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Original poster

Offer increased on Wednesday - no response

13 replies

starburst21 · 28/03/2022 17:47

Just wondering if this seems unusual. Viewed a probate property last Sat, told there was lots of interest and so made an offer at asking price on Monday. No news so called to chase Wed and told it wasn't a straightforward decision as there are several beneficiaries and they are deciding (it sounded like between 2 offers). We love the house so increased our Offer, emphasised our short chain ( under offer to chain-free, cash buyers) on Wed. Called Fri for an update and told they are still deciding. Tried chasing today and EA seems to be ignoring us now. Is there any hope? If offer is rejected then why wouldn't they just say?!

OP posts:

Sandinmyhooves · 28/03/2022 17:48

Yeah sounds like they’re using your offer to get more offers. That’s a while to wait.

bilbodog · 28/03/2022 18:05

If there are a number of people who have to agree it can take time, particularly if any of them live abroad.

Original poster

starburst21 · 28/03/2022 18:08

Finally got through to the EA who says they are still deciding! It sounds like the other party offering is chasing too. They haven't shown anyone else round since last Sat so aren't getting any further offers. So strange, how long so they expect us to wait?

OP posts:

Clymene · 28/03/2022 18:10

I don't think it's strange. It's a probate property. Someone - presumably the vendors' parent - has died. Have a bit of humanity

sunshinesupermum · 28/03/2022 18:13

It's probate, that's why it's dragging on even at this early stage.

Roselilly36 · 28/03/2022 18:14

It is their prerogative OP. It’s a sellers market, they don’t need to decide until they are ready. Showing some genuine compassion to their situation may help.

Original poster

starburst21 · 28/03/2022 18:19

I understand they have lost someone but it has been under offer before so I would have thought they have an idea of what they want. Plus no indication of timeline in today's market (when offers were demanded the Monday after viewing) is unusual.

OP posts:

Original poster

starburst21 · 28/03/2022 18:22

@sunshinesupermum

It's probate, that's why it's dragging on even at this early stage.

also probate has apparently already been granted, so I'm not sure if that should mean any more delays than a 'normal' transaction .

OP posts:

RockaLock · 28/03/2022 21:47

Probate sales can get a bit messy.

When DMIL died, DH, DSIL, and the 2 children of DMIL's late husband all had to agree to the sale of her house.

DH and DSIL were happy with the offer, but the other 2 wanted to hold out for more money. It did take some time to agree to accept an offer.

Original poster

starburst21 · 29/03/2022 12:36

@RockaLock

Probate sales can get a bit messy.

When DMIL died, DH, DSIL, and the 2 children of DMIL's late husband all had to agree to the sale of her house.

DH and DSIL were happy with the offer, but the other 2 wanted to hold out for more money. It did take some time to agree to accept an offer.

Thanks, useful to have an idea of context! Do you remember how long it took them to reach an agreement? The EA has said he will push for a decision at the end of the week so we will leave it until Monday (2 weeks from when the offer was made).

OP posts:

Summersdreaming · 29/03/2022 12:39

We were very lucky with our offer on a probate property- offered at lunch time and accepted by 5pm - unfortunately it still took nearly 6 months to get the keys with no chain. Get used to waiting forever for everything is my advice!

mummabubs · 29/03/2022 12:46

@RockaLock

Probate sales can get a bit messy.

When DMIL died, DH, DSIL, and the 2 children of DMIL's late husband all had to agree to the sale of her house.

DH and DSIL were happy with the offer, but the other 2 wanted to hold out for more money. It did take some time to agree to accept an offer.

I think this is the situation you're likely to be in OP. My sister had to wait for a couple of weeks to have her offer accepted when she bought a probate property a couple of years ago for the same reason- one sibling was happy to accept but the other wasn't. You've already upped your offer once so I'd be inclined to leave it. The only exception would be if this is a unique property that ticks every box and you feel you're not likely to beat. It's a gamble but another option in that circumstance is to literally offer the absolute max you'd be happy to pay for it but stipulate that the offer is only on the table for 24 hours. I'm not sure I'd have the balls to do it myself but I know a couple of people who have done this and it's paid off for them.

RockaLock · 29/03/2022 21:54

I can't remember exactly how long it took, sorry, OP, as it was a few years ago. I do remember DH & DSIL having to keep on at the estate agent to get the husband's children to agree to the price, though.

Even if there are no step-siblings involved, it could still take a bit longer. It's not like you've got a couple (e.g. husband & wife) selling their current home, and needing it sold to buy their next. Instead you've possibly got a few siblings, who might all have very different opinions on what price to accept, and also might be in no particular hurry to sell.

Good luck!

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