Any tips when showing round buyers?

david29dpo

I always get viewers details but get them off the agent in advance.

madhouse

Thank you for all the replies, there are lots we hadn't thought of, although it seems mad security wasn't something we'd thought of as we live in such a quiet virtually crime free area. However, the estate agent did give us details about them and hubby has just turned up to help. I'll let you know how it goes!!

brightonman123

welcome them in, offer cup of tea/coffee etc. get rid of the clutter, and kids (but just for the viewing..!)

MrsManda

I wouldn't give my contact details to the person who's house I was viewing. Presumably the person who's viewing your house has had the appointment set up by your estate agent who will have these details.
My OH and I saw a few houses where the sellers showed us round because the EA couldn't make it. The best viewings we had were the ones where the seller gave us a quick tour then left us to have a wander ourselves because it is almost impossible to discuss the pros and cons of the house with the owner hovering nearby. Tidy any clutter away and keep out of the way of the viewers but let them know where you are for when they've finished/have questions. Clutter away means the rooms look bigger and if you're worried about thieves, hide things which are easily put under a coat/in a pocket away.

Plans_all_plans

googler wrote: »

If the agent who is unavailable for the viewing hasn't done so already, why shouldn't the owner/vendor ask who they are letting into their home, especially if they're going to be invited to walk around the house unaccompanied?

Basic security would seem to demand this, for a kickoff, never mind following-up for feedback later, which is what I would primarily want the details for.........

I can see your point, but if I was up to no good, you wouldn't be getting my real name and number, would you?! The agent cant even know the viewer is who they say they are. Unless you want the agent to CRB check your viewers, there is always going to be a small risk with viewings.

brightonman123

i would also have a word with your agent, to see why they arent bothering to come- commisison needs to be reduced!

madhouse

Well the viewing went well and they offered the full asking price there and then!! As they don't have a secured buyer at the moment we are still marketing it but it's a good start. Thanks again for all the advice.

Person_one

googler wrote: »

You're worried about giving your details out, but you expect to be allowed into someone else's house, and possibly left to wander around it on your own, without them knowing anything about you....?

Er, yes! That's how it works isn't it? Yes the risk is all on the seller's part initially but that changes along the way at various stages.

Buying and selling property comes with risks, one of the early ones as a seller is that you have to let strangers in your house.

Harry_Powell

Work out your sale pitch before hand, and try and finish with your best room so they leave with that room fresh in their mind. Address any negatives and try to turn them into positives. For example, if you live on a main road... "We love living on a main road because it's always gritted in winter and don't get any kids playing football or hanging around".

mufi

Harry_Powell wrote: »

and try and finish with your best room so they leave with that room fresh in their mind.

Two schools of thought on this one - mine is that I know after a couple of minutes if I'm interested in a property or not. Showing me the best room once I've made up my mind will make no difference - whether it would have made a difference if I'd seen it during those early crucial minutes is debatable, as everyone mistakenly (in my case) saves the best 'till last...