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Original poster

I just saw my dream house come on the market, my house isn't even up for sale, do I have a shot?

131 replies

december2020 · 02/05/2023 20:15

Literally the dream forever house!

My house isn't on the market yet (market was so slow) but I could show intent and how serious I am by moving very swiftly to get everything in order and get it on the market asap. I have been transparent with the estate agent on this and we have a viewing this week.

I'm already getting papers in order and getting a quote for a painter decorator to get the house ready.

I wouldn't need to increase my mortgage, but would need to port it, my lender allows this - I checked.
I'm calling them tomorrow to chat through any other criteria needed etc. and will set up an appointment.

I know it's a long shot, but do I have the slightest chance that this could pan out?

OP posts:
LightDrizzle · 21/08/2023 20:12

I did it, successfully. I listened to the estate agents and put my own house up your sake at an enticing price. The vendor of dream house was lovely and actually turned down a cash gazump offer in favour of us a few weeks down the process. My house sold within 10 days (not in terms of completion but accepted and interrogated offer).

Good luck!

MelonsOnSaleAgain · 21/08/2023 20:12

OMG. I’m watching tv while typing and missed the date. What a mumsnet boob 🤪

Campbelll · 21/08/2023 20:16

We had the exact same scenario. Saw dream house, puts ours up on the market asap (40 weeks pregnant), first viewing accepted their offer (41 weeks pregnant), offer accepted on dream house and moved in 5 months later.

2 years later, still very happy here! Congratulations 🎉

Buttons0522 · 21/08/2023 22:14

Yes a bulk upload would definitely speed it all up - and direct contact details for all those who need the pressure piling on rather than relying on Chinese whispers up and down a chain 😂

We have had boundary issues with the bottom of our (long) chain and were expecting to exchange three weeks ago. We’re fourth in the chain! Our money has been sat in our solicitors bank account for a month!! Really, really hoping that tomorrow we get told that these issues are now sorted and we can get back to talking dates. There has been 3 occasions now where we’ve been told the chain is on the brink of collapse. Last we heard is that everyone is fully committed to making it happen but this was last week and patience is wearing thin again now. Not sure my nerves can take much more!! Just hoping our vendors don’t lose patience with us - it really is our dream house!

NamaraMc · 21/08/2023 22:18

Absolutely worth acting on it.
This happened us, viewed it, after chatting to the estate agent learned the seller wants to live in our housing estate- (same town).
So we are now buying each other's houses. Ours was never on market. It has saved us a whole lot of hassle and no estate agent fees for us!!
It was a bit cheeky maybe to view theirs before ours was on market, but sometimes to make dreams happen you just have to step towards it.

Heyhoherewegoagain · 21/08/2023 22:33

We did it 2 years ago, but in Scotland where the property buying selling system isn’t ridiculous like south of the border!,

Seller didn’t have an issue with it because our existing house was in an area with excellent schools etc. Sold inside a week and moved 7 weeks later

Original poster
december2020 · 23/08/2023 19:21

I am loving all these success stories! I know it's so unlikely to happen compared to how the usual process works so it's so amazing to hear that it has worked out for so many!!

Oh wow @Buttons0522 that sounds so stressful! What they given you a (hopefully positive) update?

We're gunning to exchange on Friday - it's a total long shot as our buyers and their solicitors have really drawn out the process. I am nervously waiting for daily updates to see if the chain is finally ready.

OP posts:
Buttons0522 · 25/08/2023 07:27

Fingers crossed you are ready for exchange today OP?!

We have had no movement. As each week passes I become increasingly frustrated and lose hope. We were told this time last week that the lender had all info they now needed after a new survey/valuation but then when chasing it on Monday we were told actually no, the surveyor is now on annual leave and will send the report once back. Mid week we were again told the lender has everything that they need so as far as we know they are still making their decision. It is so annoying because this is so far removed from us at the bottom of the chain. We had been talking about a completion date of just under a month away but that seems like a pipe dream right now!

YoDood · 25/08/2023 19:49

How did you get on @december2020 ? Hope it’s all gone well today.

Original poster
december2020 · 26/08/2023 08:19

Still no exchange - bottom of the chain couldn't get their things sent across ready in time.
Hopefully Tuesday now - it's so frustrating.

It feels like the bottom of the chain has been dragging this on forever (i thought they would be the fastest)!

Oh @Buttons0522 that does sound so frustrating!! Is there any indication at all when it may all be finalised and there is light at the end of the tunnel? It's such a broken process isn't it! I swear I'm never moving again after this!

OP posts:
Original poster
december2020 · 30/08/2023 21:28

Still nothing and waiting on the buyer - getting a little frustrated now

OP posts:
Original poster
december2020 · 01/09/2023 12:02

Step one is complete!
We have exchanged!

OP posts:
Buttons0522 · 01/09/2023 12:39

Brilliant news!! I bet you are relieved. We are tentatively hoping to exchange today too but with at least 2 solicitors out of the country we aren’t holding our breath!!

Roselilly36 · 01/09/2023 12:40

Many congrats, very pleased for you OP

SugarPlumpFairy3 · 01/09/2023 13:35

Fantastic, congratulations! Such a great story 😄. Wishing you every happiness in your new home.

Violinist64 · 01/09/2023 14:36

Congratulations. I hope you are very happy in your new home.

MarinatemysoulinSprite · 01/09/2023 14:37

@december2020

Excellent news. The end is in sight!

LadyEloise1 · 01/09/2023 18:14

Ah great news @december2020 🍾🎉

widebrimmedhat · 01/09/2023 18:34

this is fantastic! I've been following this for ages!

LightDrizzle · 01/09/2023 21:20

Congratulations!

Callistone · 01/09/2023 23:08

Been following and congratulations!!!

Any chance we can see your dream house now no one else can snap it up?!

Original poster
december2020 · 06/09/2023 18:25

Thank you so much everyone!!!
We have completed and are currently in our dream house.

We've not even been here 24 hours and we have everything to unpack but oddly it really feels like home.

@Buttons0522 how are you getting on?

I was deliberating whether to post the link to our dream house but it felt a bit weird as we now live here in case anyone we know in real life recognises the house - I hope you understand.

Now to start figuring out what goes where!

OP posts:
boboshmobo · 06/09/2023 18:26

We are in the process of trying to do this .. we weren't on the market but out it on straight away . We haven't sold yet but it's still for sale so 🙏🙏

boboshmobo · 06/09/2023 18:33

Have read the thread .. this gives me hope! .. would love to see the house . Also interested if it was the same value as the one you were in how is it so much better ? ( nosey )

Roselilly36 · 06/09/2023 18:53

Many congratulations OP, enjoy your new home. I am a firm believer, if it’s meant to be, it will be.