Help calm me, house buying and selling stress. Part 3

Do you still have time to enter the february auction shandy?

There are many perverted trolls out there who delight in another`s misery, what if he was a troll. He does not seem genuine to me at all, no-one has met him. That alone would send me alarm bells. You seem to still be clinging onto him as a buyer. Don`t forget that this is the last real selling window for you.

The uk is pretty boyant at the moment and I think buyers will flock to the auction because it will be seen as a summer project and they have to do their planning, drawings, ordering and clearing. February is the best time in my opinion to get renovating buyers in.

I am getting some perfect fit insulating blinds upstairs today. The house gets too warm when we have sun and last summer was dreadful for sleeping. He is here now. I cleaned and dusted all through today, also upstairs windows and it was so quick and easy. I don`t notice dust these days but the cloths were ok

Morning Whiff, luckily no hail here last night, it does scare me when we have it as some of the windows are cracked.

Freezing again this morning but a blue sky. I do wish there was something I could do for the poor horses up the road, they still haven't got any hay. I did ring the RSPCA years ago, nothing they can do. I told the field owner in mid December I would pay for the hay if the owner arranged it. Deaf ears, and I can't push it in case they send them to the meat market.

Not looking forward to driving my daughter's little car in icy weather, will be extra careful. I know it's just my nerves, I'm sure it's perfectly safe, I just feel safer in my 4x4.

I couldn't sleep last night and don't feel great this morning.
The EA wrote back to say she couldn't confirm my buyer's offer as he still had to hear back to see if the lender would lend to him, and if so, how much - and whether they would require the renovation works to be completed before he buys. She'd implied this when she rang to ask me to organise the damp report.

I wrote back and said I could not enter any negotiations to finance any renovation works before he bought the house, eg the damp, because I don't have the money and this was the reason I had put the house on the market. I'm not paying for anything else.

I think it's a bad idea to have someone negotiating your sale when you haven't met them. I'm not sure how much she knows about the buyer, or me. I hope to hear if he can get a mortgage this week and I can move forward.

I've just remembered I've left the bird seed in my car at the garage, birds at the beach car park will have to have bread crumbs. When I park the car three robins and a blackbird fly down.

I feel like hibernating today, but will get my list out!

Shandy57 how are your windows. Thought about you in the night as the hail lashed my windows. Hope you managed to sleep.

Hello everyone, I hope you've had a nice day.

I missed the news last night as I went to bed early, and woke up to a very scary frost, my windscreen was solid. I had to walk my dog at 8 am, then take my car in to the garage by 8.45 am for its MOT and it's at the top of the hill. I could hardly stay upright to walk down, the pavements were black ice. I had to walk on the grass verge, then in the gutter, then on the pavement when it looked OK, it was really frightening. I got the bus back up the hill at 12 noon - it had failed New tyre, suspension and handbrake. Had to walk down again to get the bus home, but this time there was grit on the pavements. There was am ambulance on the way home on the bus, someone had fallen.

My daughter's car was dropped off on Saturday, so very luckily I am still mobile. I came in and taxed it immediately, I sorted out the insurance on Sunday, so ready to go. It's a 2008 Corsa and quite creaky, but got to the petrol station to fill it with PETROL - I must must remember - and my dog and I went to the beach for his walk. Now home again and we are in for another freezing night apparently, keep your fingers crossed the boiler continues to work. Silly me, I bought some logs and left them in my car, I think I've got enough to get me through tonight.

I've just heard from the EA - the buyer rang her this morning to say he's only just been informed his mortgage advisor is off sick, so he's had to send it to someone else to review. It's so obvious he is waiting for Friday and leaving, what does he think will happen, the sky will fall in!!

I wrote back and asked her to confirm what his offer is - he had withdrawn when asked for £335. I'm just so curious as to whether he'll get the mortgage, hope my curiosity doesn't kill the cat!

ooh loopyloo I almost said the same things, chairs are too dangerous, aluminium steps are light and cheap with non-slip feet but get some high enough so as not to wobble on the top step

whiff yes the wood is dry and I can now store safely for my seed trays. My strength is coming back, knew it would not take long, I am dailey moving hand weights every which way, slowly and holding in positons. The steps are also being worked, kettler, I stand on them and step up and down. I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself moving with less effort when I walked to the shops just now

I also kept all my preserving equipment and many of my jars of jams, several were made in 2011 and are in perfect condition. I use a tsp of brandy or similar before putting the tops on and getting the perfect vacuum seal. I have had to throw a couple of gifted jars out when friends gave them to me, their homemade and the lids were loose, that is dangerous to eat. I also threw out a can of chopped tomatoes the other day, the lid opened too easily and the top was not that bright red. Botulism in a can

Shandy, please don't be standing on chairs! Buy folding steps of some sort. We don't want to hear you've had an accident.

Shandy57 that was nice of him. Thanks for the advice about postage.
Hope you have a good day packing.

Made 6lb of mango chutney on Saturday and making jam on Wednesday. I like making jams, marmalade and chutney's. My family like them and I fine it relaxing.

Craftyone is your wood drying out?

Have a good day everyone and wrap up warm supposed to be getting colder.

I actually came on to say the man that took the chair has just sent me a photo - he's covered the seat of it in tartan, and is delighted. It gives you a nice feeling when your unwanted things give others so much pleasure. I've just realised I don't have a strong chair left to stand on now, will have to fix the kitchen ones!

The one time I was going to go walking in remote rural areas on my own, a friend recommended the nordic canes - in case I hurt my leg, could be used as crutches! Scared me off, I only went once, the thought of half walking/half hopping across a huge windswept field with no phone signal for miles was not attractive!

Thank you, franbearn and Greta for your sensible, balanced view. I guess we only get to hear the horror stories on here. But I hear them also in RL with friends and family, and honestly it seems so much more complicated than it used to. A younger colleague told me that his parents were in a similar position, and decided to buy a motor home and shut the house up for the winter and go somewhere warmer!,

I agree we all want to sell high and buy low, but honestly, some of the tactics I hear about are just so underhand.

Maybe one day eh? We will have to make sure Crafy’s thread is still running so I have somewhere to come for a moan

Good point Franbern, we are all buyers. We put an offer in on a house once, I wasn't too keen on it ater a few days but my DH was starting a new job in a new area so I reluctantly went along with it. He is a very hard businessman but surprisingly when it comes to buying a property he never drives a hard bargain or pulls out, it's as if he is frozen to the spot and we often end up paying the full asking price. We did once get into a gazumping war as buyers, it kept increasing by £10k and we came out on top although we felt a bit uncomfortable doing it.

Yes I have nordic walking sticks crafty, not that I belong to a group or anything. They are really good at reducing the impact if you do lots of off road walking. My knee has felt much better since. Also they make me feel a bit safer, if I go to trip they tend to hold me upright! I bought a book to learn how to use them but it's all pretty simple.

Franbern An excellent post. We had a 17th century cottage that we thought would be difficult to sell and put it on the market with fear and trepidation. It was under offer in two weeks. Sensibly our purchasers had a full structural survey, but again said that only things they would have expected with the age of the property were highlighted and did not expect any money off. They loved our house. We bought our modern four bed from a young couple with a family. Again they were reasonable, as were we. So it took five months, one month extra because we agreed to delayed completion to accommodate our buyer who had contractual commitments in her area. We moved mainly because our daughter desperately wanted us to be nearer. I now see her and my beautiful baby grandson three or four times a week and when she goes back to work we will look after him two days a week. So, yes, worrying and stressful but I can honestly say the estate agents were professional on both sides, our solicitor likewise, likewise the removal people and likewise our buyers and sellers. So it can be done. We love our new area, we're nearer good amenities - a walk to our nearest small market town, pub, village shop, post office, fish and chip shop in our village and half an hour by a regular bus service to our nearest City. We were pessimistic and felt the fear, but so glad we overcame all that. Please don't be put off - we've been here six months now and getting on with some gardening, decorating and small maintenance things that the busy young couple had neglected. But so happy with the house and the area and feel so much more secure knowing it's all in place and we have our daughter near. We're mid-sixties - and I honestly wouldn't have wanted to leave it too much later. It totally can work out if you give it a chance.

ooh, love the butyboots

must stay strong and avoid

I got a made for me pillow for £17.50
nanusleep.co.uk/
code is nu50

I only just read about the clock Shandy, what a lovely ending, to know that the clock lives again

I have unearthed a pair of ice walking trainers, ones that people can use after ski. Never worn them but they will be my safety shoes. Does anyone have nordic walking sticks? Last winter I did keep my walking boots in a detached garage, stepped out of the house to go fetch them and slipped straight onto my derriere, luckily on thick fluffy snow. Lesson learnt.

Also, can anyone help me to stop at 2 biscuits and no more? The ones that were given to me as a present

If anyone is killing time or knitting and has netflix, watch anne with an e, utterly lovely. Its Anne of green gables as a series

The thing is that WE are all buyers!!! Hopefully, not horrible. Yes, obviously, like anything else there are some difficult, even nasty people out there, but do not think anyone can say that ALL buyers are nasty or play mind games,
Okay, when I was selling my house, I did lose buyers along the way, the first - after just two weeks, no idea why - think they realised they really could not afford the house
The second, was a pity as she really wanted the house, but then she lost her own buyer, and (fortunately) I did not wait for her (I say, fortunately, as I note on RM that her house is still on the market)
The third, well they were given some cock and bill story by their solicitors that frightened them off. Totally wrong and it never came up with any one else.
The fourth - my eventual purchasers, put in an offer, after just two viewings, virtually on asking price and that was it. Never heard directly from them again - even when I did tell my EA towards the end that they would be welcome to come over for measuring, etc.
During that time, as I was also a purchaser, I put offers in and had them accepted on two different flats and then withdrew. So, was I a horrible buyer?
Most people in the market really want things to run as smoothly as possible, obviously we all want the highest possible price for anything we are selling AND the lowest possible price for anything we are buying.
However, usually once prices are agreed that is that. My purchasers paid for a private survey - a very full one - took over four hours in my three -bed terrace house. I assumed they would then try to get money off their offer - but - 'No', when my EA got in touch with them afterwards they said there was nothing they would not have a expected. I now think they wanted to have that survey as they intended to do some building at the house and needed to know if it was structurally suitable.
So, please do not be put off moving by any story on here. Most of us have reached our goal in the end and for all those that have - it appears to have been a good and happy ending.

I also have nordic walking boots which are weatherproof and fairly light compared to normal walking boots. Aren't bad to get on and off either.
www.butyjana.co.uk/buty-nordic-walking-grisport-11104s159g.html

I agree Dottygran. I began to look on here many months ago when I was seriously thinking of downsizing . I marvel at the resilience of some of you with all the hurdles you have to make and often on your own too.
Well done!! At least we voyeurs know what we are up against.

Shandy getting the boots on and off is one of the most important things. Thanks for the suggestions. You're right that proper wellies can be too heavy and slow down one's walking.

Ooooh every one is so chatty. Lovely to read. Hope your horrible buyer gets in touch this week Shandy.

I wonder if you movers know how useful this thread has been to us ‘might move in the future but after reading how horrible buyers are now will probably stay put’ amongst us?

I know about driving at night glasses from amazon now. Brilliant. I know that I should and indeed do turn off the radiators in the three bedrooms not in use. Can’t believe I didn’t think of it before! We already live in a bungalow in a nice area so will probably stay where we are. Seems a shame as a family should be living here and enjoying the beautiful garden, but they would only insult with a low offer and send me to an early grave with their mind games so they can all bog off.

Your evening out sounded fab, Crafty. So pleased you enjoyed it

Shandy, how lovely that your clock has found a loving home and is now restored.

Awful weather here. Haven’t been out all day and can’t wait for spring to arrive. Am fed up so hoping for some good news Shandy, to cheer me up

Thank you too, Grammaretto. I'll take a look at muck boots.

Thanks crafty for answering the questions. I think I called you Whiff by mistake, sorry!
Taunton is nice. My dil bought her beautiful wedding dress there down a quaint alley.

I hadn't realised you'd all posted such interesting news when I posted, so self involved today .

I've just had a text from my husband's friend, he's got our 1820 clock up and running, and is delighted, he said he's going to look after it for the next fifty years My husband would be pleased I've made his friend so happy.

Ellianne, I recommend the Toggi or Dubarry boots. Very ugly, but easy to get on and off. They are warm, completely waterproof, good grippy sole, I've worn them in mud/snow/rain and sea water. I had my last pair for five years, so worth the money. They were just wearing out when my husband died and I was taking my daughter to NY the following winter, so I researched 'all round' boots I could wear and ended up with the Sorel Tofino. I wear them all day, really warm and comfortable. The only wellies I'd recommend are Aigle, really warm and comfortable, but I find them too heavy.

I know what you mean about your tv Franbern. I have a huge silver dinosaur, also attached to its stand, which won't be coming with me. Apparently my daughter's boyfriends' parents have a smart tv, and they have Neflix on their remote! Can't wait for a tv I can watch Netflix on.

Grammaretto, I've already had to sign up for £50 per month electricity at the rental, plus £20 house insurance. I will be more careful with electricity, I do wonder if the zeal with which energy companies are promoting smart meters is because of a fear of shortages in the future.
It is different for me though as I am renting the whole house. Having nice tenants is worth its weight in gold, I am on the forum on moneysavingexpert and people there are having horrible problems with tenants. One person found the tenant had repapered a wall, in different paper to the rest!

Central heating has just come on, the noises scare me, I hope the pipes last till I've gone!

If anyone here is with Hastings for their car insurance, they do offer multi car insurance if you phone them.

Apparently their system cannot offer it on line. After being quoted £800 for my daughter's car insurance because I was unable to use my NCB on this second car, I've just added her as a named driver for £141.00 until May when I'm due for renewal. As the car is small, I'll be able to drive it round the back of the cottage easily, no need for a wheelbarrow now

I should say the arrangement for our tenants, who actually share the house is that the flat is within the house so they included in our council tax and we charge a proportion of our own bills for the gas and elec because we don't have a separate meter.
Still we should put up the rent because the CT has gone up.
Now DD is looking for a place we are realising how expensive it is to rent.

You are correct though, Franbern, they aren't in a hurry to leave and infact she's expecting a baby and still doesn't want to leave. whereas I feel the wee flat is really a granny flat for a single person or couple at most.
We like them and they pay their rent promptly.

Muck Boots are great for warmth, grip and waterproofness.
www.muckbootcompany.co.uk/collections/sale