Going to view a house tomorrow... need advice...

[ICEQUEEN20]

Me and my hubby are going to view a house tomorrow, mainly due to the lovely location, house from pictures looks like it is in need of total redecoration inside, but the rooms/garden/size and location is perfect. We are putting our house on the market next weekend (finishing off some odd jobs). We are prepared to go to the asking price if necessary for this house. The house has been on the market for about 5 months though an elderly lady lives there (really old fashioned decor) and viewing it has not been easy due to relatives needing to travel down when viewings take place etc. How long should we leave it before making an initial offer after viewing it, and when and how much should we increase the price we are willing to pay? Dont want to act over-keen....

[ELVIS68]

You should`ve had your house on the market ages ago

[ICEQUEEN20]

Why, we are putting in a new kitchen and bathroom to be able to sell it for a decent price? Once finished, it wont be on the market for long hopefully...

[jackthehat]

I've found that if you are genuinely keen and don't wish to lose it in the 'haggle', agree to purchase it at the asking price 'subject to satisfactory survey'.

If there are any serious issues thrown up in the survey (which ought to be a full and independent one rather than simply a mortgage company 'once-over') then use this as your negotiating tool.

[bednobs]

you will be in a much better position to seem serious about an offer once you have an offer for yours. Also, have you actually seen the place yet? Photos can be very deceptive and for example be very good at not showing the sewereage farm or electricity pylon next door

[ELVIS68]

Hope you`re right about it not being on the market for long, but you could find yourself putting an offer in and then waiting ages for yours to sell

[ICEQUEEN20]

Yes, isn't the current housing market great.....

[ELVIS68]

Even when the market was good it was no sure thing to get a quick sale unless you were really lucky, good luck anyway

[ICEQUEEN20]

True. My sister has recently sold her house. She had a buyer offer the asking price, but because they had not sold their house yet, the Estate Agents were still letting other viewers go and view it waiting to see whose house would sell first........not a nice idea.......but its all cut and thrust in the housing market...

[mrs_overall]

One alternative is to do what we have done he last two times we have moved. On both occasions we sold the houses and moved into short term rental. This made our houses more attractive to buyers as we were not in a chain.
When it came to buying, again, we were in a very strong bargaining position as we had nothing to sell and therefore nothing to delay the purchase.
The house we currently own had someone who made a higher bid than ours, but the seller accepted our offer simply because we were not in a chain.

[Jemisa]

IceQueen, putting in a new kitchen/bathroom probably won't get you any more money for it. It will look nice and will sell quicker but I bet you don't get your money back.
You should have left it and let the new owners put in their own kitchen/bathroom after all your taste may not be theirs & it may hold things up. Put it on the market ASAP.
Even if you sold it tomorrow it still takes about 3 months to complete.