[H & Rick]

Love Welsh cakes or should I say bake-stones being welsh.....:D

How about a nice slice of Barabrith?

Still looking for a home for my little fluff's did not realise how difficult it would be. I think it's because we want them to go to someone who know's about them as opposed to someone who has read it in the paper....if you know what I mean.

[holland]

How did it go natalie?? or is it still going???????????????? ha ha

J x

[holland]

Barb,

You'll note the photo is from the waist up...the biscuits linger on the bum and thighs!!!!! he he x

[Mickstim]

Ha ha Jade.

Natalie - we are all longing to hear some news (hopefully good!). What town are you in??

Bx

[Belmont Babes]

Well guys. Lady came back around at 10.30am on the dot. She said "I really like the house and I must say each room is even bigger than I remembered". She is going to look at one more today in another town and then has someserious thinking to do. She did ask about the white goods and will we be leaving them? Ooooh I don't want to get my hopes up.

Hi Barb. We live in a town called Ledbury. It is a market town and the house shown by our name is the old Market House. It is a lovely town with old cobbled streets and alot of history. Infact we have alot of American tourists throughout the Summer.

Hi Heidi. I didn't know they were called bake stones. Oooh yes Barabrith, yum!
Sorry but I don't know anyone with Chinchillas. I love them though. One of Joe's friends is having our smelly hamster for us but I know Chinchillas are in a separate league aren't they? Hope they find a loving home soon.

Jade, any news yet?

[holland]

No news...............what is it with this 'serious thinking' lark, anyone wuld think they we're spending thousands and thousands!!!!!!!!!

J x

[holland]

Oh My Word...had To Let You All Know That A Woman Has Just Knocked On The Door And Said Can I Have A Loo, And I Said Yes, In An Hour When I Have Tidied, So Theyre Coming Back At 2.oo...aghhhh Got To Go And Clean

Xx

[holland]

PS- SHE DIDNT SAY CAN i HAVE A 'LOO', SHE SAID 'LOOK' HA HA

[Mickstim]

Wow Jade! So why didn't she go through the agent?? Anyway very very very good luck. Start a bidding war!!

My visitors have gone until Thursday and the house is wrecked. My step daughter lives in a massive house in Florida and her kids have their own wing where they can basically create as much havoc as they like. Trouble is they don't know how to contain themselves in a much smaller home! They have left 2 of the spare bedrooms full of luggage, boots, books - you name it, so I still would prefer not to have any viewings before the weekend, or I will be carting it all into the garage!!

Back to the cleaning - but I keep checking in for news!!

[Belmont Babes]

Ooooh Jade. That was funny, I was thinking god, fancy having to clean before they use the loo!!
Hope you've finished cleaning, 15 minutes until your viewing. Be back soon..........

[holland]

Hi,

Im all cleaned out, hubby does the showing round, so I can relax, although I am absolutely starving as we haven't eaten...not wanting to mess up the work tops!

Babr- Think they we're just driving past, stopped and looked, and could probably tell we we're in as they saw my hubby looking out of the blinking window...I think he thinks he can't be seen! She said we are just going to go to the estate agents to get details, I don't suppose you have a spare copy. Which, in my opinion, translated to , ' were just passing can we have a nosey'...meanwhile I am upstairs practically giving birth...which would be a minor miracle in itself...trying to put washing away and sending Graham psychic vibes....' not now, come back in an hour..an hour an hour'. I went down, and said you can look, but weve had guests ( slight fib) and ive just a little tidying to do, come back in an hour.

So thats where we are....don't want to be judgemental...but Im going to be ..they had an expensive sports car and currently live in Lytham St Annes- the wealthy end of Blackpool!!!!!!!!!!!.....so fingers crossed...

They could however, have left a bedsit in Lytham and hired a car for a day out!!!!!!!!!!!!

J x

7 mins...you watch, they won't come back!!!! If thats the case, think ill be adding to my brood!

[Mickstim]

I wonder who will be the first to sell? I can't wait for someone to sell - whichever of us it is. I hope it will be this month!!!

[holland]

No Show as yet......................to be continued

[holland]

Sell? whats Sell?

[Mickstim]

You know Jade. It's when someone gives you their pennies and you give them a little something in return. Hope you haven't cleaned in vain. I hate that!

[Helsandfamily]

aghh just joined this post and have fingers and toes crossed too

Can't stand the suspense!!!!

Hels

[james the mechanic]

Their playing it rather cool, they better come back, in their bloody flashy car from the posh end of town!!!:laugh
I’m biting my nails on the edge of my chair, who needs Eastenders?
Why do they call me the internet junkie @ work these days I wonder?
Sell? I think an offer might be nice right now.
Please remember Jade breath in, breath out, breath in & out…
Game on!
James

[holland]

erm, think I have, still no show, I have now eaten my lunch and put my dirty plate in the oven!!!!!!!!!!- a tip I picked up from a woman at work with her house on the market...she pops all her washing up in the oven if she hasn't got time!

[holland]

in...and out, in ....and out...i'll remember!

[Helsandfamily]

[QUOTE=holland;146125] I have now eaten my lunch and put my dirty plate in the oven!!!!!!!!!!- QUOTE]

Top Tip!!!!! remember though to switch the oven off !!!

hels

[holland]

ok, i've skipped the bicuits today, Im straight on the cherry Bakewell!

[Helsandfamily]

Forget the cherry bakewells - I'm on the finger nails !

[holland]

ha ha u make me chuckle Helsandfamily..can't believe it, they're not here, oh well, at least the house is clean and tidy...I reckon by the end of this we should be able to set up some kind of business in NZ...a bit like 60 minute makeover on the tv....but 60 minute cleaners...I think we'll be the fastest in town, by the time our houses sell!

[Mickstim]

Well a pot on them. And a full pot at that!!

Bx

[holland]

Im cross now...How rude is not showing up?

[holland]

Oh my gosh 'They are Here'...............James, Im forgetting to breathe!

[holland]

ok, they are both on the market and plan to move in together...he lves down the road and had seen the house a couple of weeks ago. She has driven to 'this neck of the woods' today, noticed it was on market, and said to him ' ive seen a house I really like', and he said, 'ive seen one aswell'...truns out its OURS ha ha....anyway they've looked around albeit an hour and twenty minutes late...and they have taken our phone number!

Der der der der der der der der der..thats the eastenders theme tune by the way!!

[Mickstim]

Wow! We will have to forgive them for being late then.

Do they have to sell or do they have enough dosh to pay cash??

Jade - don't forget to get your plate out of the oven now.

Bx

[Mickstim]

Heard on the news today that inflation is down more than expected so they think there will probably not be any increase in interest rates in September -and that should boost the property market. Sounds like good news.

[holland]

Barb,

Thanks for reminder about the plate! I completely fogot! Don't think they are cash buyers, both of their houses are on the market, neither have sold, so not an ideal position for us, but i'd take anything at the minute!

[Belmont Babes]

Well what a saga....good job we aren't at work Jade, we'd never cope. I haven't got any good biscuits in, just soggy cornwall shortbread....and definitely nothing as nice as a cherry bakewell.
Barb - you are so right about the cleaning stuff. Got another viewer Thursday and already dreading yet ANOTHER CLEAN.
I don't think my nerves can take anymore!

[holland]

Natalie,

You have had lots of viewing recently haven't you....Im sure someone will come back with an offer soon, and your right, it is a saga, the shipping guy that came around the other day has just rang to see if we have decided if we have decided whether we want to go with them, and Graham has practically recited 'war and peace' down the phone, explaining all of the different scenario's, and that we will be using them if we sell house and things go as planned.

j x

[holland]

Ha ha Think he regretted asking Graham the question!!

[Mickstim]

I wonder if people really care if it has been cleaned? I'm not sure I would even notice that much as long as the house I was looking at was tidy and well maintained. Anyone prepared to try out my theory and see if it sells better if it's a little 'lived in'?

Good luck with yours Natalie - you have had quite a few viewing recently and yet the agents keep telling us the market is quiet in August. When did you put your house on?

Bx

[holland]

The problem with my house is, its that minimalist, that it look scruffy if theres a newspaper on the table, or shoes by the door, its a nitemare...I am getting tired of cleaning though, so may be brave next time...who am I kidding???Ill clean their shoes on their way in if they buy the house!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a positive feeling regarding my house at the minute, I dont know why, G feels the same...

[Mickstim]

A positive feel is good. Maybe there will be an offer from one or other very soon. I was just reading some of the posts at the beginning of this thread and wondered what had happened to the others (like Vixxan) who were also trying to sell. I haven't read them all yet but does anyone have any news?

[speckythecky]

Hi Barb,

we are still waiting to hear if the people who offered on our house have got a buyer. Their agents haven't had an advert in the paper for the last 5 weeks, so its not looking very promising. We have decided to leave the house in the hands on the agents until Oct and if there is no movement then to rent out for 6 months, then put back on the market in the spring.

Meanwhile the campervan saga runs on, we have had loads of calls since putting it on another website on Sat, and a few viewings but no offers yet!!

[holland]

OO Speckythecky,

Its good you've got an offer, but the chain is a pain! Have you looked into renting? Do you think you'll get renter in fairly quickly? Are you still accepting viewers for your house? How come their agent hasn't advertised for 5 weeks?
Keep us posted! Im going to put pads on hubbys back, for medicinal purposes!!

[JSET]

Hi just been reading all of your threads (all afternoon!) I wish I had found this earlier it has put a smile on my face reading your highs and lows and its nice to know that other people are in the same position as us and occasionally have the same doubts.
Thanks Clare

[holland]

Hey Clare,

Fancy seeing you here!! Whats your favourite biscuit then?? If I were you I would be tempted to start letting viewers in again, how long did it take for you to get an offer??

J x

[Belmont Babes]

Barb - house has been on market since end of May. We have had approx 8 viewings, no offers.
Our house is minimalist too. Know what you mean about the shoes Jade. Paul is also a Retained Firefighter and he is called out by a pager. He always has to have shoes by the front door incase and I keep chucking them in the cupboard, it's driving him nuts!
Jade - how is G's back? Hope it gets better soon. I have a good feeling about your sale. The back may get better when the stress lifts. Also when you have a quote from removal company is it free? Do they HAVE to look in your knicker draw? If so I'm visiting M&S first!

[Belmont Babes]

JSET - nice to have you on board....it is imperative that you like biscuits though.
Specky, hope the van sells soon.

[JSET]

Hi J
10 weeks and 13 viewing later.... that was so stressful with four children trying to keep the house tidy!!
The thing is our buyer has there mortgage offer and all the searches on our house done. So for the sake of another week I think we will hang in there.
Clare

[Belmont Babes]

Sorry what's the story Clare? Must of missed it somewhere

[holland]

Ha ha Natalie, you make me laugh!

Firstly, Graham is in a bad way, its all in his legs, he is knealing on the floor just rocking back and fourth...it awful to watch,but he just wants to be on his own, as he is in such pain.Everton are on soon though so it should take his mind off it a little.

Regarding shipping, I just rang up and they come around and give a free quote. I was surprised as to how thorough one of them were...eg, knicker drawer escapade...that was John Masons...they were extremely professional, he calculates everything, and goes away and you get a quote in a couple of days.We also got Whites company around, we are still awaiting quote. They have both said that our stuff will fill three quarters of a 20ft container. John Masons went through absolutely everything that you can and can't take...I embarrassed Graham though, the guy said that the company come in and pack all of your stuff, and I said ' well Im a bit of a control freak, and like to know everything is packed, and where it all is, and know that its all in order'...he said, 'well, if we dont pack it, we will put unchecked on your box, and MAF will be likely to inspect it'...so I said, 'ok, ill help pack...and I don't mean to offend your company but do the staff have police checks!!!'...he nearly fell off the chair...as did my hubby!!!

J x

[Belmont Babes]

Oh Jade we have more in common than I first thought. Did you used to watch "Friends" and completely understand the behaviour of Monica?

[holland]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha

[JSET]

That would have to be a Jaffa Cake!!

[holland]

mmmmmmmm Jaffa Cakes...not too good for dunking though! What do you have to dunk?

[speckythecky]

We had quotes from Whites and from pickfords. The guy from whites was a lot more thorough and told us waht we could and couldn't take. A couple of things were confusing, we couldn't take our table unless we revarnished it because it was bare wood, but we could take antique bare pine chests of drawers-???
Whites also said that pickfords had under counted the volume of stuff.
We have decided t go with whites and they are coming to pack the first week of sept (after we have left) and it should be on the boat the following week.

[JSET]

For dunking it would have to be gingernuts!!
Hope you dont mind me asking specky was there alot of difference in price and what was included.
Does any one know anyone that has packed themselves?
Clare

[holland]

aghh, well we haven't got a quote from Whites, but the guy that came said nothing about what we could and could not take...and he was 25 minutes late! He said they we're busy...I suppose it depends on which guy/gal you get coming to do quote!! Good Luck, hope everything goes ok

J x

[holland]

* got a quote from whites yet...it should be here in a couple of days

[holland]

Clare,

I think they try and discourage people packing for themselves, as ( so I'm told) the boxes are more likely to get inspceted by MAF at the other end. Im sure I have read on another thread though that there have been people that have done it themselves. Our quote off John Masons included 2 guys coming to pack up all of our stuff, they provide all boxes etc, they take it away, and get it to me in NZ in 8-10 weeks, they sort out all paperwork, we just have to sort out insurance. They hire agencies in NZ who will come and bring the stuff to wherever we are and unpack...the only other charge is the MAF fee's, which you can't get quoted for, because there isnt a set fee, just depends how long they spend looking and checking your stuff.

[holland]

I'm thinking that sounds too good to be true!

[speckythecky]

Quotes were very similar, around the £3K for a 20ft container.
The insurance is a problem if you pack yourself. Most companies will not cover for accidental damage if you pack yourself.
Insurance from whites was 3% of the value of the goods,
Letton Percival wanted 1.6% of the value. Guess who we have gone for!!!

[holland]

Thanks Speckythecky, Ill look into letton percival!

[james the mechanic]

Just thought I’d add, I’m rather partial to custard creams myself Lucy would probable opt for the Jaffa cakes however , I’m laying off all such delicacies currently as my BMI is exactly 35 and thus needs to stay there, or preferably lower, prior to medicals.
I’ve got lots of shipping questions; most of threads I’ve read seem to contain rather conflicting information on the subject. Or perhaps I just can’t absorb and process any more information just now!
Basically I want a company who will turn up at my home in the UK with a 20ft container wait for a couple of hours while I load the thing, deliver it to my home in NZ on a prearranged date in the future, waiting for a couple of hours again while I unload it and piss off again.
I will supply them with an analy comprehensive inventory of what is contained within the said container, and will insure it myself if they wish. I just require them to transport the container door to door and deal with customs/MAF etc.
However when I phone shipping agents they all want to come and waste my time ‘estimating how much volume we have to ship’ just an excuse to look in the underwear draw, I’m sure Jade. I know the volume its simple maths, we’re physically fit and therefore perfectly capable of packing and loading at both ends ourselves. I completely sympathise with your police check question Jade and that’s another reason we want to pack ourselves.
I personally feel that most of the shipping companies I have spoken to want to complicate our very simple requirements (in order to serve us better of course) by ‘making it easy for us’ or ‘taking the hassle out of it’.
We’ve had enough of hassle and complicated just now but game on just the same! & best of luck to one & all:nice1
James

[holland]

James,

I don't know this for a fact-so don't quote me, but the moeny you are saving on packing and organising stuff yourself, you will probably pay in MAF fee's at the other end. If money is not an issue...its just the fact that you don't want people packing and going through all your stuff, John Masons said we could do that, but would mark all boxes unchecked. I don't know who you have spoken to thus far, but Masons seem to be bending over backwards to get us to go with them. Also, at the other end, they will just leave all the stuff for you to unpack...but that leaves you to get rid of all the boxes/packing stuff, which will probably require a skip!

Im more a Jaffa girl like Lucy...although a biscuit is a biscuit and so I wouldn't say no to a custard cream!

J and G x

[Belmont Babes]

Well said James. I like it!!!

[holland]

Oh my gosh, Im going, I am addicted to this forum, I cant believe how many hours I have spent here today!

[vixxann]

someone mention me??? :D

I've been trying to not go into my NONE existent house buyer problem too much as I'll get down :(

so in a nutshell, had some viewers, no buyers (too big, no views of fields, road too noisy etc etc - but all said house is gorgeous - like that makes me feel better :no )

need desperately to sell asap I have no job at school to go back to in Sept. middle child due to start high school if we still here - was trying to avoid too many changes of school for him re move to NZ etc. I suppose if we hear nothing soon I better go buy him some uniform! AND to top it all our fixed rate interest mortgage ends in sept so as of October we are majorly worse off each month.

thats pretty much my situation and why I haven't spoilt this lovely biscuit thread with my NONE news.

good luck to everyone out there selling - hope you're managing to keep your hair in and waistline doesn't suffer too much from biccies :D

[Andy-Dee]

Chocolate Digestives people! - boo pah piffle to ginger nuts when there's a McVites to be had! :yes

[james the mechanic]

You’re not the only one Jade…
Basically our lives currently hang in the balance, be it house sales, assessment of qualifications, job / house hunting by email etc. It’s all out of our control and comfort zone and we don’t like it!
My feeling is that we can all gain a little comfort from the fact that others feel the same and are in very similar if not identical positions.
Hence this very strange, long thread, the subject of which is what again???
That’s it Vixxann, Biscuits
James

[Helsandfamily]

For dunking you can't beat a rich tea!! - otherwise they are not so nice !!

Holland - Glad it went well keep us posted !!

Hels

[Belmont Babes]

Hi Vicki. Great to hear from you. I feel for you. Hang in there. Would you rent out or is it not viable? Sat here like a saddo waiting for the phone to ring incase we receive an offer. Also awaiting Tesco delivery man with more biscuits, ordered fig rolls, jammie dodgers (for the boys) and Mcvities choc digestives :nice1

[JSET]

Hi James,
Your shipping requirments are just what we want to do as well. Let me know if you find anyone please.
Clare

[zardell]

Sod dunking the biscuits in your tea - pour in the brandy....itsch reelly vry tashty.....*hic*

:cheers

Julie

xx

[Mickstim]

Heavens above - I don't log in for a morning and miss about 10 pages! Please stop with the biscuits now. I am trying desperately to get into my clothes and not move on to a bigger size and the temptation is just so hard to deal with. If I were to give in it would have to be ginger nuts for dunking - but I don't have any in the house. Filled the cookie tin up with choc chip for the kids, and they did leave a few!

James I understand the packing thing may have a lot to do with insurance. When I moved to S Africa and shipped a container we were told we could not get insurance on stuff we had packed personally, so I a guessing at that. Might be worth talking to insurers to see what they say?

We have only had one quote so far, from John Mason. We are taking a motorbike (Honda Goldwing 1800 which is Michael's pride and joy) and we wanted to know what else we could get into a 20 ft container with it. It was much more than we had expected as we don't want to take most of our furniture. I was hoping not to take the dining room suite as I don't like it, but unfortunately we do have room. I will have to hope it meets with a nasty accident and we can claim insurance and get something I like. John Mason also told us we couldn't take wine (we have a few nice bottles) but I posted the question on the forum and everyone agreed we should just go ahead and do it anyway.

Nice to hear from everyone else who is living in Limbo Land too. Vixxan - don't disappear on us!!

Bx

[Belmont Babes]

Well the phone did ring and we did receive an offer. Not enough was offered though. We are going to hold out as we now have two more viewings tomorrow. There may be a bidding war after all.
Jade - any news?
Julie - have bad memories of Brandy after a christmas do, can't go there again :uhoh

[speckythecky]

John Mason also told us we couldn't take wine (we have a few nice bottles) but I posted the question on the forum and everyone agreed we should just go ahead and do it anyway.
Bx

White and Co told us we couldn't take any alcohol as well. Not got much left now and that will be gone by the weekend. Just waiting for a viewer for the camper, second today - just wish it would sell; haven't heard from the estate agent for about a month.

[Mickstim]

That sounds promising Natalie! The offer we had was £20 000 less than we are prepared to consider at the moment as we still have a bit of time and we told the agents that we didn't think it was worth negotiating with them until their buyer gets a buyer, so we have no idea whether or not they are still interested. It's hard to not panic and just grab at an offer when you get one. We are already asking £5000 less than our lowest valuation, so to take another £25 000 off that (which was our offer) just seems like giving it away.

Good luck with the viewings, and good luck with the camper Specky. Specky - have the neighbours who want your house had any viewings yet?

Bx

[speckythecky]

Not are far as we know.
Haven't seen any cars outside (not that we are spying)

[Belmont Babes]

HI barb - we have already dropped price by £5k too. Buyer offered £10k less than asking price. We love our house and will be sad to see it go. We have done loads to it and it has a huge garden which is rare these days. It isn't an ideal option for us but I would rather rent it out than give it away.

[Mickstim]

I wouldn't be surprised if they come back with a better offer. I think people will always try to get a bargain (I know we will when we are buying!) So keeping everything crossed for you!

Bx