Buyer wants to meet us

Newly_retired

I met my vendor on my second viewing, after our offer had been accepted.
It was fixed with the EA, who turned up and stuck around for about 5 mins, then left me with the vendor so I could measure for curtains, alcoves etc. she was really helpful, and did some of the clambering around. We got on well, and when she moved she left various useful bits of info, but we have never invaded each other's privacy since.
Hope yours works out as well.

kinger101

You could always ask them to provide a meeting agenda. It might sound a bit anal, but that way at least you'll want to know whether they're talking about bins or price.

katejo

I met my last seller several times and would be automatically suspicious of a seller who was reluctant to meet me. I would assume that they had something to hide. In the case of my buyer, I was the one who initially showed her round the flat.

AdrianC

I _didn't_ meet the person who bought our old house from us. It felt, somehow... odd.

Old_Git

I bought my first house ,a repo so no previous owners to get involved .
Second house I didnt know until the viewing that I already knew the vendor from my school day .Met a few times as a few things cropped up on the survey .
Third house the agent didnt do the viewings .Vendors daughter did viewing and told me she owned it .It wasn't until I was signing the legal stuff that I found out her mother owned it.
Present house ,viewed twice ,never met the vendor ,I did meet his separated wife and daughter afterwards .

ethank

I'm sure the agent would be aware if it was about the price, they would want to do the negotiation.

poet123

whodathunkit wrote: »

Why would you?

Perhaps there are regional differences in custom and practice, but oop north if the house is occupied the vendors usually do the viewings. I have only been taken round by an EA if the house was empty. So, it very usual to meet the vendor here.

plumfin

I met our vendor who was most helpful. I mentioned a few things that were still in the house (it was empty) to see what was included, but nothing more than a few questions. He was very helpful on how the heating worked, how often they filled up the oil tank etc. I wouldn't be suspicious if the vendor didn't want to meet me - if you feel it might cause a problem, just tell the EA that you are busy that day, even working away.

Snakey

Everywhere I've bought has been empty and unfurnished and so meeting the legal owner (executors, absent landlord etc) would have been pointless.

I expect they want to know about the practicalities. For example, in my kitchen there is a switch and I have absolutely no idea what it does (nothing, as far as I can see... but then why is it there?). Had there been an owner-occupier vendor, they would have been able to tell me. It's little things like that which are not worth going through solicitors about.

The estate agent doesn't give a stuff because they just want you guys (both sides) to sign the contract already so they can get their cut. It's in their interest to have this thing go through, and of course they are acting for you and not the buyer so I doubt there's a conspiracy going on.

ETA: In London, estate agents do all the viewings. Normally the seller makes themself scarce - flats down here aren't that big and too many people cluttering the place up gives a bad impression. I viewed about two dozen places, and met only four sellers and one tenant in the process.

poet123

I am not sure why you are concerned by it OP. It is quite normal.