Help calm me, house buying and selling stress part 2

We started looking at property just before we put our house on the market. Put in an offer after we had an offer confirmed on the house we were selling. Researched the areas we wanted to move to for about 6 months. Went to local pubs, shops cafes etc and drove around in all weathers and at all times of day and late evening. Joined local site on Facebook for the area to check out local problems news developments etc. HTH.

HootyMcowlface - you are setting out on one of the most stressful journeys of your life. Do be prepared for long waits, delays, problems, disappointments. Be strong - when it all works out it will all have been worthwhile.
Do get any work you need on your present property carried out BEFORE going to an Estate Agent. They like to get any properties on the market as quickly as possible. Although many advertise saying they are happy just to give you some sort of estimation of the value - most of them, when they come round then want you to sign up with them immediately. Do note that going with just one Estate Agent will give you a lower amount of fees, than going with more than one. Pick a well established, local Agents -one that also uses websites like Rightmove to advertise properties., Most good Estate Agents will want to do their own photos of the property.
Most people selling will not even consider an offer from anyone whose own property is not itself Under Offer. So, whilst you should be looking through such sites as Rightmove at properties in the area you have chosen to move to - no point in wasting everyones time in actually going to view properties until you have a firm offer on your own.
Good Estate Agents also financially 'vet' people they take to view properties to ensure they can afford what they are offering. Do remember that so -called 'Cash Buyers' are just people who do not need mortgages - usually because they will have enough finance from the sale of their existing property.
A good, preferably local solicitor is required. Local - so that you can drop off paperwork, rather than trust it to the mail. Conveyancing companies may be cheaper, but are often the cause of delays in much paper work. You get what you pay for!!!
Do collect together a good file for your existing property. Items such as Corgi Safe Certificates on your boiler and proof of regular maintenance. Fensa certificates on your windows, etc. etc. These will need to be given to your Solicitor. Also, be prepared to answer sheet after sheet of questions about your property. A separate questionnaire will also be sent for you to complete on all fixtures and fittings you are leaving.
Most Estate Agents will accompany people when they do viewings, you do not have to be in - the EA will ask you for a key. If someone wants a second viewing (which usually means they are interested) then do that viewing so that you can answer any specific questions they may have.
You do not need to make your house like a model house for viewings, obviously clean and tidy, but people want to see a property that is 'lived in' that is why where a property is empty, seller try to keep some furniture in each room. Bright is important, Estate Agents usually put on lamps and lights when taking a viewer around. During cold weather, nice and warm. In the warmer weather, not too stuffy.
Also, do note that many Estate Agents will suggest you start with a higher price than is likely to be achieved. They do this for two reasons, the first to persuade you to GO with them, and if by chance they get someone willing to pay near that - then all well and good However, normally after a few weeks they will contact you to say they think the reason there has been no offers/viewers is because it is on the market at too high a price. Do insist on a realistic price for your own sake.
I put my house on the market at the beginning of April this year. Had a fight with the EA's to keep the price lower than they suggested, but had done a lot of my own research on similar properties selling in my area. Because of this got two offers almost immediately, Unfortunately, the first pulled out two weeks later, and the second when their own sale fell through. Third purchaser pulled out just before Contracts were due to be exchanged .
Finally, fourth purchasers offered on 18th July- and we finally completed on 29th October.
Do note all the costs involved. Estate Agents fees (plus VAT), Solicitors fees both for sale and purchase plus land registry charge for purchase. Removal costs.
Good Luck, I have only been in my flat for a week - and am so very glad that I persevered - although there were times that I actually began to think I would not make it - very, very stressful. I am 78 years old and did this by myself. Best to do it much earlier and do accept any help from family and friends.
sorry this is so long - feel I could write a book on this matter

I think that location has to be top of the list when looking for a new home. Whiff has found happiness through location, franbern too and me. It took ages to find the location, I was never sure of where I wanted to be, apart from shop and bus accessibility and neighbours but not too close to neighbours as in suffocating. Don`t set aside intuition, for some reason I was drawn back to this house on RM time and time again, logic said that it was too small hence the time and time again. That day I picked up the phone, viewed and reserved all on the same day and never looked back

Hooty rather than look at specific houses, just go for cups of tea in various areas. I had smiles and chats the minute I tested my location and only then did I look more seriously. In the meantime decide if you are downsizing and then work very hard to actually start downsizing your stuff. It takes ages and is very tiring and draining, the sooner started, the better

Mosaicwarts fair weather friends aren't worth your time. When my husband was first diagnosed we soon found out who our true friends are. As we didn't hear from 3 of them again. Even members of his family stopped talking to him. Which hurt him deeply. Luckily my family down to 2nd cousins and greats where very supportive. I don't have a lot of friends but the ones I have apart from one who I met almost 2 yrs ago , I 've had for over 40 yrs. Not forgetting all off you on this thread. I know I will never met any of you but I still class you as friends.
There is no trigger which sets my limbs into overdrive or as I call it demented puppet mode. Over the last 31 years with my husband and children we have tried to see what triggers it. My husband even used different coloured and strength lights flashing in my eyes nothing happened. Nothing I do , eat, whether I am tired or not, season or emotion has been found to set it off. Have been told they think there is something effects electronic pulses going to the brian . Did ask if I could be rewired with a 30 yr warranty.

HootyMcOwlface I put my house on the market in March 2018. To prepare I started to have a clear out just after Christmas . I already knew which estate agent to use as I had used them to sell my parents house. After phoning around I found one who would do a good job. Also it was important to me that I had a fixed price for selling both properties as I like to know in advance what I am paying. Not all estate agents will do that. Make sure they will advertise your property on all web sites, in their window and free local papers. I had a cleaning firm clean my house from top to bottom. Best £194.94 I have spent. 4 women cleaned everywhere even using toothbrushes to clean grouting etc. Then I had the photos taken. Because they had cleaned so well I found it easy to keep it up . Once I knew the value of my home I set myself a limit for my bungalow. I made lists of what I wanted e.g. size of garden, number of rooms etc. Type of area ease of getting public transport etc. Also I made a list of what I was willing to do in my bungalow. More importantly I made a list of what I didn't want and I what I wouldn't do. Area was easy to choose because I moved to be nearer my children . Type of property and size was also easy 2 bedroomed bungalow. Which I am pleased to say I got what I wanted. Finding it wasn't the problem selling mine was as I had 2 buyers pull out on me . One on day of exchange and other 4 days before exchange. Finally move to my bungalow 9th August this year. Was it worth all the stress , worry , sleepless nights and tears? Yes definitely. I love where I live . Great area and neighbours . Please don't set yourself a limit to when you want to be moved it doesn't work like that. If you have read Craftyone's original thread you will see the journey a lot of us have made and some continuing to make. Good luck to you.

We used to be part of a baby sitting circle, no family to help at all. Everybody left a lovely tray of food, so much looked forward to on what could have been a very boring evening. Tv was not the same in those days, no dvds etc. The best ones also left a magazine or two.

We were just talking about babysitting this morning craftyone and how important it always was to leave a lovely tray of food for the babysitter! Not these days though. My DD always gets me a nice bottle of wine but I don't like to drink while I'm looking after the wee boys 'just in case'.

mosaics, how many more times can a person be let down? As always, chin up, chest out and dive into the biscuits

Re child sitting, d`you know me and husband used to inwardly get cross, driving a return journey of 2.5 hours and nothing left out for lunch. We used to take at least a can of beans and a loaf, just in case but it was always needed. In my day we always left a lovely tray of food if we needed a babysitter, times have changed. All that time driving and it might just have been for an event where they could have paid for a sitter. Oh well, the things we do and we all go out of our way as parents and grandparents

I agree with mosaics but I would say to be prepared enough for photos by february, it takes a couple of weeks to get the brochures printed and hooty you need to hit the ground running. I would say definitely to market at a price a bit above what you would be prepared to take as an offer. Not good to start too high and then drop in dribs and drabs or buyers just wait for the next drop

I lovely widow came to look at a house on our development earlier, fingers crossed that maybe another one will sell. So far everyone here is lovely. I have spent 2 full days carving in the garage, sharpened a tool and it wasn`t perfect but i was getting there, knew what to do. Neighbour arrived home and he is always interested, I mentioned the tool, he asked if he could take the burr off. Naturally I said yes because I know he gets great pleasure from helping. I went in late, uplifted and buzzy, my 2 neighbours are so very nice and we are all so grateful to have each other, while retaining privacy

Thanks mosaicwarts. My friend has been saying to go look at some, but I don’t want to set my heart on something when I haven’t sold mine! There does seem to be a few new ones being listed but I was wondering about it being the wrong time of year. Thank you for the info.

Hello HootyMcOwlface, it's a quiet time of year now for sellers with Christmas approaching. March would be a good time.

Personally I would do the jobs you'd like to get done and declutter first, then invite three agents. You can look at Zoopla to see their price approximation for your house first, then see what the agents say. My house was overpriced and I've had to reduce the price twice in the year I've been on the market. I do think Brexit has had an affect on the market.

From the experiences people have shared on here, I wouldn't start looking at houses until you have a firm offer and the buyer has proved funds, and commissioned a survey.

Advice please seasoned movers! Do I get some estate agents to come and value my house now or wait till I get it a bit more ready? (I have some paintwork to renew and clutter to clear.) I have started to look online at properties on sale but I’m not sure what my price range is really, and do I wait till mine is up for sale before viewing anything I might like?

Hey Franbern I'm glad you understand, I'm sorry your friend has passed. Felt a bit sorry for myself this morning, second pity party this autumn!

I've thought about it now, and am sorry to lose this person as a friend, but I'm not happy with the way she treats me so I won't make any further contact. I know she is beholden to her DD and SIL as they are supporting her financially, and she has almost full time responsibility for her granchild. I think some of the cancellation excuses were not true and I felt horrible thinking this, it's no basis for a real friendship. I hadn't realised how much I relied on my husband, he was such a rock. It makes me very wary of making new friends.

As for babysitting, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I think my daughter keeps me young and up to date, especially with technology.

Oven alarm has gone off, making my daughter a big pasta and veg for tea, she's back about 8 pm. Tiring long day for her and feelings about interviews mixed. We''ll have to see!

Mosaicwarts - I know how frustrating some people can be, thinking that 'friends' arrangements can just be cancelled/changed at will. My best friend for many, many years was like this. She was always saying how lonely she was and how she had so few friends, but when we made any arrangement, I always knew that if one of her eight adult children then asked her to do something for them at that time, she would do so. Even when we went on holiday, she insisted on returning early as one of them wanted her to babysit,. Funny thing was, that none of her adult children had any respect for her, they expected her to come running every time they snapped their fingers - and told her that it was because she did not have any life of her own. Her eldest used to swear dreadfully in front of, and at her. When I was there when he was sounding off one time, he actually turned to me apologising to me for his language.
I was her only friend, unfortunately, she died some ten years back now.
Yesterday first day after half term, my youngest g,son (in Weston) had an Inset Day, His Mum (my daughter) had to go to work, normally his Dad would look after him (house husband) - but he had one of his bi-monthly hospital visits for an infusion. So, he came to me. Lovely to feel quite useful again, Although at 9 yrs old he needed little looking after, but did accompany me on my first car trip to the nearest Sainsbury to do my shopping.
More boxes of books to unpack today. Also used my Vax Carpet cleaner on some stains on the carpet in the flat - more in hope than expectation - but it worked perfectly getting rid of what I thought were some permanent stains,.

arpet cleaner

Just back from Tesco's with flowers and some sea bass fillets for friend as token of thanks for lunch - she's cancelled. Changed my routine so I could go and haven't got anything for lunch in the house, at least I can now take the dog to the beach.

Sadly, she doesn't know it yet, but it was her last chance today. I've sat like a lemon in places waiting for her too often with last minute cancellations like this - the cinema, cafes, book shops. Not making any arrangements with her again, she doesn't have time for friends, she is just too busy now with her full on responsiblities for her grandchild. For anyone here with grandchildren looks like the dreaded impetigo is doing the rounds - it's nasty, my daughter had huge wounds on her face when she contracted it.

Bah! Tomato soup and buttered bread it is, slimy and delicious!

Exciting day today, my daughter has her first 'real' interviews - two jobs at the same place. I hope she gets the first one, she would excel in it.

So sorry to hear you've had to go to A&E Whiff, hope the injection lasts and you are OK. Is it ever triggered by stress?
I hope you feel better x

Sazzl, glad to hear you are on the mend, this wind takes your breath away doesn't it. I'm ringing the chemist today to see if he's got any flu vaccine in, a bargain at £9.99!

Better go and wash my face, a friend has invited me for lunch, poor dog has been round the village but I'll take him to the beach when I get back. The river is really high, I definitely would be worrying if I lived in one of the houses down there. They built a flood barrier further along, I don't know why this side wasn't covered too.

Have a good day. What will I do tonight without Bake Off!

Sazzl thank you. Glad your chest infection is better hope your tummy is feeling better soon. That's the problem with some drugs cure something but can cause other problems. Glad you dog likes Devon.

Hi Whiff sorry to hear you have not been well again. Glad you're better now. Dog is starting to look more rounded now she's 4 weeks and not running so fast. Loves Devon for the beach, sea and fields.
Was up at 6 this AM as have upset stomach from all the antibiotics and steroids I've just finished but chest infection is better tg. Taking Actimel as that usually sorts it out. Quiet on the camp site peaceful here not many people atm as it's midweek.
All the best everyone xx

Franbern pleased you are settling in. I' m with you I am never moving again. Luckily I picked the right place to move to.

Sazzl hope all continues to go well with you. How is your dog?

Craftyone that was kind of that women bringing your parcel. There are a lot of lovely people about but it's always the rotters who get all the attention.

Mosaicwarts hope the viewing goes well.

Ellianne and Petra hope you are doing well and looking forward to Christmas.

My kitchen started to be fitted yesterday. It will be lovely when it's finished.

Sampled Aintree A&E last evening. My limbs went into over drive again. Saw a lovely Dr who gave me an injection which after a short while stopped my limbs jerking. My son was with me got home at 4.30am. Luckily my son has today off. Must say all the health care I've had since moving here has been first class.

Hope you all have a good day.

Franbern so glad you're settling in ok. Take it slowly as you have all the time in the world to unpack and organise xxx
Mosaic really hope your viewing is successful and you get a genuine offer.
Petra thinking why we picked our last house and this one. The balcony, big bathroom and 19ft dining room sold one to us even though it was in desperate need of decorating/ updating. Our new home was plenty of parking, large lounge and kitchen garden for the dogs, and open fireplace. Price and location was a major point too.

Mosaic
Surveys show that most properties are sold (or not) in the first 4 mins. You have plenty of beautiful frontage to show the wow factor.

Atagirl, Sazz. Love it ????

Great to hear you're settling in well Franbern. It's exciting getting new appliances, furniture and other items though I think I've far exceeded the setting up house budget!

MW are you going to make your house look a bit Christmassy for Sunday's viewer? I always think houses look cosy and inviting with a few decorations and candles at this time of year. Good luck.

Great news Franbern! So glad you are in before Christmas and the New Year, I'm scared they have predicted such awful weather for this winter. Wishing you much laughter and happiness in your new home! xx

Nice the stranger drove over to you craftyone with your parcel, I'm assuming it is a super sonic bit for your whizzy drill or similar! Nice carded wool?

As for my second viewing, I am pleased that the young man did contact the EA this morning, I did wonder - and they are coming at 2 pm Sunday afternoon. I'm showing them around and think I'll say no more viewings until after Christmas. I was going to come off until the spring, but I had a viewing on 10 January last year so people are still looking and I need to grab every opportunity until an auction is the only option. Felt a bit off about that viewing as the house always looks so bare after the dex are down.

Dark here now it's nearly 5 pm and jacket potatoes are in the aga, must go and grate the cheese. Somehow the fridge is empty, I'm glad I'm inventing meals to use everything up now.

Franbern, that is the happiest post we have read from you

The kindness of strangers: somone just delivered a parcel to me, it was delivered to her address over a mile away. So utterly kind of her. Royal mail, watch them, they are doing parcels via a different service and are making very many mistakes.

Now I have internet connection and a landline, I am really feeling 'at home'. Most of the boxes unpacked, although as the kitchen needs an overhaul cannot really sort that out Yesterday I went to my daughters with a case full of washing - all done, dried and put away. Have now arranged for a new washing machine to be delivered on Thursday.
I suppose house selling/buying is a bit like childbirth. However, horrible and stressful it is for a long time, once it all happens, you start to forget. Mind you, I will always remember enough NEVER EVER to move again. But am so very pleased that I managed it this time.
Wonder how scardykat is getting on. Her completion date was the same as mine. Do hope we hear from her soon.
Good Luck Mosaicwarts this weekend with the second viewing.

Think the main problem is with our vendors conveyancing firm. They operate on a no sale no fee basis but their reviews are terrible. People who buy and sell lots of properties won't sell or buy to anyone using them as they are so incompetent but they are recommended by lots of estate agents. C.....tryWi.. conveyancing.
However they did our survey and communication was brilliant report in 48hrs phone no. for any queries etc. Just a heads up to anyone looking for conveyancing in the future.