Terms to include when offering to buy a house?

Question

Hi,

I have bid 190k for a flat, which had an asking price of 209k. The seller has said they will sell at 200k, which i am prepared to pay. (this is in the UK btw, pound sign broken!)

What terms or extras could i include when i increase my bid? I would like the sale to be completed asap, but not sure if it's feasible to include a speed or date in the terms. They have a sofa and bed and a few other things, an old fridge and washing machine, could i ask for these to be left?

Should i insist that it's withdrawn from the market and no more viewings?

Are lights and fittings and curtains etc, left by default or assumed they'll be taken?

Answer 1

You are unlikely to be able to request a completion date, as too many people factor into it.
You can ask for the items to be left, but they may want them.
You can ask for a fixture and fitting sheet, this is where the person selling specifies exactly what they are taking/leaving and covers things such as carpets, curtains, radiators, hot water tanks, garden shrubs. I believe they are legally required to leave hanging light fittings (empty socket is fine, they can take lighbulbs), wall lights and lampshades are negotiable.
You can ask for them to withdraw it from the market.

Answer 2

I think if it were me, I wouldn't want to sound so attached to the house if you want them to consider dropping their price. One thing to do is in your offer, ask that they include something very nice in the home, such as a personal item that they might be rather attached to. Say for instance a baby grand piano. They will focus more on keeping the piano rather than your price, and will probably counter offer closer to what you really want to buy the home for. As for all the curtains and so forth, you can buy all that new later with the money you saved in negotiations.

Also ask them why they are moving. Get some information on why, because if they just bought a new home and are paying on two mortgages, they will conceed their price a bit. Also check public records to see (if you can do that there) if they own two homes, how long ago did they buy the one they are selling, etc. If they bought this home less than 3 years ago and are asking a price much higher than what they bought it for, they will be more than likely willing to move on price.

Lastly a way to get them to move on price is to suggest a month out past their original closing date...in which case if they are looking to sell because of paying two mortgages, they will be more likely to come to terms.

Just some suggestions, but if you are really wanting the house bad, and you are the one asking and calling and suggesting that they not show it to others, etc. you've just given them a major upperhand in negotiations. Don't sound too hungry, but be fair with your price. There are plenty of homes for sale.

Answer 3

Hi,light fittings have to be left.They have to fill in a list of what is to be left this is legally binding.Ask them what they are leaving
as they might throw them out.I would offer £195 they might sell
at that price if not then the £200k with the items you want thrown in.You cannot insist it be with drawn from the market untill you sign completion papers.Good Luck