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Buying a house from someone you know?

4 replies

ReshapeWhileDamp · 01/06/2010 12:14

We recently viewed a house that ticks all our boxes (well, all of mine - DH is less convinced but it's still a good contender). It's in the same village as us, which is where we want to stay, and I realised as I went round that I know who lives there (family photos on display)! She's not a friend, more a friendly aquaintence (otherwise I'd have known where she lives) and our children are the same age. Aside from feeling rather uncomfortable about poking round a house belonging to someone I know, who doesn't know I know, IYSWIM, I wonder how easy it will be to make an offer (we think it's overpriced and would offer 15K below asking price) now I know whom I'm, um, trying to shaft?

I suppose if we do make an offer, we'll officially 'know' who lives there soon enough, and she will know who we are. I'm actually dreading bumping into her in the village now, in case she can tell I've viewed, but I know that's just crazy paranoia!

Anyone been in similar situation? Tis the problem with staying in the same village, I suppose. Our vendors for the house we're selling are still here too...

OP posts:
NoseyNooNoo · 01/06/2010 13:23

I don't think the EA will say Mr & Mrs ReshapeWhileDamp have offered £x. I think they'll just a couple have offered.

Chatelaine · 01/06/2010 14:09

This does not make any difference what so ever. If you like & express an interest in this property, state that you know who lives there at ther earliest opportunity and leave it at that. You do not need to refer to it again. Proceed in a business like way from there, and do not be drawn into personal converations during negotiatons. Do not discuss it with children. Take a third party with you if that helps.

LIZS · 01/06/2010 14:17

Makes no odds - we looked around several properties of other parents at dc school, none I kenw personally.

ReshapeWhileDamp · 01/06/2010 17:45

Mmm, thanks. I know it shouldn't be a problem, it just makes me feel awkward. I'm also more 'understanding' of some drawbacks (for eg, the agent will want feedback soon, and normally I'd say - well it was left in a messy state for a viewing, bit cluttered - but I know she has young children and it's hard to get out of the house in time with all that going on.) when I'm meant to be hard-bitten.

I'd better grow a pair, I reckon!

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