Putting in an offer - on my own! Hold me!

[Getbehindme]

Hi!

I'm lucky enough to be able to buy my own property following separation. My house is on at the moment and expect to be under offer by next week.

I've seen a house I like, I'm on the verge of making an offer (based on my position if mine goes for asking). I have a dip etc too.

But I'm freaking out! It's because I'm on my own, I'm now not trusting my own judgement! Which, in fairness, is understandable when you think about. It's also a move out of the area so I've had to do a lot of thinking about that too and I'm certain this is right for me. So that leaves the house.

Anyways - what tips do you have to help me do this? How do I think clearly about it? How do I trust this is the right decision?

I was going to put in a lower offer now, partly to see how it feels and partly to have a lower starting point to work from.

But then I spoke to my ex and he's spooked me.

Best of luck! My advice would be not to listen to your ex but to take a trusted friend around the house with you. An offer is not a commitment so you have time

I would wait until you have an offer firmed up on your property before you put in an offer.

@bluejelly

Best of luck! My advice would be not to listen to your ex but to take a trusted friend around the house with you. An offer is not a commitment so you have time

Thank you, I'm going to ask one to do a walk around the area.

@pilates

I would wait until you have an offer firmed up on your property before you put in an offer.

Thanks. I was going to explain my position in the offer email, I guess I was thinking I'd get it in to start the process. But I guess it can wait a few more days.

Good luck! Buying a house on your own is the best feeling in the world! (And also properly grown up and scary). But it feels great to xmbe completely in control of where and how you live.

If you have got "the feeling" then trust your gut and go for it. You'll still have survey results and things to make sure you aren't doing anything daft.

It’s a big decision and you’ll doubt yourself. Doesn’t mean it’s wrong. What I’d suggest is that you start looking at other properties for sale and comparing them to the one you like. It’ll help get a sense of perspective. I’d also send the listing to a good friend and ask them to be SUPER critical. If you can justify all of their dislikes of it, then it’s a sure fire way of telling yourself that you like it. If the criticisms put you off or make you see it differently, maybe it’s not the one.
Ask people who know the area what they think. Can you look at other houses on the road to see how often they’ve been sold? When I bought, there were only a few sales which made me think it must not be so bad!

You are likely to find that your offer won't be taken seriously until yours is under offer

I did exactly the same thing a few years ago following separation. It was so scary but once in it felt so good to have my own home!

I'd make sure the property worked for how I want to live now.

Do you have easy access to things that make you happy - friends, nature, walks, shops, theatres, cinemas, lakes or sea etc - whatever your priorities are, make sure the new property makes it easy to access them.

Is it low maintenance? Does it have a good energy rating?

Does it feel comforting and welcoming to you?

If there's work to be done, have you the money, time and energy to do it?

Aah I’m in the same position, just had my offer accepted buying on my own and it’s such a huge scary thing to do! Priority for me is to get a full survey just to reassure me I’m not diving into a money pit and I have made sure to allow some money spare for repairs and fixes. I picked the house because it’s right location for me, nice safe area, perfect location for dog walks but also I just felt so calm in the house, it just felt “right”

Hi all,

Just to say, a week on my offer was accepted!

In the end, I spoke to the EA who is dealing with my sale and she advised me to enter a low offer so they knew I was interested and they'd then show a bit more of their hand etc.

It was declined as anticipated, but they said where they're aiming for.

I had the luxury of time, so I booked a second viewing, took my friend and then entered my next offer (and with my house sale having progressed, solidified my position), and after a little back and forth my offer has been accepted! Lower than asking too, which I'll take for the win!

I'm very excited! Thanks for holding me!

Sounds like you did a fantastic job OP. Well done and I hope things move quickly and smoothly for you. Exciting times ahead for you!