Writing a Letter to New Owners of House?

Noragrets on 10/05/2017 - 15:07
Last edited 10/05/2017 - 15:13 by 1 other user

Hey guys just want to know some people's thoughts on this.

My pop built a house back in 1980. It was where my mum had lived, where I grew up and where we all spent our holidays. It was huge and something that means a lot to all of us.
About 15 years ago they sold their house and moved an hour north to downsize. We moved as well so we haven't been back to see that house in years. My grandparents passed away two years ago and since they moved it was their biggest regret in selling it. My mum who lost both of her parents in the space of a month is always telling me she wishes she could buy it or at least walk through. Or even put some sort of plaque there stating he built it.

Basically my question is, would it be weird if I sent a letter to the home owners now with pictures of him building the house etc asking if we could just have a look through once more ?
I wanted to surprise my mum and organise it but before I do send them a letter I just wanted to know some opinions. Would you allow something like that or would you say no?

Thanks !

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Halo375 on 10/05/2017 - 15:13
    +6

    Personally I would allow something like that. Owning and living in a property is a bit like being a detective - you're always uncovering something new about the house's past (normally something expensive that you need to fix). I think it would be cool to talk to previous owners to understand how things came to be… I think a letter is a non-intrusive approach so give it a try.

  • danielagain on 10/05/2017 - 15:13
    +9

    Do it, the worst they can say is no.

    Maybe offer to bring lunch?

  • JimB on 10/05/2017 - 15:18
    +7

    Seems reasonable. I'd say yes.

    Just send a photo proving he built it with a letter explaining what you wish to do. Provide your contact details and leave it at that.

    If they call then good, if they don't, well let it rest.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/05/2017 - 15:19
    +2

    do it.
    worse they can say is no.
    but anyone with a heart will probably be nice about it.

  • mskeggs on 10/05/2017 - 15:45
    +6

    I let a young woman who used to live at my place have a look around one day when she knocked on the door.
    I was a little sketchy, as she was dressed in a punk t-shirt and emo make up, but then I looked pretty dumb when I was a teenager too.
    She said the woman we had bought it from had fostered her and her brother when she was little, and she had passed away a few years after we bought.

    She spent 10 mins looking in all the rooms, and got a bit misty eyed then politely left.
    My biggest concern was that it was washing day, and the lounge room was literally covered with piles of clothes waiting to be folded - it looked like crap.
    Later people at work assured me she and her boyfriend would be back to rip off my TV, but nothing bad ever happened.

    • Noragrets on 10/05/2017 - 16:12

      That's nice of you and reassuring for me! I have a whole photo album with pictures of my pop laying the bricks and the kids helping. I have no idea who lives there now but according to Google the owners have been there for 9 years.
      I'll send the letter over the weekend and hope for the best. I hope the new owners are as nice as you and allow us to have a look again :)

  • spacemansam on 10/05/2017 - 15:49
    +1

    My friends had a box left for them by the daughters of the previous owner, full of old pictures of the old house. They loved it!

    • Noragrets on 10/05/2017 - 16:08

      I have a whole photo album here that I'm thinking of getting copies off to give to the new owners. The house is very unique. It has bedrooms within bedrooms and is now worth well over a million dollars. The photos show my pop laying the bricks himself in his stubbies and singlet with the kids helping. I'm definitely going to send them a letter and cross my fingers!

  • try2bhelpful on 10/05/2017 - 16:30

    I would scan a few photos into a DVD and give it to them so they can see how the house was built. People like having the history of their place. We converted a warehouse in Fitzroy that was built in the 1920s and before that it was two victorian terraces. I would love some details on the history and pictures of what was there over the time period. However, given that period in Fitzory the only picture would probably be crime photos.

  • tsunamisurfer on 10/05/2017 - 16:42
    +1

    As a homeowner that takes security very seriously I would have to politely say no to such a request. The intention whilst good is unknown to the homeowner and it is a lot of ask of a homeowner to give strangers a tour through their house.

    As a person in the same position as the OP, 3 generations of a family unit treasured this house but it was bequeathed upon death and then suddenly sold by the beneficiary, I too would like to see it one more time before my time is up. So many treasured memories there. But I could not bring myself to go to the new owners with such a request, to me its too much of an intrusion.

    I wish the OP best of luck with this endeavour though.

  • edwardsajl on 10/05/2017 - 17:35

    no leave them alone. they sold for a reason. its not your house anymore. and if it were my home and you put a plaque up it would be immediately destroyed.

    • Euphemistic on 10/05/2017 - 18:27

      There is no harm in asking though. If there was a plaque surely it would be installed with the consent of the new owner.

      • mskeggs on 10/05/2017 - 18:39
        +2

        To be honest, I missed the suggestion of a plaque.
        I think that is a bit over the top.

  • jjjaar on 10/05/2017 - 17:39

    I think writing a letter and including some photos of your families time there would help reiterate that you're not going to rip them and you're not up to anything sketchy.

    Worst case, they throw it out and ignore you. Can't hurt to try.

  • PJC on 10/05/2017 - 17:42
    +1

    Proceed with the letter. We've let a previous owner's son visit our place. I pointed out to my wife where I lived my first 3 years and the current tenant invited us in to take a look.

  • Savas on 10/05/2017 - 18:35

    Go for it, OzBargain is behind you.

  • PVA on 10/05/2017 - 18:47

    do it. a letter and a few pics would make them know you arent just scoping the home.

    we left photos of our old queenslander being renovated etc when we sold it years later. who knows if they new owners liked it but it made my wife happy thinking something was passed on.

  • Stewardo on 10/05/2017 - 19:10

    I'd leave it alone, as warm hearted as the thought is, it's the people who you miss and memories are just that, going back may give some closure, but may also cause disappointment and sadness as things change. I've taken nostalgic trips around the world looking for my youth only to find if the people from that time are gone, the trip becomes a sad look at what was and is no more. Imagine if they gutted the inside, it's been 40 years, maybe they won't be nice people. Id just leave it as a fond memory.

  • CheapskateQueen on 10/05/2017 - 19:19

    Go for it!!

    Worst that can happen is they say no. But I'd let someone thru my house if i got a letter like that, especially if the family had built it. I think it's sweet!

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