FTB - Unsure what to do - offer not accepted or declined!

[IvyFig]

FTB - I viewed a property at the weekend directly with the seller and on the second viewing the owner indicated that they really wanted to sell to me as they preferred me over the other buyers who had made offers. I was open about how happy I was to hear that as I also really liked the property. They told me that they had a couple of offers around asking price so I went in slightly over (1%). The agent called about my offer and asked for details Monday morning - copy of DIP etc and then I didn’t hear anything all day… I contacted the EA yesterday to find out the situation and the EA said my offer is the best but the owner is waiting until tomorrow (Thursday) to make a decision as they are viewing properties this week and also wanted to discuss with their family. However I know they have 2 viewings on Thursday as the seller told me that at the weekend.. I now assume they are going ahead with those still and they are waiting to see if anyone offers more. If that’s the case I’m a bit confused as to why the EA didn’t just say that and not see if I would pay more money to close the sale? Did I play it right by accepting the EA telling me to wait for a decision rather than challenging him with what I know from the seller about the viewings?!

There's nothing you can do. They have an offer on the table if one of the others results in a viewing.

Next time offer subject to being taken off the market and future viewings cancelled.

It sounds as though they want to sell to you but maybe their onwards purchase is turning out to be more expensive than they thought. I would ask the EA to keep you informed and go from there.

Sounds like they are stalling you to let the other viewings go ahead in the hope of getting a better offer.

I think you should have tried to prevent Thursdays viewings by saying your offer was subject to the property being removed from the market. It’s a bit late to do that now but I would be demanding on Friday that they either accept or reject your offer and if accepted, the property has to come off the market.

You either sit tight, or go back to agent first thing tomorrow, saying your offer is now subject to property being taken off the market immediately. Sounds like they've got a good offer from you, but are being greedy and want more.