1st Viewing

martinsurrey

olias wrote: »

First few posts are bizzarre in my opinion - I have bought and sold numerous properties in my life and have never either not been there myself when selling, or not had the vendors there when buying.
I always want to be able to ask the vendors questions and would be annoyed if they weren't there to ask, as I would doubt an agent would know specific answers.

I always show viwers around myself, pointing out various things that they may not notice themselves (and the agents are unlikely to know or remember), like storage cupboards, additional power/bt/aerial points, alarm system, presence of loft ladder and boarded loft, location of the sun at various times of the day, questions about the make up of neighbours (ie are they families, retiries, young kids...) etc etc etc. I can also answer any questions they have. I then retire to somewhere like the lounge or kitchen and let the viewer have a second walk through on their own.

Olias

Exactly!

The number of viewings I’ve asked a question and the agent has straight faced said “Sorry I don’t know, this is the first time I’ve been to this house”.

Their information rarely extents from “this is the bathroom” or lies around how popular the house is “we’ve had people queuing up to buy the place, and sold the one across the road 2 weeks before we even marketed it”

I love having the vendor do a viewing (or at least be present) as you can get some real info, as long as they then back off and let us walk around alone to say what we really think to each other.

Dukesy

When we bought our current place, the EA asked us all about our position (and then actually checked with our EA that we did actually have a house on the market and that we were in negotiations with an FTB) when we called to book the viewing.

I think the vendor being present for viewings can be a good thing, but it depends upon the personality of the vendor. I conducted the viewings on our old house, and the FTB who bought it was very glad to have made our acquaintance. We were in very frequent contact with each other both throughout the sale process and after the sale, which made life much easier for both of us. However, we were selling my late grandfather's house at the same time, and that was terrible. It should have been a VERY attractive house and should have been easy to sell, but my dad conducted the earlier viewings and, I think, put people off. I was present for a couple of his viewings and it was almost cringeworthy. He banged on and on about his late parents and how they had had the house, how he thought it was perfect as it was (which was a complete lie - my dad's always hated that house and it was OBVIOUS that he was lying) etc etc. I don't think any of those viewers were able to form their own opinions of the place and I think this put them off. We had plenty of viewers, but no offers. Then, when my folks went on holiday, I took over the viewings and maybe I was just lucky, but the two sets of viewers I showed around both put in offers. I suspect it was largely that I didn't make a big thing of having a personal attachment to the place, and that I didn't try to influence their decisions and opinions.

I can say that I was very glad that the vendors didn't do the viewings on our current house, as we were able to prod and poke around it and do a much more in depth viewing than we would have felt comfortable doing around the deceased owner's sons.

donfanatico

Why don't you tell the agent to ask the potential buyer prior to viewing whether they would like you to be there or not?

lawriejones1

I hate having the vendor there, following me around for a first time viewing. When you're trying to imagine living there, it's tough having them around. It also means you can criticise there decor and have an honest discussion about the real issues in the house without having to pander to anyone's feelings.

The second time, perhaps.

If I had questions I'd clearly note them down and then send them to the estate agent to discuss with the seller. I'd then get written answers.

I've been followed by some strange people around houses. I was also nearly mauled by a dog...

highguyuk

It just shows everyone has a different opinion in life!

For us, we strongly dislike the vendors being there on the 1st viewing. Usually, because it becomes personal. Life stories, health issues etc that I really don't wish to hear! We'd rather have a look ourselves and if a 2nd viewing is required, then they be present.

It's so much nicer to walk around an empty house, work out where things are, talk openly with your OH about your thoughts etc.

Taff

Very interesting replies,

Think I will ask the agent to ask the potential buyer prior to viewing whether they would like you to be there or not as donfanatico sugguested. Cheers

Like the idea of being there for the second viewing if the oppertunity arises.

Cheers all, much appreciated

Riggster

It's difficult selling a house in the current economic climate. You need to do everything you can, this includes getting as many viewers through the door as possible. Politely show them around yourself and give your Estate Agent a key so they can do viewings when you're at work or otherwise unavailable.

Don't worry about their circumstances until you get an offer.

And you won't get an offer until you've got bodies through the door!

grifferz

wannahouse wrote: »

i would be uncomfortable to view a house with the vendor around...even if just at the beginning!
i want to see a house and walk in as i might if i were to own it, and i don't want to know anything about the vendor at this stage..it would really put me off!

I've viewed 8 houses since January and all but two had the vendors present for the viewings. The two that didn't were vacant rentals being disposed of. This is not a big sample so it could just be us, but I think you may have to get over your discomfort of being aware of a vendor.

It is a good idea to train yourself to see past the vendor anyway. Some vendors don't know how to de-clutter and so spoil otherwise lovely rooms by turning them into oppressive junk piles. Some vendors have awful taste in decor. Usually these things are either non-issues or easily fixed, but it seems many buyers are unnecessarily put off. If you are able to see past this sort of thing then you may be able to get yourself a bargain.

As a buyer I would rather that the vendor was present because it has been my experience that the EAs knew not even the most basic facts about the properties, not even things that were in the particulars. Even to the point of making things up just so that they didn't have to say "I don't know".

In one instance I asked what kind of heating system was in place, not really expecting an answer as that is perhaps a little intense for a first viewing, but the lady actually phoned her husband and gave the phone to me to ask him any questions I would like, which I thought was really nice.

On the other hand, we had to wait 10 days to view one place due to lack of availability on the part of the vendor. When I say I prefer the vendor being there, I don't prefer it to that extent!

hazyjo

Have noticed on here that it varies from area to area - eg people in Bristol and nearby seem to let the agent do the viewings. It's more common down south for the vendor to show people round.

I've found most vendors to be chatty, and you can glean more from the viewing. I've nearly always been rushed by estate agents, and you can't have a proper look.

More often than not, if the vendor shows you round, they'll ask if you want to have a look round on your own. Some EAs advise against it, but personally I think people can be too cautious and you have to go with your gut feeling. If they seem a bit 'dodgy'(!), or aren't in a position to buy yet, I probably wouldn't make the suggestion.

Pretty normal for EAs to have keys. I've occasionally done it, but only when living somewhere quiet where my cat can 'escape' without me panicking. One road I lived on was slightly busier and I'd not have wanted them out the front (had 2 cats then), especially as the house was terraced so they couldn't get into the garden easily.

Personally - I much prefer the vendor to show me around.

Jx