Viewings without Estate Agents

witchy1066

if I was interested in buying a house I would want to know....

how much is the council tax and water rates ? and approximate gas electricity yearly, are things you could have to hand , just in case they ask,

phoebe1989seb

I agree with the poster that advised not to say too much - in 2007 I remember we viewed a house where the vendors were conducting the viewing and almost immediately we'd stepped through the door the lady started showing us the family photos dotted around on the sideboard etc......she then proceeded to produce a glossy magazine from a drawer that contained pics of their daughter's recent wedding .........like we were interested in that, LOL!

Her poor OH looked embarrassed at her over the top chattiness and barely said a word the whole time. We did actually love the house and would have offered, but a few days later our buyer pulled out and by the time we'd secured another that house was SSTC.

tuftyclub

I'd certainly give the viewer a bit of space,I was really put off at a second viewing when the owner followed me around. Unfortunately it made the rooms seem so much smaller and I didn't offer. Might be wise to keep family/pets away etc too, Just makes places feel very crowded.

go_cat

Don't forget the average viewing takes around 10-15 mins so its not worth getting stressed over

Good luck

Riggster

K1RST1E wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your advice. I really appreciate it and it's certainly helped me understand what is expected of us tomorrow.

<-- This is a relief!! I have an almost 1 year old and can only limit the amount of toys in the living to a degree

I have to say I disagree with this! If you were selling your car you'd wash it and clean the interior. The first viewing a vendor makes is your one time to make a big impression. If your house is all clean and tidy, people will be more inclined to like it. We got ourselves into a 30 minute synchronised routine where we could Hoover, dust, wipe and tidy the entire house before a viewing.

I can understand that's difficult with a baby's toys, but why not scoop the majority up and hide them in your car? We hid the ironing basket in the car boot and general stuff in the washing machine just before a viewing...

DRP

Riggster wrote: »

I have to say I disagree with this! If you were selling your car you'd wash it and clean the interior. The first viewing a vendor makes is your one time to make a big impression. If your house is all clean and tidy, people will be more inclined to like it. We got ourselves into a 30 minute synchronised routine where we could Hoover, dust, wipe and tidy the entire house before a viewing.

I can understand that's difficult with a baby's toys, but why not scoop the majority up and hide them in your car? We hid the ironing basket in the car boot and general stuff in the washing machine just before a viewing...

agree with this.


it just makes sense top maximise your chances.

katejo

When I sold my flat , I showed several viewers round including the eventual buyer . I somehow sensed whether they seemed keen and so went into more detail with my answers . It is better to let the buyer look around a bit on his / her own or with partner . They can then chat/ make observations without appearing rude.

Better_Days

Re presentation - if you leave out toys and clutter it looks like you don't have enough storage space. Present the property as best as you possibly can, despite the inconvenience. If you really don't have the space then sling it all in a plastic dustbin bag or storage box and put it in the boot of your car. We did this for the dog and cat beds for every viewing and took out all evidence of pets.

Re viewings - agree with previous posters - give useful, positive info, but don't overload. A couple of vendors that have showed me round properties pointed out negatives that I might not have noticed otherwise. Yesterday we viewed a property where the vendor began the viewing by saying he had put the garage in the wrong place. It was fine as far as I was concerned, but it unfortunately started the viewing on a negative note. Make sure you know things like when the windows were replaced, boiler installed/serviced, council tax band etc.

Take the lead from the viewers. An EA showed me round a property recently and she was going on about me being able to get out to the local coffee shop in my wheelchair, and that I had to maintain my independence and get out and socialise. But actually she was talking about what she would like to do. She totally failed to pick up that I was much more interested in the garden as that would be my outlook for 90% of the time. So there is no point in you emphasising the children's play area nearby, and the family with 4 kids next door, if your viewers don't have children and want a quiet life.

twink22

K1RST1E wrote: »

I have an almost 1 year old and can only limit the amount of toys in the living to a degree

At least your 1year old wont put buyers off with 'helpful' advice, one veiwing we went to we had the vendors child follow us round every room, when we asked a question about parking the vendor said they had no issues with it, helpful little jimmy butted in 'but dad you're always moaning about Jackie down the road blocking the drive' thanks kid!

TeamLowe

Guest101 wrote: »

Try to keep conversation going, for example if you have kids, say we'e used this as the kids room, or this is where we keep the kids toys, it helps buyers picture their own kids in the scenario.

You can also ask question, like are you currently selling etc.

Don't be intrusive, just go along with the conversation.

Although, check if they have kids too! we had a viewing where we was asked and we said no, no kids, and they proceeded to say 'this is where the kids toys are kept, this is good for the kids etc etc' which whilst good information for the future didn't help us picture us as a couple in the house.

the lady who showed me the secret cupboard where she kept her handbag collection however, very helpful :rotfl: