The all new buyers/sellers waiting room (continued x3) thread!

[fromtheshires]

As @movingtoplan has finally flown the nest, I have taken the torch and started a new thread as there are less than 80 replies remaining on the current thread before its full!

We've had lots of completions, exchanges, offers accepted, maddening conveyancing teams, strange requests, and worries to last a lifetime. Welcome welcome.

Catch up here: Previous Thread

Good luck to you, whatever stage you're at in the process.

My update is our onward purchase was completed months ago but due to buyers pulling out we had to start again with a buyer and they are just in the final stages of conveyancing and we are talking dates! I really hope I am not on the next thread.

It's so hard getting the point across without seeming pushy.... but we are needing to be pushy!

Things we really want this house so we have zero leverage. We just have to wait and it absolutely driving me up the wall.

I definitely feel we're being non intentionally taken advantage of.

Morning all. Should complete tmw (all packed so I hope so!!!)
annoyingly, Sidney YP for broadband tv at new house. All good snd will deliver stuff on Saturday to then more as vendor already has account with Virgin we can’t have two active accounts so he needs to close his first before I can get broadband! Given he is laid back and generally shit at moving at speed I don’t trust he will do I’m inclined to now just go with Sky!

Waiting for our contract to arrive. Which should be good, but I'm stressed the hell out. I have been referred back to clinic for management of a medication I'm on, as the medication I've been happily taking for years now can't be supplied, meaning I'm having to attend clinic appointments to get a prescription of the new stuff. Which could have been sorted by now except the first alternative they tried made me really ill, so I'm now starting again with something new, and until I get discharged back to my GP I can't get my prescription through them as normal, which is really really not fucking ideal when you're about to move cross-country. If we knew this was going to happen we wouldn't have started the process, but we didn't.

I've also got some big work changes coming up (essentially it feels like I'll be doing a different job as I'll have to relearn the new way things are going to be done) which I thought would be done and dusted by the time we actually moved, because we thought the process would be taking a lot longer than it has and I wasn't anticipating leaving before the end of the year.

I don't know where anything is, and DH keeps getting at me for there being things lying round and not in boxes/donated/binned when it feels like I'm the only one dismantling furniture and boxing up the kitchen etc. and am getting also very anxious about the other side and how long it will be until things feel normal and I find where everything is once more (this is why I haven't moved since DH and I moved into this place together) On the other hand, I've made nearly a grand on Vinted now which will buy some paint, I guess?

We put our offer in in early June, so I had about a month of feeling excited about owning our own home finally, and playing round with the Dulux app to see what my life might look like when not painted magnolia, and then things were so miserable with the new meds that it feels that that just sucked it all away and now I just feel the stress of it and find it hard to remember that it's a good thing. Or maybe this is normal when you move and things hit you?

@YouHaveAnArse -I'm moving into a rental with DD21 who is disabled. its not my ideal home at all, its only temporary, leaving Ex-H alone in this house to (hopefully) complete the sale. The treatment she needs could be withdrawn if we move area - or rather if they find out. New place doubles my commute, also I can't leave DD or dog alone for very long so I won't be able to see friends or go out for the evening as its an hours drive to anywhere before you even start. We settled on the new area as its nearer to uni for DD but a complete unknown. I've lived in my beautiful house for over 30 years.

So a hugely stressful time. I also see house prices are being touted to rise, so when I do eventually get to try to purchase something, possibly in early 2025, I probably won't have enough money to get anything remotely like I wanted - my equity from the sale will just be worth less and less. I am pretty pissed off with people telling me I should be happy and how great it is to move into a new flat etc. So I really do get you. I know what it's like for things not to be good for a very long time and to move against a background of that with lots of different worries. What I am driving at is I think your feelings, and mine, are completely normal but nonetheless very hard to cope with.

(I can't stand selling stuff on Vinted so I am storing it all for a boot sale or market stall I must be mad!)

Glad some people are seeing movement! I'm still waiting 😭

Really happy for those of you completing this week!
We are still waiting to exchange and agree completion dates. Why is this process so long and draining?

We’ve exchanged 🥳 in that limbo period before completion (we had a few weeks gap) where we want to start packing up, but are still using most things so don’t know where to start!!

Also still undecided on removals or a DIY move. We’re in a rental so don’t have to move out and in on the same day, and will get the keys before we plan to move everything so could ferry bits across more gradually. But I did a mumsnet search on this topic and the overwhelming responses say just pay for removals and do not DIY 🙈 we are just a bit skint with all the costs involved with buying. What are people’s thoughts?

@Sunnyday89 removals absolutely worth their weight in gold.

We had a few weeks between completing on sale and purchase so had most of our stuff in storage, and what ended up being a small van load with us (as we then borrowed some furniture from family until new bits arrive). It took us just as long to unload the small van as it did the two big vans full of stored stuff. All in the right rooms, all was insured.

I'd be cautious about using a packing service again as they woefully underestimated the time needed, but I agreed several moves ago we'd never do completely DIY again.

We've completed 🎉🎉🎉

On our way to pick up the keys!

Congratulations!

We're the same, moving next week. We are getting movers that were recommended by a friend. Bringing a van and 3 men and £60 an hour. We're going to move faffy bits over tomorrow I think but just want someone else to do the heavy lifting.

Maybe move little bits yourself and get them to do heavier items if you have furniture.

That’s a good idea! I got a quote for about £650 (need to get some more) for removals. I imagine I can move a fair bit myself BUT have started putting stuff in boxes today and I’ve already filled 4 and can’t actually see any difference. Have just ordered some more boxes 😂 but at least transporting more ourselves, we could do as you say and pay per hour which looks like it could work out cheaper.

Luckily we moved out at our leisure and didn't have to be out on the same day as completion.

We've had things in storage for 8 weeks. Moved into our house on Sunday. £115 for a Luton van for the day and my DP and 2 adult DS did the large stuff in 2 trips. We started at 9am and took the van back at 2pm. We've not moved far so each journey was only about 20 minutes.

I'd labelled all the boxes with a number and had the contents and room written in a notebook, so someone would shout "box 19 mum?"

I've just emptied the storage unit of the bits that were left today, probably 3 car loads.

I wouldn't use a removal firm as I'd rather spend £2k on a holiday. My DP probably didn't agree on Sunday but now we're in and it's done he does.

Some people love removal firms, did use them once about 15 years ago as it was part of the new build package but I just think it's SO expensive.

All packed and ready!
As I’m moving solo with two kids and dog (mercifully taken by a friend for two nights), I’m using removals. They cost about £1200 but they put all your beds and wardrobes back together and in right rooms and as we have to be out by 1pm, I’m hoping it’s the best £ I’ve spent!
I’ve de luttered hugely and I’m not a hoarder. In fact I’m massively organised but even so I have loads to move 😬
Best thing I bought were those huge laundry bags which I’m putting all bedding and towels in. And I’ve used suitcases for first few nights for us all.
Just got to get through the night with no curtains!

We are in. Had a meltdown when I got there three hours earlier than husband as he stayed behind to oversee removals. My ex colleague and very close friend rang me and we had a chin wag and put the world to rights for a bit.

There was so much dirt and mess left and I spent ages cleaning yesterday and my mum and dad cleaned up the final couple of rooms this morning after the removals had cleared each room.

With regard to removals. Do it. 100% do it. The best money we have ever spent. £2700 to load and unload over two days and nearly 450 miles round trip. We could have paid another £500 for them to pack as well but I wanted to make sure what I was putting in each box and not having it all haphazard.

We can't drive, so we need to pay someone to move our stuff - moving each of us separately from a houseshare to the same flat was something you could bribe a friend to do with the promise of pizza, not so much moving our stuff plus furniture 200 miles or so. I'm trying not to think about all the things I could be spending that money on instead. A relative has offered to hire a van and drive it down to move our stuff, but it feels like a big ask given how much it costs to pay people to do it (we would offer, he wouldn't take it).

I have no idea how I'm going to manage getting us up there as well, though, given we have to hand our current flat back to our landlady in not-entirely-a-tip state and it's really hard to clean as you go.

@fromtheshires congratulations! 🎉
Im prepared for a day of cleaning tomorrow too though my house is pretty clean, I suspect where I’m buying will be disgusting given vendor only got back from holiday today and looking at the state of his carpets, I’d say he’s not a cleaner!
Third night of Deliveroo🤦🏼‍♀️ as I’ve emptied freezer etc (and it feels like holiday!)
then not sure I’ll sleep much (without curtains 😜)

Hang in there everyone…

Its been six long months and I honestly can say we wouldn’t be completing if I hadn’t pushed this along, completed al my tasks within 24hrs, emailed and kept in contact with my EA and the one above and my solicitor, kept things friendly but also expressed frustration when due and declutters from day one.

I came to this house 20 years ago with a husband. I leave with two children and a dog…and no husband but that’s ok,

im super proud of myself.

Good luck all. lll let you know how it goes before I graduate x

Congrats @Marshmallowbrain and @Sunnyday89.

Numbering the boxes is genius @BG2015 .

I hope you'll be very happy in your new home @fromtheshires .

@runningmom I hope it all goes smoothly.

I need the power of advice please as I am exhausted and want to cry. Just got home having been away overnight to view a house five hours away. I'm so disappointed. The pictures were stretched so everything is smaller than expected. This isn't a deal breaker but my bed won't fit. It needs a lot of work. The kitchen and bathroom weren't to my taste but I was led to believe they were quite newly done so I figured I could live with them. But I would definitely have to put in a new kitchen, utility and shower if not the whole bathroom. It needs two new external doors and a good clean and complete redecoration. Some rooms were really nice but the rest were a mess. Built in shelves looked great in the photos but looked a mess. The pluses are it is big enough, near a friend, garden suits the animals. No way will I pay the asking price. It's had no offers yet.

House 2 - wouldn't need to do a thing other than paint one room. Garden is a blank canvas but that would be fun. Location is perfect and beautiful. Downside - very small living room and not enough loft space to take my dc stuff which means ex h needs to organise storage for it until he gets his own place and takes it/puts it MIL house in place or his now. He's not being a good father at all so it's all making things more upsetting for me. Had one offer but they haven't sold so can't accept. I've sold so I'm in a good position. They've found somewhere and are worried they'll lose it.

What would you do? I suppose keeping looking and forgetting both is an option.

@BirthdayRainbow I would choose location every time, which sounds like you prefer location of house 2? Also unless you LOVE diy and have endless amounts of time and cash to spend on doing it, House 2 will leave you more time to enjoy hobbies etc.

House 1 sounds like a project, so it depends on whether you want to take that on. House 2 sounds perfect in some ways, but could you live with a tiny living room? Is there scope to increase the living space? I wouldn't let the storage issue stop you picking it, but a small living room would be a deal-breaker for me - everyone is different though.

You've only just got back from a long journey so you're tired. I would sleep on it and then see how you feel in the morning. You could always try the coin flip test - that instant gut reaction to the result can be a useful guide.

Thank you @TheEnglishSystemSucks and @ClematisBlue49 .
I don't mind painting but house 1 needs actual new rooms!

I've very recently divorced and want my dc to have somewhere to come and at least 2 of the dc seem to think we can make it work. One of the two wants me to have perfection which is lovely but probably not possible. House two I could knock the wall between lounge and kitchen diner but would have to put a beam in place which doesn't fill me with joy.

My buyers are chomping at the bit so I'm feeling the pressure plus it will start coming from ex h soon.

@fromtheshires 🎉🎉🎉 so happy for you! Hope you'll be happy in your new home.

I love my new house. Feel so settled already. Definitely the right move for me.

Good luck with unpacking (then remembering where you've put it) 🥰

The people who were due to come on Monday have cancelled as they've had an offer accepted on another house. I really want to move :(

Congratulations to all completed/ exchanged!

We are officially back on the market and have 3 viewings booked in for Sat so far, at least one was interested last time we believe. Will have to see whether anything comes from it! It’s all just so annoying, as I had finally lined up a new job in the new area but will now have to back out as no way will we be able to move in the timeline we had envisaged. All a bit of a mess really after it finally felt like everything was falling into place.

Still feel so angry with our ex buyers as it feels like they strung us along and then just changed their mind after so long. Hey ho, can’t change it now. Really hoping we can find a new buyer quickly and not lose our onward purchase.

Removals here at 08.30. Neighbours popped over with champagne and doughnuts for the workers. Kids have gone to their friends as bored! I’m a bit of a spare part but top tip is to keep feeding the workers!