Single-family house might become available - how to proceed?

Hello,

in our neighborhood there is a beautiful single-family house that would fit the desired profile. :-)
I know the residents by sight, both are over 80, the wife recently passed away. The care service was already looking after him, as I heard.
Two weeks ago, a trunk load of bulky waste was already in front of the house, since then the shutters have been down. My suspicion is that he has already moved out and the house is going to be sold. Unfortunately, the market has become so tight even here in the countryside that you have to be proactive early. Much of it goes by word of mouth.

Yes, yes, I know, the vultures are already circling... ;)

Now and then one of the adult children of the residents stands in front of the house.
However, I am unsure whether and how to approach them or how best to proceed to get more information. :confused:
Or better ask the neighbors (whom I also only know by sight and greeting)?

Does anyone have experience with such or similar situations? :)

Greetings from the jogger

From time to time, one of the adult children of the residents stands in front of the house. However, I am unsure whether and how I should address them or how best to proceed to get more information. :confused:

"Hello, I've noticed that the shutters have been down lately. Is your father still doing well?" And the rest takes care of itself.

How I love such nosy questions ... :rolleyes:

But in the countryside, is that possibly normal?

How I love such curious inquiries ... :rolleyes:

But in the countryside, that might be normal?

Who asks, stays!

Basically, language was invented so that people can communicate with each other - that often has nothing to do with curiosity. Also in the city. ...it probably depends on your attitude whether you prefer to write in the forum or talk in real life ;)

How I love such nosy inquiries ... :rolleyes: But in the countryside, that might be normal?

It seems so, a large part of the real estate and land changes hands through hearsay questions.

Does anyone have experience with such or similar situations? :)

Yes. Many.

Just go there. Talk to the people and briefly explain the background of your question.

I never did that before either. Nowadays, I always state my opinion very bluntly and approach people directly. That’s much better.

Here, please use the argumentation from the first-person perspective. So: "I have noticed that xyz, drew the following conclusion (they might want to sell) and I am worried, ... xyz." Stay true to yourself, argue as you are, but be open and authentic.

In this case: The worst thing that can happen to you is that they don’t want to sell. They will probably still appreciate the concern you show if you phrase your question cleverly. And you might even get some tips (no, we’re not selling, but my brother-in-law in the neighboring town next door...?)

The used market is really empty – a lot of overpriced "junk" on the market.
Networking and contacts: Only extremely helpful nowadays if you want to buy something good used (which can save a lot of nerves compared to a new build).

So – just take courage, maybe bring some chocolates or a wine and go there. Ring the bell. Ask.

Best regards
Thorsten

PS: Especially in Schwalm-Eder district – you can talk really well with the people there anyway; they’re not inhumane but rather many nice and sociable people.