If at first you don’t succeed. The highs and lows of first-time buyers, Jim and Pip.

I met Jim and Pip in April last year, they are in their mid-twenties, very likeable and excited to begin the hunt for their new home (albeit amidst a pandemic).

Everything was in place – they knew how much they could borrow, had a Mortgage Agreement in place ready, had saved a great deposit (enhanced by the lockdowns) and had open minds to what their budgets might produce.

The first property we viewed they loved so much so they put forward an offer!

We encourage buyers to view several properties so that you can start working out what you can expect to get for your money and your compromise list. Over time you start figuring out what really is a must have, e.g., off road parking, and what might be a nice to have, e.g., downstairs WC.

However, Jim and Pip had really done their homework with area knowledge, the property was the perfect size for them, and so they offered what they felt they could afford.

Sadly, their offer wasn’t accepted. Interest in the property was huge and they didn’t feel confident in increasing their offer.

Over the summer period, we went on to view 10 properties together.

When I reflected on this time with Pip, she mentioned it felt quite deflating not to be successful with her offer, though each property viewed – gave them ideas for home improvements. She also realised the importance of viewing twice, often when you’re viewing multiple properties they can easily merge into each other.

They offered on several properties and were “pipped” to the post (pardon the pun) until they successfully offered on a property, only to have the seller change his mind about moving a couple of weeks later.

December rolls around and Pip and Jim are honestly feeling buying a home is becoming an impossibility!

At the office, on a dull rainy Monday, we get the news of a sale fallen through. But not just any property – can you believe it was the first property Jim and Pip viewed and fell head over heels in love with!

We called Pip and Jim super quick!

This time they were ready – they understood that the market is very fast and they needed to be decisive. They recognised that there were lots of interested viewers, but most of all they knew they were now viewing a property that they could make their own and had more of an idea of where they could add value. The months of research and looking at other properties with us had given them a catalogue of ideas.

They offered full asking price, happily stating their position as first time buyers with a large deposit and ready to move quickly.

Success. This is definitely a case of good things come to those who wait!

Congratulations Jim and Pip!