I’m in a very strange situation. My offer on a house was rejected yesterday for a second time. I arranged a second viewing on Monday. Whilst the EA mentioned that my offer was rejected and the vendor wanted a higher offer, she also mentioned that there were no offers so far. And asked me to come to the second viewing anyway.

I am not sure how to read this? Is she hoping that I will increase my offer or is there still a chance to get the property for the price I’ve offered?

Hi @evelynhugo, this is such a great idea! Thanks! I think I might do exactly that. Leaflet the street and two other streets I am interessant in.. :)

Really nice to hear you got there in the end! I have no idea how to negotiate when it comes to buying a house. I guess it’s as simple as the buyer is willing to sell at the price or not..

We’ll see, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am trying for a baby (IVF) and it would be so helpful if I could buy a house that doesn’t need any work, is convenient for commute to work, seeing friends and good schools.. It is a sought after road. So I am scared that it will go soon.

I would've gone for the second viewing, if anything to reconfirm that you were comfortable with your first offer, or to decide if you could stretch up a few thousand (say £5k).

You notice things on a second viewing that you may not have done on the first viewing. Given it's likely to be the largest asset you own, it's worth doing!

The house sounds overpriced. I would have cancelled too

Hi @maofteens, thanks for your reply. It is quite a sought after road. I guess I’ll find out soon how competitive the market actually is.

My initial strategy was to make a reasonable offer. Hoping the seller would accept and take it off the market. It felt like a really good house. It’s in the right area for schools, commute to work and friends in central London. I don’t have kids yet(currently doing IVF) but the street and area are family oriented. I could always pull out after a second viewing but then at least (in my mind) I wouldn’t have any competition to worry about. I was thinking to make a note of everything that looked wrong in the second viewing and discuss with a surveyor to ensure that he pays attention to those areas. After receiving the surveyor report I would decide whether or not it’s wise to continue with purchase or renegotiate depending on defaults found in house / structure.

There are currently tenants in the house so thanks for the tip. I am quite new to this and feeling a bit lost as to how to read and approach things. If they come back, I’ll definitely make sure that the tenants have moved out before the exchange.

Hi @Redsquirrel5, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Yes, I cancelled the second viewing. It felt like they were taking me for a ride trying to get as much out of me as possible. The reasons for not accepting the offer were also not valid. They were comparing house sales from streets nearby that were sold during stamp duty holiday. One comparison was even made to a house that was much bigger (also three rooms instead of two) and was sold for less than the asking price for this house. I just want to make a point that this is the offer and I will not increase it. Take it or leave it.

My initial strategy was to make a reasonable offer. Houses are sold quickly in that area. Hoping the seller would accept and take it off the market. It felt like a really good house. It’s in the right area for schools, commute to work and friends in central London. The street and area are family oriented. I could always pull out after a second viewing but then at least (in my mind) I wouldn’t have any competition to worry about. I was thinking to make a note of everything that looked wrong in the second viewing and discuss with a surveyor to ensure that he pays attention to those areas. After receiving the surveyor report I would decide whether or not it’s wise to continue with purchase or renegotiate depending on defaults found in house / structure.

Hi @GreenLunchBox, I am not sure how exactly to figure that out but will find out soon if the house is still on the market in about two weeks..
Going by my gut feel and just simple facts it seems overpriced.

Hi @Starseeking, I will definitely go for a second viewing if they accept and before I proceed.

I don't think they were trying to take you for a ride. Buying a house is a business transaction. The vendor isn't being very realistic, but then many vendors aren't- they see a big price down the road and think their house is just as good when there can be big differences. Also, check what they actually sold for, not asking prices- some vendors assume all houses will go for at least asking.
Unless they get no other interest at all, I suspect you cancelling the viewing may mean they will write you off as not seriously interested but putting in a low offer just to see if you could get away with it, rather than as someone who wants it but is being realistic about it's value. I'd have gone and taken it from there, as there was nothing to lose by going but a bit of my time.