[Smiler]

Eight weeks after moving into our rental and the owners insisting we sign up for a year’s lease, they decided to sell ‘our house’. The owners have a new job in Oz and via the rental agent, asked us what we would like to do. The intimation was that they would like to sell it quickly with vacant possession and would recompense us for our reasonable moving costs.

The agent assured us that our lease is fixed in law, whilst telling us how much easier it would be for them to sell without sitting tenants. We felt under some pressure. We were offered the chance to purchase it for $630,000. Anyone desperate for a nose can look here http://www.tommys.co.nz/property.asp?id=234&propertyid=8180&new=True#

We talked ‘til dawn and put ourselves in their position. Coincidently, OH’s job in Welly finished about a week before the bombshell dropped and he is back working at home and lovin’ it. Now we’ve no need to stay in this area, but had no plans to leave for at least a year. We let them know we’d be happy to move if it helped their plans.

So after a couple of weeks of scouring property pages, meeting rental agents, looking at sections, new builds, houses in and out of our price range, it’s all change at Smiler Towers, ………………………

*Rose tinted’s on* :cool:

We’ve found a place 30 km south of Wanganui with 18 acres of land. It’s a 5 bed Edwardian villa, with 4000 sq ft of rooms, studio and office, beautiful original features, tall stained glass windows and high ceilings. There’s also out buildings and a swimming pool and the nearest neighbour is 5 mins away. The bulk of the land is rented out for grazing and we are happy with that. It leaves us with just over an acre of fenced mature garden with grapefruit, tamarillo, lemon’s etc, a chook house, a huge veggie patch, triple garage and a wood store etc. Behind the house is bordered by forest and the other 3 sides have views across the valley. The owner’s job is taking them up country and as this is in their retirement plan, they don’t want to sell, just rent it out for 8 -10 years.

They want to leave some of their antique furniture and we certainly don’t have anywhere near enough furniture to go round (and it saves them transporting it).We paid a deposit the day after we saw it and they cancelled all other viewings.

We’d been to Wanganui a few times, but before we said yes, we took a good walk and then a drive around the city and surrounds again and while it has its +’s & -‘s like any anywhere else, we’ll be too far away to be bothered by hoons etc,

*Rose tinted’s off* - the downside’s (IMHO right now)

I’ll be moving away from my friends here in Welly.
Its 20 minutes from the beach (although it’s a deserted beach that goes on forever and they are leaving their quad bike) I feel I could get there easily enough for my ocean fix.
Its 30 km from the nearest town (Plus in OH’s book, minus in mine at the moment)
There’s no Moore Wilson within 2 hours drive (I’ll be asking for food parcels)
No broadband and no cell phone coverage.

Normal vision resumed - the upsides

We tried this kinda life in UK, renting with an acre etc and it suits us, although OH has lived in the country for much longer than me.
Living somewhere like this is one of the reason's we came to NZ.
My friends immediately planned to meet at least halfway for coffee, lunch etc as often as we all can and we’ve plenty of rooms for those country house weekends away. (Thanks guys you’ve been so reassuring).
There’s a New World in Wanganui, although I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry at that.
We can get satellite BB and there’s a free installation offer til the end of the year, saving us around $3,000.

We don’t know if it’s where we want to be long term, only because we haven’t see enough of NZ to decide where to settle yet, but we’ve plenty of time and we’re saving hard because we don’t want a mortgage.

However, yesterday the goal posts moved again when it became apparent that the owners now have no intention in compensating us for the disruption. While we don’t expect them to pay for all our move, we’d expected something towards disruption, upheaval of moving after such a short time and leaving the house quickly as they want. We feel tricked into this.

We’re moving anyway. For us to pay for all the move will eat into our savings a bit, but feel the opportunity to do this earlier than expected is the right one. Sometimes things happen for a reason, although I wasn't thinking that when I was spitting feathers. :laugh

Onwards and upwards………………….

[jess]

Smiler -

Isn't there some way to negotiate about the help with your moving expenses? Can you get something in writing? By law you can stay in that house for 42 days after they give you notice in writing (less than the full 90, because they are selling it and need it vacant - but still 42 days is probably longer than they want you to stay.) They cannot make you leave earlier. And they shouldn't offer the help and then retract it once you are going.

Plus, even though your possible new home sounds terrific, there are some unresolved questions for you. We almost bought a house I fell in love with despite some negative aspects. I loved the house so much. But given time it was a lot easier to make a balanced decision. (Though your new place sounds great - unless you'll miss Welly too much).

Anyway, hope you are able to move without being rushed and best of luck on buying a home.

J

[Smiler]

Hi Jess

Thanks for that. :nice1

It was when we wanted something in writing that this reared up. We've tried negotiating, the owners say the rental agent 'misinterpreted' the matter. She says otherwise. There's no movement from them, so we've now insisted everything is in writing.

We could also say we are staying and will fulfill the next 10 months of our lease, but wouldn't want to live in that situation, with the house up for sale and all. In our minds it will now serve them right if it doesn't sell quickly as they want. If it had been for sale when it came up for rent, we wouldn't have touched it with a bargepole.

We've already got estate agents trooping through the place and have had to write and remind them of the 'quiet enjoyment' aspect of our tenancy agreement. It's been hard this week to remind them who started this off.

I've put my foot down on open days though, it's escorted viewings only, by prior appointment.

I should have said, most importantly of all though, we're renting the new house at $400 a week. :D

This way we get to road test a different aspect of this country, without the financial commitment of buying. We're really not ready to buy and yes you're right, we wouldn't make that kind of decision hastily, especially with them on our backs.:mad:

D

[jess]

Sorry my 42 days thing was way off since you have a year's lease. I read that, but then for some reason when I thought about it I imagined our own previous situation which was an open lease requiring very little notice. Wow you could stay for 10 months, so it seems like you are being very accomodating given the circumstances. I hope they know they are getting off very easy.

Glad you are moving to a rental and are not rushed into a bigger decision!! That's much better.

[Diny]

i have no idea how you stand legally, but just wanted to say all the best for the move. Wanganui is a lovely place, like you said - everywhere has it's +/- points. The hanging baskets down the main street in the summer are a sight to behold.

I think Julie (Zardell) is thinking about heading over that way too.

All the best - keep us posted.

Diny

[wilson182]

Hi Smiler

Just wanted to add, I think you are right not to be rushed into buying just yet. We have only just decided to buy now after two years, and would never have imagined we would end up in Rangiora. I know you have had a really tuff week, but i am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and there is obviously something very good waiting for you just round the corner.:yes

[Park City Partner]

If you want to know where you stand legally, ring Tenancy Services. They will tell you exactly what your rights are. We have had issues with our landlords and they were most helpful. And for the record, shame on your landlords. They should be paying for ALL of your moving costs since you just got in there. As much as I dislike our landlords and as much as I would prefer to live elsewhere, I just can't imagine moving again right now.

But I guess if at the end of the day you think you will be happier....good luck to you!

[Carol]

oh Debs....
((((((hug)))))))

It really will all work out for the best........
Just another bridge to cross on this journey we are all on.

xxC

[GeordieLass]

just because you've made up your minds to move, they don't have to know that. Say that you want your costs paid or you're not moving and leave it to them to come up with an offer.

[marcia]

What 'toe rags' (am i allowed to use that term of phrase on here??? Like to use something else mind you!)


Why tie someone into a years contract and then change their minds - I suppose unforseen things do happen but it really unsettles you!!


Like you said Smiler - hope the house sale is really slow and they get offered peanuts for it! :p

Good luck with your move - hope it works out for the best in the long run!

[sizzlingbadger]

What a nightmare, exactly why I don't like renting :mad:

Hope everything works up at Wanganui. Haven't visited it yet but OH's parents stayed a few days there last year, they thought it was really nice.

Wouldn't worry about travelling to the nearest town. We're just over 30kms to Masterton, with only a local store in town so if we want to go shopping we make a big list and visit every now and then :D

Let us know how you get on :cheers

[jubjub]

Hey its worth a shot, and you get to "try before you buy" so thats a good thing too.

You getting chooks for the house, I am sure Moorf could offer you some pointers, and maybe a few silly name suggestions..... you could get three and begin name with R, you could then be an expert on your three R's, oK not as good as the P & Qs, but its a thought..... ;)

[Singel]

Deb, it could be a blessing in disguise - GOOD LUCK :cheers :nice1 :cheers

Another good reason to visit you at your farm house (can we be number 1 on your booking list :p )

[Marie P]

Good Luck Debs.............your new place sounds very exciting ..........Can we come visit .......tell the kids go out and play ...........might not see them for days :exit

Marie x

[StevieD]

All the best smiler, you seem to have looked at all the angles, keep on smilin', sure you will be fine in the end.

Steve :nice1

[jodieinchch]

I would suggest you take up with the Tenancy Services what your rights are. If you are in a fixed term lease then we were told by our landlord that they have to legally sell the house with us as tenants for the new people. (I think). Check though.

[kiwidebs]

Hey Debs, wow, with all that space you'll have room for me and my clan to come and pitch our tent for a couple of days!!! :laugh


But seriously, good luck with the move, shame on your landlords (boo, hiss) and keep us up to date with all that's happening.

Hugs
Debs

[Avalon]

[ However, yesterday the goal posts moved again when it became apparent that the owners now have no intention in compensating us for the disruption. While we don’t expect them to pay for all our move, we’d expected something towards disruption, upheaval of moving after such a short time and leaving the house quickly as they want. We feel tricked into this.

All I can say to this is Karma had better exist. Anything else I may say would get moderated :D

Im quite looking forward to seeing the new place now that shock has worn off :D

[k-k]

Hi Deborah,

I panicked when I saw the title of your post, I thought things were all changed again.

I've checked the map and it's only about 120k from Otaki to Wanganui so visits will be no problem at all. I've even thought of a place for coffee just a few K's south of Bulls. Can't remember the name but its got the shell of a boat and a giant kiwi outside it. Alan and I had some delicious cheescake there.

We'll have to start a 'ladies day out' club and try out each others swimming pools! I know an excellent aromatherapy and hot stones massage person as well :laugh

Karen

[Avalon]

:cheers :cheers :cheers

[Questor]

And we'll always be ready for a trip up North for a drink :) (We'll just hide in the back of Karen's car ;) ) Catie needs the social coffees!

[Smiler]

Thanks guys.

Yes, OH has been reading up on the tenancy services, we've found their site very helpful and have used their wording in our letters. We could turn round and insist we stay. We're thinking about how to handle that.

A lot of the confusion has arisen because of having to go through the rental agent, instead of speaking directly with the owners. This became apparent tonight when she rang to apologise for something the owner had told to her which she had completely misunderstood. Misunderstood and told us on Friday and we've spent the weekend churning and generally feeling unsettled and upset. This had got back to the owner today because we'd spoken to the estate agent about it. I feel like I'm living in a game of chinese whispers. :confused:

They are insisting on open homes, even though we've said how unhappy we are about it. We've told them now we're staying home while it happens. We'll see what this week brings, but I may be changing my forum name to frowner in a few days.

We went to see the new place again yesterday and had a great afternoon with the owners who made us very welcome and showed us all the ins and outs of the house and grounds. We left with bags of lemons, mandarins and grapefruit and bottles of home made tomato sauce.

This is the house from the front
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8012/dunard26zs9.jpg

the garden
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/7130/dunardinbloom7fv8.jpg

So,We've plenty of room for anyone who fancies a weekend in the NZ countryside, camping or B&B :D. And don't forget whose got the earthquake kit.

[Smiler]

This is from the hill above the house

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3306/house076nq6.jpg

[Singel]

Deb, Best of Luck :nice1












WOW, the farm house and surrounding is great :clap

[sizzlingbadger]

Oh wow, green with jealousy, the house is absolutely gorgeous :D Just what we're after in another 10-20 years time :D

Wish you all the luck in the world ... you know a trick for the landlords not to sell the house, leave the laundry cluttered up with mess, dirty dishes, things all over the floor :D Get your own back on them and the agent :nice1

[Smiler]

Wish you all the luck in the world ... you know a trick for the landlords not to sell the house, leave the laundry cluttered up with mess, dirty dishes, things all over the floor. Get your own back on them and the agent

Thanks Sizz we spent yesterday morning 'staging' the house and nearly came to blows all over a blanket throw on the sofa. :roll I'm begining to think we're being too nice now. 2 open ruddy homes coming up and maybe I'll skip the laundry and not tidy up for them. It's not in our nature to do stuff like that, but we're just feeling walked all over now. The old urban myths of ringing the new york clock and sprinkling cress on the carpet when you leave, keep coming in to my head. We're got rimu floors though and the curtain poles aren't hollow.:mad:

Karen, I saw the place with the giant kiwi's on Saturday, thought it was theme park. :laugh But looks a good place to meet halfway, especially for cheesecake with friends. Bliss!

Ladies days out sounds fab, I'll get G to clean the pool. Our excellent aromatherapist and hot stone massage lady may draw the line at hot stoning on SH1 under a concrete kiwi, though. ;)

[Carol]

I'm there with bells on!!!!!!!!
:clap

Look on this as a fabulous opportunity not to be missed at any cost.

It looks WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!
"Grace Manor"
;)

[Smiler]

I'm there with bells on!!!!!!!!

Look on this as a fabulous opportunity not to be missed at any cost.

It looks WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! "Grace Manor"

YAY!!!! :cheers Party party. I wonder if Suzanne the hairdresser would meet me halfway too?

I'm trying to look on it that way and I'm sure I will when my glass becomes half full again ;). Just had a rotten week last week, it's a new week now though. Pozzy thoughts abounding.

You don't think we should change the house name to Gracelands then? :laugh

[Carol]

Knowing you as I do Debs - you'll keep your head held high - do all the right things for your landlord - and just have a ball once you get to that gorgeous house.
No point in lowering yourself to their level.

Gracelands........hmmmm.....it has a ring to it!
:cheers :cheers :cheers :cheers

[Smiler]

Absolutely no point at all and yes you know me.:nice1

Neither G or I would, but we just feel kinda used and trodden on right now. It did help to think it though. I also wrote a letter to them that I then tore up. God it was rude. :o Made me feel heaps better too. :clap

TBH as much as we like this house, they've soured it and we can't wait to get out. We'll just have to work harder to recoup our savings. It's only money afterall .....

[Carol]

It's only money afterall .....


It is luv. It is.

May their puppodoms never crisp up properly!
:cheers

[jubjub]

[QUOTE=smiler] It did help to think it though. I also wrote a letter to them that I then tore up. God it was rude. :o Made me feel heaps better too. :clap
QUOTE]

Great to do that sometimes, I lost count of the amount of rants I have written with steam coming out of my ears, and smoke coming off the keyboard, but boy do you feel better after!

I remember thinking of being "unhelpful" to our the new owners of our UK house, after messing us about and getting me into trouble at work... but in the end, I just did what I would have done anyway, left everything clean, ship shape and wine in the fridge :)

I do think you should try and claim some expenses back though, as you have laid out money on the proviso of you having a long lease. You could poss take them to a tenancy tribunal, not sure how that works, or if you even want to bother, sometimes its better to draw a line under things.

[Smiler]

It is luv. It is.

May their puppodoms never crisp up properly!


:laugh:laugh Love it, Carol. I'll keep that as a curse.

Sal. I know we'll end up doing the same, smiling sweetly and polishing the floor as we step out the front door, head held high and carrying with the last box. No chance on leaving any wine though, it's all coming with me. :cheers
I'm surprised the agent didn't wither under one of my 'special glances' yesterday. But just writing the letter was cathartic and it's not good to hang onto all this angst.

We're looking at the tenancy tribunal thingwee and it looks easy enough. I think we're running out of energy (see MB's thread here) and it may just be best to drawn the line and move on. We'll wait and see if the goalposts move again soon.

[Avalon]

YAY!!!! :cheers Party party. I wonder if Suzanne the hairdresser would meet me halfway too?

You dare nick my hairdresser and persuade her to move and im not doing any more massage - under concrete kiwis or not :D

Like the sound of Grace manor though. Afternoon tea in the garden? I can see a garden party in your future :nice1

Sending lots more hugs your way as ever.

[miep]

My, you two must be steaming!:wah

Why don't you mention to the agent that your deal on the new house has fallen through and you're not ready to look for another one? Not an uncommon occurence really and it might help to rattle them into some kindness..

Alternatively we could swap houses for a week, I could make it as 'tidy' as ours in next to no time:D It would be worth the look on the agents face!

Your new place does look wonderful though, OH has some good recipes for marmelade and citrus sorbet, I'll swap them for a ride on the quad;)

Keep smiling,

[Smiler]

My, you two must be steaming!

Why don't you mention to the agent that your deal on the new house has fallen through and you're not ready to look for another one? Not an uncommon occurence really and it might help to rattle them into some kindness..

Alternatively we could swap houses for a week, I could make it as 'tidy' as ours in next to no time. It would be worth the look on the agents face!

Your new place does look wonderful though, OH has some good recipes for marmelade and citrus sorbet, I'll swap them for a ride on the quad

Keep smiling,

Yep Steamin' Smiler that's me, I'm multi-tasking!

Brill idea on the house swap, as long as you promise to snap the agents face as he walks in, just packing my bag and be up in 10.:D You might have to prise me out with a large crowbar though when the weeks up..........then I'll claim squatters rights. Hmmmm now there's a thought for this place.............

You're on with the recipe swap too and I'll throw in a dip in the pool, with a cocktail on the side. Although you might like to pass on that one, as OH is busy inventing some 'bottom washers' to wear in the pool. These seem to be a combination of slippers, sponges and scouring pads that clean the bottom of it as you walk round. It's like living with Heath Robinson this week, my sanity is close to the edge. :(

Good idea on the house falling through, I think it just has. ;)

D x x

[Avalon]

Although you might like to pass on that one, as OH is busy inventing some 'bottom washers' to wear in the pool. These seem to be a combination of slippers, sponges and scouring pads that clean the bottom of it as you walk round. It's like living with Heath Robinson this week, my sanity is close to the edge. :(
x
:) Why does this not surprise me??? What is it with our menfolk?? Perfectly serviceable swimming pool vacuums that do the job from the safetly, warmth and dryness of the side of the pool - and what do we get???? An invention for "bottom washers"! Bless 'im :clap

[Moorf]

Reading with interest Smiler :yes - can't offer any constructive advice but you know my feelings! :laugh

:nice1
Moorf
x

[k-k]

Is the macho swimming pool thing like BBQ's. We're not even in the new house and Alans taken control of the pool. Just wait till the green scum develops and I know who'll have to be consulting with Avalon on pool cleaning techniques.

This is a horrendous and un-necessary ordeal you are both having to deal with, but you are still giving us a laugh with your posts. Once you're in the new place and hopefully sorted out the landlords from hell I know you'll be happy there. It looks like a fab place and so totally 'Gracelands'

Reading through the posts, there's so much on the horizon, coffee, massage, quad bikes, cheescake, swimming pool maintenance, home made marmalade and citrus sorbet (sounds delicious, can I have the recipe too). And what sounds like pretty reasonable landlords. (mmmm home made tomato sauce). It's got to be fate dealing you a good hand for a change.

Keep smiling, Smiler

Lots of hugs
Karen :)

[Smiler]

Thanks Av, Moorf, Karen et al. :nice1

It must be a men thing, although I'm drawing the line at 'blessing' my one today :laugh.

I wouldn't mind if he/they took as much interest in physically cleaning the toys, as they do using them, talking about them or inventing useless items to make my/our life easier. Never mind I'm not holding my breath, he promised me a dream catcher the day we first met and still hasn't got as far as the plans. :roll

I'm with you on the fate thing and that's keeping me going right now. OH who is always very focused and positive is all over the place today and can't concentrate either, most unusual for him. I hate this limbo lark.

Gonna try lemon cake recipes this afternoon.

[andersonclan]

We had this issue earlier this year. We grinned, bared it and moved on. One word of caution though - our leasing agent was a real 'female dog'. The carpet cleaner told us he couldn't understand why we were having such well kept carpets cleaned! They tried to get us to re turf the garden - because there was a hole in it - it was coastal section - all sand - and the hole had eroded! We ended up cleaning the place twice and left it in a much nicer condition than when we'd moved in. We would never rent through Faulkes again.

Good luck with the new place - it looks fabulous - and it's not really that ar from Welly.

Margaret