buying a house

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I had to rent as I sold my house at auction, but I wouldn't want to rent again because of the 'six month inspections', they seemed to come round so quickly.

As it was lockdown I was able to do them myself which involved photographing everything, and making videos of 'pressing the alarms', but in normal times the agency would have visited. I would also have liked to have dealt with situations myself ie the wasps nests, without having to wait for the LL to confirm.

Nanof3

I have suggested that as well Lovetopaint, but he is becoming very set in his ways as he ages -76- can't help wondering if this is a sign of the horror of Dementia. Lost my Dad last year to that and dread it happening to either of us.

Might it not be that he is perfectly happy with the house? Perhaps he sees it as somewhere he enjoys living for whatever reason? Not everyone wants to downsize and there is no rule to say anyone has to!

I have suggested that as well Lovetopaint, but he is becoming very set in his ways as he ages -76- can't help wondering if this is a sign of the horror of Dementia. Lost my Dad last year to that and dread it happening to either of us.

busybee,do come back and let us all know how you have got on. I think the advice given to you by Monica is the best. Contact the EA and let the know that this seller is trying to play silly games. Keep to your original offer, and, also start looking around again.

Ignore him. Why does he not have a solicitor- or did I misunderstand?
Contact your solicitor to deal with the situation, if you have a good one this will be dealt with in no uncertain terms.
Stand your ground !!

Nanof3

Our house is worth a small fortune now after living in it over 40 years and if it was up to me I would downsize and rent. We could then enjoy some freedom from the responsibility and with a six month rental contract, if the neighbours turned out to be a pain we could always move. My OH will not hear of it however and I just feel trapped and increasingly resentful.

Nanof3 I can understand your dh. Having been a home owner for forty years it is a drastic change to renting. If you want to downsize can’t you find a smaller property to buy and thereby retain your security?

Sorry got price wrong

This is why you should work through the agent. You are currently at the mercy of the seller, who thinks that if he isolates you and deals with you, as a woman on your own, he can bully you into paying more.

You offered him £295,000. He either accepts your price or turns it down and you, and you alone can decide whether you want to offer more or not.

In this case and under the conditions you describe. All that is required is a phone call to the Estate Agent, not him. You tell the agent that the seller has contacted you directly and wants you to pay more. You have made your offer (£295K) and you are sticking to it and will not pay another penny.

Do this, it gets you out of having to talk to this nasty bully again and alerts the Estate Agent to the fact that this man is trying to cheat him as well. If the seller rings you again, refer him to the estate agent.

Personally, I would walk away from this house, continue trying to buy it and you will have to check and double check everything this man does, he has shown himself to be a cheat and a bully and he will be one all through the buying process.

Busybee walk away as quickly as you can. You can find another house he is a player and will not sell to you if someone else comes along. Do not cut the estate agent out. If you have a good estate agent they can be a great asset and will fight your corner for you.

Until exchange no sale or buy is secure. You will find a better house you like at the price you want to pay. Don't play the haggling game it will only end in tears.

TrendyNannie6

Cheeky So & So, I’d stick to the original price that you shook on, 329,500, but would walk if he wanted more, he’s got a nerve

Absolutely

If there was a witness, a verbal agreement is a binding contract. I would stick to the original amount.

Cheeky So & So, I’d stick to the original price that you shook on, 329,500, but would walk if he wanted more, he’s got a nerve

Sorry you are having this unpleasant negotiation busybee6969.

Obviously he is trying to get closer to the £350K his EA led him to believe he'd achieve.

As others have said, if you can, walk. I wouldn't trust him, he seems the type that would allow another buyer to gazump you.

Our house is worth a small fortune now after living in it over 40 years and if it was up to me I would downsize and rent. We could then enjoy some freedom from the responsibility and with a six month rental contract, if the neighbours turned out to be a pain we could always move. My OH will not hear of it however and I just feel trapped and increasingly resentful.

By the way, contracts often say that you'll still have to pay the agent if someone they were in contact with buys the house within six months of you ending the contract. Maybe that's why he's dragging it out.

If you can give up the house, I would. £329500 was your offer and it was acceptable. Then he bullied you into £10,500 more! Your current offer is well over the asking price and he wants £8,000 more again.

He seems very greedy to me - he wants you to basically pay the original asking price!

Is there another property you like?
I would keep looking if I wasn't desperate.

Do you think he got rid of the agent so he could more easily pressure you?
If he's not paying an agent he's wanting to get back to £350000