It would have been impossible to help Chris and Nicola find their dream home until Chris realised that his budget quite simply didn't match his ambition. This couple were left with two choices - buy a one-bed flat they didn't want in the area they were after, or buy the two bedroom house they were so keen on but in a cheaper neighbouring area.
In the end a comprimise was reached on the beautiful two bedroom garden flat reasonably close to Bexhill in St Leonards on Sea.
For a first floor flat it has an amazing feel of space, high ceilings and traditional features. There's the two bedrooms Chris and Nicola were so keen on, and a gorgeous garden to boot.
This flat has the wow factor, and has that crucial characteristic so important to Nicola - personality.
On the market for £149,950, this place is £50 shy of being ten grand over budget. This will increase mortgage payments by about £65 per month or £800 per year, which happens to be Chris' drinking budget!
Our newly teetotal man and wife are so keen on this place that we decide to make a firm bid of £145,000 after little deliberation. But a stubborn seller was adamantly sticking to the £149,950 valuation and they got it. Chris and Nicola decided this one was too good to pass up and stumped up the full asking price for the flat. The bid was accepted and, just like Phil's couple, Chris and Nicola are the proud and happy owners of a place that was over their budget but ticked all the right boxes.
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