Thanks for the replies.
First off, it is NOT the seller, it the agent that is telling me this.
We really like the house but there are some issues that need to be fixed before we put in an offer. We need to be able to get quotes for various things, this will have an direct impact on our final offer.
The builders report stated that the main Evaporative aircon unit was cactus and needs to be replaced.
I need to be able to have a look at it and get some details so I can get a cost to have it replaced.
The house has one Evaporative ducted aircon (cactus) one reverse cycle ducted aircon, 3 split system reverse cycle aircons and two electric HWS.
I need to be able to fit a 5KW solar system on the roof.
If this cannot be done then I need to look at other options, such as solar HWS etc.
I informed the owner right from the start, that I would not put in an offer until he had fixed what he had agreed to do. He was concerned that I would keep finding things for him to fix, but I assured him we are very serious about buying and I would not ask anymore more than has already been agreed.
I have spoken to the Real Estate Institute of WA and they find it a little bizarre that the agent is telling me this.
They said that because there is no formal offer in place I am free to inspect the property as many times as I want, providing the owner agrees.
They are going to contact the agent for me and will get back to me with a decision.
I did tell the agent that if I am unable to access the property I will withdraw and that is the end of it. I am paying $3,500 as a buyers agent fee, although I found the house on my own, they have merely contacted the owner on my behalf.
They have just conveyed my emails to the owner and attended the first inspection with us.
The kicker was, I asked if we could inspect the property again this Saturday and I was told no, she was busy, this is when she said we are not allowed to enter the property until 5 days prior to settlement. If I am paying a fee, as far as I am concerned she will do what we ask, as long as it is within reason of course.
We need to travel 6 hours there and back, she lives in a nearby country town and would travel maybe 1.5 hours there and back.
We engaged them because the owner is selling privately and we know absolutely nothing about purchasing a property. I thought it would save us a major headache.
It seems to me as though the agent wants the money but doesn't want to earn it, they seem to be pushing for me to make an offer ASAP so they can get their money.
I am bound by a contract, but I will be asking REIWA if I have grounds to cancel it. I might just deal with the buyer direct, but am unsure of how to put an offer in and the settlement process.