Thread 2: "Anyone not being picky - and STILL can't find anything?"

[Momniscient]

Just spotted the first one is full so have set up thread two so we can keep talking with minimal delay. Hoping that tagging works regardless ...

RightMove addicts, and serial refreshers of other property websites, share your troubles!

Posters from last two pages in the thread and OP:
@PessimisticOptimist
@Eastie77Returns
@RidingMyBike
@beguilingeyes
@DanisEndo
@EmmaH2022
@dubyalass
@BennyBean
@ByeByeMissAmericanPie
@areyouhavingagiraffe
@CheltenhamLady
@doubleraspberry
@YukoandHiro
@TulipsfromAmsterdam
@MummyJ12
@starseeking
@GoinSouth
@MiracleBaby2022

Original thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/4346330-Anyone-not-being-picky-and-STILL-cant-find-anything

My solicitor emailed a few minutes ago to say that the vendor has advised her solicitor that she has "decided not to proceed with the sale" @Eastie77Returns.

I'm just sitting here in shock, crying. I've waited 7 months for this, and to be told a week before the anticipated completion date that it's all off is beyond despicable. Haven't been given a reason, though I intend to get one.

We've lived with family for that whole time, and do need to move on now. There's nothing available on the market in my price range, and a rental property on the same road that I just rang up for is under offer. After everything I went through with my EXDP, this was supposed to be the fresh start for me and my DC. Life is pretty rubbish at the moment, and I'm due on another bloody Teams call in 15 minutes!!!

Good to hear your seller is showing indications of moving on @Eastie77Returns, that is a very good sign. The skip company will collect the skip if she does leave it behind, as they generally take cash in advance, so it's all paid for. Fingers crossed it'll be plain sailing for you otherwise!

Star I don't care how unmumsnetty it is, I want to give you ALL the hugs and roll you in blanket and make G&Ts.

I am so, so sorry

Eastie My father very kindly did similar and had to undergo checks. He wrote a letter, went to the solicitor with ID etc, but I suspect that's all done online now.

How were you paying originally? Can you stick with that and then he can pay you after?

@Starseeking so so so sorry to hear that! Please take all the time you need to cry this out, cancel that teams meeting and have a nice big gin tonight. Tomorrow is a new day to look at next steps. Sending so much love and hugs. x

@Starseeking
That really is terrible news for you! You've been so patient! Hope you feel a tiny bit better after a bloody good sob (and optional cake/ wine/ spirits/chocolate).

Once you feel more composed, definitely get back on to that estate agent and get some answers. Make sure you get put back on to their priority list for new prospects and the same with any other estate agents you can.

It probably doesn't feel like it now, but you WILL find a place that you want to call home and it WILL be yours.

Oh @Starseeking, that is awful. WTF. Why why why!

@Starseeking

This is really awful

The system really have to change here. This is terrible with non-legally -binding agreement

Thank you all so much for your kind words, it's set me off again lol. Unfortunately I couldn't cancel the Teams meeting as it was an interview for a role we are recruiting, but as there were two of us I let the other person lead and tried not to burst into tears.

I honestly don't know what to do next. While my vendor has been flaky the whole 7 months, I honestly didn't think she would pull out at this late stage. I'm currently waiting for the EA and vendors solicitor to come back with a full explanation.

Not only has this process cost me circa £13k (ERC, solicitors fee and survey) I still have nowhere permanent for me and my DC to live! I'm thankful that I have family to provide support, but at the age I am now, with 2 DC, I really need to move into my own space again.

I agree with whoever said the property transaction system in England needs a complete overhaul. In my view vendors like mine should suffer a significant financial penalty for pulling stunts like this. Maybe they'd think twice.

Hi

Any tips to help me stay sane ?

I keep scrolling RM for new properties (yes even I have an offer accepted)

And the memo of sale is still nowhere, panicking
Can't live like that for months

J

@J417

Hi

Any tips to help me stay sane ?

I keep scrolling RM for new properties (yes even I have an offer accepted)

And the memo of sale is still nowhere, panicking
Can't live like that for months

J

So you had your offer accepted on Friday Get on to EA tomorrow re MoS Can you physically walk in?

When I did my first buy, Rightmove didn't exist....it were all fields....😂

So I just had to get on with the stuff I could do, like prep for solicitor.

Have you heard from the EA today?

This time, I didn't look at Rightmove after my offer was accepted but I was relieved to have a break from it.

Star I don't know what an ERC is but £13k has shocked me, are there some other costs in there?

ERC = Early Repayment Charge = £9,500 EmmaH2022

I had to pay the ERC on ending my previous mortgage during the fixed period, however was due to have the money returned on completion of my new purchase, as I was porting my old mortgage across.

It had to be done within 6 months, and as I'd applied for this mortgage in July 2021, the bank said it would be fine (due to Covid delays). That's not going to wash with any new property.

Other direct abortive costs incurred:
£1,500 solicitor
£1,000 mortgage fee
£850 Homebuyers survey
£20 CHAPS for deposit transfer

I haven't even factored in the 7 months of storage fees, which is now costing me £484 per month as all the discount periods are well and truly over.

This process is complete and utter crap.

Where are you in the process @EmmaH2022? I don't think I've seen an update on yours for a little while, though from memory you were hoping to buy near your DM (I think)?

@starseeking had you exchanged at all? I can't imagine how frustrating it all is. I too am heading to stay with family while I search for a house for my son and I. My stuff is going to storage and there is nothing out there. I posted letters through doors, rang every estate agent but just nothing. I like the only house for sale but can see from zoopla she has done nothing to the house at all since buying it and has it at top price as if it was immaculate. I made a low offer but it was rejected. I have left it on the table but don't expect her to change her mind.

Oh Star that's a shocking charge from the mortgage company.

@Starseeking

Where are you in the process *@EmmaH2022*? I don't think I've seen an update on yours for a little while, though from memory you were hoping to buy near your DM (I think)?

That's right So offer was accepted c 20 Jan

Solicitor has everything they need from me so far

I know the vendor is doing her F&F form as she's asked if I wanted anything to be left there

I'm going to email solicitor for update tomorrow

I'm trying not to think about it. My sister - who lent me money - my mum, and best friend know but I have been clear I don't want to be asked for updates. Mum can't help being a bit excited though. It was right to tell her as she needed cheering up.

@Starseeking I’m so sorry to see this. The whole system is just broken. Is there any chance of flexibility on the ERC given the circumstances? This must be happening all the time and they may be willing to extend the period for another few months - worth a shot?

I hope the perfect house appears for you tomorrow, I really do.

Just had another viewing. Nice house. I can't work out why it is priced £100k over every other similar house for sale in the area....Been on market since 26th Jan (which is quite a long time now, ha ha). EA literally couldn't give a shit, and made zero effort whilst showing us around, was on his phone most of the time. So either a) they have had a lot of offers over asking, even though their asking is already £100k over or b) he knows it will never sell for that price but is being led by the vendor....
I wonder if it will get reduced. Anyway, it was on a busy road again so even a reduction will not convince me to offer, but will be interesting to see what happens. I suppose even when it does become SSTC we won't know what the winning bid was! Fun and games, shits and giggles. Not.

EA said waiting for vendor solicitors details to issue the Memo ...

I don't know how I am going to survive these months

Oh @Starseeking I'm so sorry to read that. What an awful situation. Wonder what answer you'll get out of the EA?! I can't believe the vendor let it trail along for so long. I hope you have something distracting planned for this evening.

Just seen that a house I offered on in July, is back on the market. My offer (back in July) was accepted but I pulled out a few days after this because I found out (through a quick scroll on council's website) that the vendor had put in countless plans for an extension and they were all rejected, because the house backs onto the green belt, and has already (historically) extended. Interestingly the advert said "the vendor is in final stages of getting planning permission for an extension" which was bending the truth a little. I work in development/ planning and realised after reading the planning officers committee report that they would never get permission to extend due to proximity to the Green Belt. It was a beautiful property, but unfortunately I would have been solely reliant on my car (which I don't want). They must have lost their (third) Buyer; they lost one before me too. Anyway it is now on for £25k more......Jokes.

giraffe I am a bit confused why you withdrew your offer but I don't know anything about planning.

@Starseeking I am so, so sorry. Awful and I’m lost for words really:( I’m grasping at straws but it seems the vendor has had an extreme case of cold feet, could she possibly be talked round by the EA or family members? You mentioned her onward purchase was in place so it may just take someone gently reminding her that all will be ok and she just needs help getting over the mental shock of leaving her home of 40+ years. Sorry, don’t want to come up with unhelpful theories but am really hoping this somehow resolves itself and/or another property comes up for you soon

I messaged my vendors EA and he said the skip was hired from his family business and he will ensure it’s removed so one less thing to worry about. He said there was a sudden ‘red flag’ with the vendors onward property as it turns out its a probate. I don’t know how it can only suddenly become apparent it’s a probate when her offer was accepted months ago Anyway, apparently it is ‘all fine’ now and all her enquiries have been answered. Hmm. Still two remaining on my side. Let’s see. I’m a bag of nerves with this whole rollercoaster.

Emma I was originally going to sell some work isssued shares I received several years ago to pay the Stamp Duty.

I’d prefer not to sell if I don’t have to as they are part of a longer term savings plan and if my dad gives me the money afterwards I can’t buy them back at the same price at which I was granted them (shares are now 10x the original share price).

I appreciate this is totally a first world problem and to be honest I prefer to pay my own way but my dad was unexpectedly insistent on helping. I will check with my solicitor and if it’s a faff I will just pay myself.