New user here with his House Buying V Plates. I'm currently in the process of buying a home via Persimmon (I can hear the boo's already!) on the Shared Equity scheme with my Fiancee.
I've had my application via Orbit approved, the mortgage has been agreed in principle and we've found a plot in a development called 'Lark Rise'. I received a call from the sales office to say the plot we want is now up for sale so over the weekend i went and filled out the reservation form and a few pieces for Orbit so i could send it back to Orbit. I've yet to hand over my £500 reservation fee as that will be done when we hear back from Orbit/Persimmon in say a week.
Firstly: The properties like ours in the development (A two bed terrace) have gone for around £127,000 I was told by the lady in the sales office but they've put ours up for £129,750. At what stage do I attempt to bring that price down? Am i right in thinking that when the mortgage folks do the evaluation on the property it could come down (i'm not counting on that!) and thats what i should hope for? Or do i do it now before i hand over the £500 reservation fee?
Secondly: I am getting carpets and £500 to cover some legal fees but could i ask for more extras as the house value has gone up £3,000? I am ready to get my buying hat on and will try to get anything and everything i can for extras but have i missed the opportunity to do so? When exactly is the best time?
Our next visit to the sale office is to look at plans, get a home pack, discuss other bits.
I am a first time buyer, i'm clueless about the entire process so you'll have to forgive me. I'm expecting some hostilities from various users as they've had bad experience with Persimmon but I will be grateful for any information that will help me. Oh and trying another site/developer isn't an opinion for us i'm afraid to say.
You have nothing to lose asking for way over the top, they can only say no and will do to some items but more often than not will give you some of your requests. Try asking for turfing the garden, upgrading the kitchen spec, lighting, fully tiled bathroom, integral kitchen appliances and curtains as the bear minimum, also ask for a reduced price - not sure how this works when buying shared equity but worth the question.
Even though we had a bad experience with Persimmon and it is still ongoing we got one hell of a bargain, 40K off the list price reduced by a further 10K when they realised they had given us the wrong plans to sign, stamp duty of 8K paid, turfed garden, estate agents fees paid on our sale, fitted wardrobes in bedrooms 2 & 3, amnico flooring in bathroom and 2 en-suites and integral fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
Don't know if you have heard of a website called nethouseprices.com but searching on this will show you what your neighbours have paid for the same house!
Also, take into account that you will have to pay at least £200 to get an aeriel fitted and connection to a landline unless you sign up to a deal, we didn't realise this years ago when purchasing another new property and sadly it took away money that I had earmarked for finishing touches.
1st timer here! 
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