I think our FTB will gazunder!!

[Potaytoe5]

Sold a while back and it's been dragging on for months- mostly because of solicitors not being able to communicate very well.
Our buyers are FTB, we are selling at a cheaper price to them. They included a clause that they will not try to lower the price any further after the surveys, which I realise doesn't mean much.

It took them a while to sort out the survey, which didn't show anything unexpected. The survey was over a month ago, but now they suddenly want to order two extra specialist surveys, and they want us to contribute to the price!!!
I said categorically no, they are free to have more surveys but we will not be paying for them, the house is a bargain as it is.

Am I right to be worried, I feel they will try to gazunder or pull out, although at this point we would just put the house back on the market. We will probably lose the house we're buying this way, but I wonder whether we could sell ours for more than we're currently getting anyway. Just very frustrated with it all.

I think an EA once told me that the more viewings a buyer has/wants, they more likely they are to pull out. That was certainly my experience. Two viewings should be fine, now that so much info is available online.

I understand why they are cautious but asking you to contribute to further surveys is cheeky. I would be concerned about why they are stringing things out so much.
Can you issue an ultimatum in writing via the agent suggesting a realistic date for exchange after which you will re-list. I wouldn't say that there is any guarantee that you will get a better price; you might be lucky but the market has fallen since last Summer in most areas. I guess it also depends on how much you love the house you are purchasing.

Both homes also attracted a lot of buy to let people but being naive and having "ideals" i chose to sell to ftb's both times because I felt it was good to give people a chance to get into the housing ladder just like we got a chance to with our first home.

I am perfectly happy with how I came across in my pp, after selling twice to ftb's I will never do it again because of how much trouble they both caused 🤷‍♀️ 6 months to sell a no chain house to a ftb is not normal!

So they haven't booked the surveys but requested their FOURTH viewing.
How am I to tidy up the house with two small kids during half term??

It's not looking great, even for FTB. At least if they pull out now we remarket for spring 😱

@Sturnidae we never sold before but from the sample of 1 it's been quite an experience!

I would honestly say no to a 4th viewing!

Sounds like you're being played, OP. Pull the plug and re-market at Easter. Life's too short for the sort of nonsense you're enduring.

they might as well just move in now 🙄

I would say no to a 4th viewing apart from a final one just before Exchange.

If they do a 4th one now they’ll be asking for a 5th before long 😂

Have they given a reason why they want a 4th viewing? I think most sellers would be getting fed up by this point so I don't blame you for doing so. As I said above, I would give them a reasonable date for exchange and say you will re-market if there are further delays.

I would probably be speaking to the estate agent about going back on the market. If the current buyers are serious, they will pull their finger out. Otherwise you have nothing to lose. You can leave both processes running concurrently.

They are 'worried about things that came up on the survey'. Which is imagine the drains (they are fine) and 'high damp reading' on one of the walls.

We actually got a friends' damp reader and not found any high readings, one was borderline medium/high.

I will call the EA tomorrow to talk about remarketing. Thanks.

That will give them something else to worry about beyond the damp @Potaytoe5

A bit of a slow worry then based on how long ago the survey was. I get buying is stressful, but if the walls and roof have been standing for years, it is unlikely to collapse the day after they take possession. Everything is fixable.

I don't think they are worried WE might pull out tbh. There seem to be no consideration for us.
The house is an absolute tip right now, was going to have a day out with kids tomorrow but will be tidying up instead.

Just say it’s not convenient. It’s half term ffs

What an absolute nightmare @Potaytoe5 - I’ve just been through very similar and they were in fact gearing up for a massive reduction in their offer. Is your EA being supportive? I think it’s time to get the EA to take control and give strict deadlines and boundaries - I think like you I’d also look to remarket. Have they shared actual extracts from the survey? I’d want to see those and if they refuse remarket.

Once sold a house to a couple who were in the property for all of 5 minutes. I didn't think that they were serious contenders but they actually bought it. That's a rarity though. Buying and selling is a nightmare. Good luck though, it may go through.

Yes puts me off selling

So many CFs

I will move in with relatives if I have to to avoid this

Just say they can’t come @Potaytoe5! Don’t martyr yourself complaining about having to tidy the house.

Or if you agree to have them round, just tell them it’s not tidy and they can deal with it.

FTB generally get freaked out by the most normal of things that show up on a survey. I would tell them you expect exchange in 2 weeks time and then the house goes back on the market so they need to crack on if they want further surveys done before exchange. And then stand firm on your price if there is nothing or minor work required. 8 months ago rates were higher but they have leveled put a bit. On the basis mortgage offers only usually last 6 months is theirs still valid? I would be asking their solicitor to confirm the position

Erm. No. Just no. Don't let them back over the threshold before they get the keys. Don't be a martyr and go enjoy your kids half term!

Told ya. The more viewings, the less likelihood of buying.

Give them a date for exchange, or you go back on the market. They haven't even booked the surveys, after faffing on about them. They're messers, OP. Time to stop them messing.

Damp readers are not a good or true measurement of damp, this is a known issue and are used by many companies to make homeowners think they need expensive dame treatment.

I expect your buyers will use a 4th visit to point out the damp and ask for a reduction in price.

@LoveAHamSandwhich I wish you weren't right but you might be!