Author Topic: opinions: want to see a vacant house I'm not going to buy  (Read 1064 times)

nereo

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opinions: want to see a vacant house I'm not going to buy
« on: April 16, 2019, 12:39:40 PM »
Curious what others here would do:

There's a very unique home that recently came on the market near us - it's historic, massive, unique and beautiful.  Every time we've passed it we've wanted to see the inside.

I know it's vacant (owners moved, house is staged), and there's no open house scheduled (most listings don't have an open house in this rural area). 
Q:  Would it be inappropriate to ask the realtor if we could see it, knowing full well there's a < 2% chance we'd ever make an offer?
The only way we'd consider buying is if we thought we could rent out a good portion while residing in the rest, very hard to tell from online pictures.
I feel uncomfortable posing as a serious buyer given the circumstances.

theoverlook

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Re: opinions: want to see a vacant house I'm not going to buy
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2019, 01:04:36 PM »
I have a realtor I've sold and bought houses with in the past and she would have no problem showing me through a house that was a "long shot." Do you have anyone you've worked with before? Even knowing you're unlikely to buy this one they know it will put them in your good graces and you'll be more likely to work with them in the future. Sort of advertising, that costs them time instead of money. Plus they might be curious about the property.

I wouldn't lie about a rich relative, why bother. Just say you're interested but it's a long shot.

nereo

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Re: opinions: want to see a vacant house I'm not going to buy
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2019, 01:07:34 PM »
ETA just a warning from a person (me) who's been looking for a place to buy soon - looking at large fancy places can be tempting (or small non-fancy places in fantastic and very expensive locations in my case) so just make sure you are firmly rooted to look but don't buy before you start oogling places.

A good and fair warning.  Realistically this house is 2x bigger than anything we've considered, and 2x the price. But the location is picturesque and close to town and it was owned by a family that apparently went to great lengths to materials from old historical houses and incorporate them into the design. It's got stonework the likes of which I haven't seen anywhere else, and wide timber throughout that you can't buy new for any price. It's impractical for us for so many reasons, unless we air BnB'd it. 

I'm a red panda

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Re: opinions: want to see a vacant house I'm not going to buy
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2019, 01:14:35 PM »

ETA just a warning from a person (me) who's been looking for a place to buy soon - looking at large fancy places can be tempting (or small non-fancy places in fantastic and very expensive locations in my case) so just make sure you are firmly rooted to look but don't buy before you start oogling places.

Agree. It's very easy to want things once you see what you could have and are missing!


Also- I wouldn't lie to a realtor. Don't say you are serious about buying, don't say you have a wealthy relative. Just call the listing agent and say "hello, I'd like to see the house at (address)- I don't currently have a buyer's agent. Could I arrange a showing with you please?"

Papa bear

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Re: opinions: want to see a vacant house I'm not going to buy
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2019, 01:24:10 PM »

ETA just a warning from a person (me) who's been looking for a place to buy soon - looking at large fancy places can be tempting (or small non-fancy places in fantastic and very expensive locations in my case) so just make sure you are firmly rooted to look but don't buy before you start oogling places.

Agree. It's very easy to want things once you see what you could have and are missing!


Also- I wouldn't lie to a realtor. Don't say you are serious about buying, don't say you have a wealthy relative. Just call the listing agent and say "hello, I'd like to see the house at (address)- I don't currently have a buyer's agent. Could I arrange a showing with you please?"

This.


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