Questions to ask vendor
What questions should I ask the vendor?
Before you make an offer you really need to get a feel for why the seller is looking to move, and understand what their motivations are for moving home.
Subtley drop some of these questions into the conversation.
- Have you found a new home yet? – If yes, then they may be in a rush to sell which means you can go in with a lower offer.
- Why are you moving?
- What work have they had done? And when was it done, is it still under guarantee or warranty?
- Are there any guarantees available for any of the fixtures and fittings?
- Have there been any problems with the neighbours?
- Is the house bigger you are moving into? – If it is not bigger then perhaps they will need to leave things behind such as appliances as they downsize.
- How long has the property been on the market? The longer it has been on raises suspicions, is there a problem? Or is the price just too high?
- Will you be taking all the fixtures and fittings? If they are going to move into a new development or new home then they will probably take very little with them.
- Have you had any other offers? – They will probably answer yes and talk up the interest, however if they haven’t, have you missed something other people have noticed?
By learning more about the seller, you will be able to find out whether they are desperate and looking to move immediately or whether they are prepared to hold out for the main asking price. Also by asking about their future property you will know how likely it is that they will want to take white goods and fixtures and fittings with them. This can also be used in a negotiation about the offer.
If you can arm yourself with the facts about your seller and what you know about the property then you are in a much stronger position to make an informed choice about the property.
Please read on, and how you should deal with the estate agent and the whole negotiation process
