selling house - ethical question

[malg]

Currently selling the house, and the first viewing brought an offer that we accepted. Nothing has been signed, and the house has been on the market for 2 days. Now we have more viewings, so what do we do if someone makes a better offer?

My missus reckons that we shouldn't be greedy and let the first viewers have it, even if we're offered more money. Now I'm inclined to agree with this as I think it's morally the right thing to do. However, my neighbour said if nothing is signed, and more money is on offer then you take the higher offer, letting the other party know.

What would you do?

 

[BimboBob]

Inform the first lot of a higher bid and ask them to match it. If they can't or won't then move on.

 

[Hamann Pineapple]

Currently selling the house, and the first viewing brought an offer that we accepted. Nothing has been signed, and the house has been on the market for 2 days. Now we have more viewings, so what do we do if someone makes a better offer?

My missus reckons that we shouldn't be greedy and let the first viewers have it, even if we're offered more money. Now I'm inclined to agree with this as I think it's morally the right thing to do. However, my neighbour said if nothing is signed, and more money is on offer then you take the higher offer, letting the other party know.

What would you do?

What do you think they would do to you ?

 

[Citizen in Pakistan]

If you get a higher offer just inform the first party that I have this offer on the table from another party but since we spoke first about it so I m inclined to go with you if you can match it if not no hard feelings

 

[jimharri]

Inform the first lot of a higher bid and ask them to match it. If they can't or won't then move on.

If the OP hadn't accepted the first offer, I'd agree with you. But, according to what he posted, they did agree. Therefore, he should honour that verbal agreement. Yes, I know; easy for me to say, it's not me that's going to lose out on, what £20k? £40k? Perhaps he should have added the proviso, ''provided no one puts in a higher offer''. Awkward position to be in.

 

[Packrat]

Inform the first lot of a higher bid and ask them to match it. If they can't or won't then move on.

Correct answer, you don't owe anything to anyone else, if someone wants to pay more, then snap their hands off. It's all about you bettering yourself, not about them at your expense.

 

[Citizen in Pakistan]

But since verbal contracts are valid in UK,he could enforce the sale through court

 

[Crab Paste!]

All property ifs theft!

You should give your house to me and I will ensure it is put to the best possible use for the greatest number of people.

 

[jimharri]

But since verbal contracts are valid in UK,he could enforce the sale through court

That would be difficult to prove, certainly without any independent witnesses to the ''agreement''. One person's word against another.

 

[stony]

But since verbal contracts are valid in UK,he could enforce the sale through court

That would be difficult to prove, certainly without any independent witnesses to the ''agreement''. One person's word against another.

I would imagine the offer came through an estate agent.