Viewer wants to meet us, is this strange?

first78

Peterxxxx wrote: »

Easier said than done, but I would say relax and don't be desperate to sell - think of it in terms of him being lucky to be buying your house (and he obviously does like it...) and just be honest about everything -- I'm much more inclined to trust someone who tells the truth about little things and I'm sure he will be too (though no need to detail them all for him if they don't arise!).

Thanks. I'm trying so hard not to get my hopes up, honestly this house selling business is a stressful game.

My partner got a new job in April and has been working away since then, only coming home on Friday night and gone again on Sunday afternoon. I've just been made redundant from my job and am now in a position where I don't feel I can get a permanent job where we are because as soon as we sell the house I'll be gone. Nor can I get a job in the area we're relocating to because it's too far to commute (90 miles each way). I feel we need to sell the house so we can move on and get settled.

maninthestreet

Make it clear to viewer when you meet him that you will not negotiate on price directly with him, all such negotiations shoukld be done via your EA.

Peterxxxx

"Personally, I would always prefer to be shown around a house by the owner/s,"

me too, rosyw -- and in general, my philosophy is happy owner = happy house. Naturally, this rather fuzzy philosophy should not replace common sense.

Running_On_Empty

Answer his questions honestly but no need at all to point out the niggly problems with the house that you have mentioned here.
All properties have some problems. Nowhere is perfect.
I would also prefer to meet with the seller.
He may want to know about the local schools, what the neighbours are like, how much are the utility bills.
Chill out, if you come over as stressed he will pick up on it and wonder why.
Best advice: don't chatter on mindlessly to fill in the gaps in the conversation. Viewing a property can result in information overload and result is confusion. Offer to go outside and leave him to wander around on his own for ten minutes. Keep your handbag in view or have it with you outside!
It's very positive that he wants a second viewing.
Hope you sell.

first78

Running_On_Empty wrote: »

Answer his questions honestly but no need at all to point out the niggly problems with the house that you have mentioned here.
All properties have some problems. Nowhere is perfect.
I would also prefer to meet with the seller.
He may want to know about the local schools, what the neighbours are like, how much are the utility bills.
Chill out, if you come over as stressed he will pick up on it and wonder why.
Best advice: don't chatter on mindlessly to fill in the gaps in the conversation. Viewing a property can result in information overload and result is confusion. Offer to go outside and leave him to wander around on his own for ten minutes. Keep your handbag in view or have it with you outside!
It's very positive that he wants a second viewing.
Hope you sell.

Thanks for your advice, it is very much appreciated and I'll do my best to calm down and appear less neurotic and desperate than I feel!! :beer:

azkaban420

Hi first78,

I too, would take a viewer wanting to come and see me in person as postive. He's obviously interested, or he wouldn't bother coming back. You've got some great advice above already, and I would just re-iterate - yes, be honest, if asked about stuff. No need to give him a long list of 'problems' unless he asks for specifics. Everyone knows when buying a house, things won't be perfect. He can get a structural survey done to find out details of the house if he wants.

I personally wouldn't mind negotiating price directly with the buyer, but if you don't feel that confident, just decline politely and ask him to speak to the EA, although if you're happy to negotiate on the price, do let him know you're 'open to offers', so that he can put any forward to the EA.

Be welcoming, be informative, and try to enjoy this opportunity to show your house in it's best light without the EA badgering the both of you

Good luck, hope something comes of it

Az

lindos90

Really sounds like they want a 'second viewing' and are just wanting you there this time, rather than the EA. Perhaps to fill them in on questions and details that the EA can not answer.

Second viewings are quite common, and means a viewer is quite interested, perhaps wanting to know more details, or shortlisting from others they have viewed...its a good sign:T

Dont worry too much about it, welcome them in, ask them if theres something they particlarly wanted to have another look at, rather than 'so what do you want to know?', and as others have said, dont negotiate about the price with them directly.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!:beer:

pinkteapot

I wouldn't buy without meeting the vendor. I like to meet them to suss out why they're moving, how serious they are (i.e. how committed they'll be to the sale), how quickly they want the process to go through. Basically whether they're on the ball or not.

It's also nice to ask about neighbours, local area etc. EAs just blag this stuff.

I doubt the viewer will start making offers. Most people know that negotiation is done via the EA. When I sold, my buyer did make me an offer on his second viewing and I just said I'd come back to him via the EA.

mrstinchcombe

Remember if he likes the property cut out the EA and their fees altogether and go directly with him. Tell the EA you found a buyer by other means and save 2% on the sale price.

lindos90

mrstinchcombe wrote: »

Remember if he likes the property cut out the EA and their fees altogether and go directly with him. Tell the EA you found a buyer by other means and save 2% on the sale price.

If only it were that easy! But the OP will have a contract with the EA, which is likely to cover this.