going to put in an offer on THE house... how much do i offer?!?

[Bowen4Horses]

so... i found THE house, it's a mega enormous project (it's absolutely minging at the mo)

i have finally plucked up the courage to make an offer on it...

it's quite fairly priced at 'offers over 295k'... but the estate agent told me he's looking for 310k. (why not advertise it at that then?!?!)

our house isn't even on the market yet... so i'm not in a very strong bargaining position...

however, to take account of fees/stamp duty etc, we need to sell ours for at least 15k more than we buy the other one for... and i'm worried that in current climate ours wouldn't fetch much more than 300k (was valued at 375k in august 08)... please note, we bought it for about half that 2 yrs ago as a falling down shell, and have fixed it all up ourselves, so not scared of the hard work.

anyway... to cut this ramble shorter... would i be taking the p*ss if i were to offer 280k?

what's the worst that could happen? they could say 'no'?

[Frostbite]

If they so no, then you can always revise the offer if you wanted, its not like they'll ignore you for offering again x

[LankyDoodle]

In this climate, you are not taking the p. However, I would get your house valued first as you may find you are in for a shock - you never know. Do that now, asap. Once that is done, go in with your offer (although they may be less likely to take it, especially with houses not moving, as you aren't shifted yet). If they want more then go up a little bit but then don't budge. Leave them to decide whether they want to sell or not.

[amymay]

You're not in a position to offer anything at the moment, as your house isn't on the market - let alone sold.

[Bosworth]

TO be honest the agents won't be in the slightest bit interested in your offer until you have a firm offer on yours - they say you are not procedureable. As a seller I had several people make offers but I didn't bother responding until I was told the buyer had an exchange date and the survey had been done on the house they were selling. As it is all hypothetical. If you have a firm offer they are more inclined to bite your hand off and accept your reduced price as you are able to move.

So if you make an offer now in your situation they will in all honesty reject it off hand.

Get yours valued immediately and on the market. get an offer and then make one.

[Worried1]

Start low - you can always go higher, then have a survey and knock money off depending on the results.

[Taffster]

I probably wouldnt offer anything in your position, as you quite rightly said property has not been selling and as seen a reduction in value as a result. You will only get your hopes up if you do, i'd get yours on the market asap and hope you get some interest early on.

[jendie]

Ohh I do feel for you, house buying and selling is so stressful. Prices have fallen dramatically in the past few months but I think you need to sell your house before putting in an offer. Once your house is sold you could offer the £280,000. If you are ready to go I think they'd think very carefully before rejecting it.

[BBH]

I haven't read other posts but when I have sold property in the past I have told the agents not to send people round who aren't in a position to proceed. Its not fair on anyone tbh and wastes time. I would only make an offer when you are able to go ahead having found a buyer for your own house.

[Weezy]

Totally agree, you don't have the money to buy the house so you are just time wasting IMO. Register your interest, put your own house on the market and once you have an offer you can then offer on this property. I would never allow anyone to view my house unless they are procedable.