Visiting a house you are buying

Ithaca

We let our buyers have 5 viewings and three surveys on top of the mortgage valuation and homebuyers' survey. It was a FTB couple who were relying on three sets of parents for deposits (her mum & dad, his dad + second wife, and his mum + second husband). For various reasons linked to the blended families they didn't all want to be in the house at the same time but as they were all contributing they each felt they wanted to see where they were putting their money.

So that was four viewings plus the initial one with the EA, then each dad decided he wanted an extra check done - one for a damp survey, one to check the roof and electrics, and one sent his builder mate round for "a quick once over for any structural issues".

We'd already cleared out a lot of junk in preparation for moving so we were able to keep things reasonably tidy... fortunately they were all local (partly why we were keen to keep them as buyers) so it was fairly easy to arrange the viewings for when my family were out, but it did get to a point where were told the EA they'd seen enough (it was a two-up, two-down terrace so there wasn't an awful lot to "view"!).

Person_one

my parents haven't seen any of my properties until I had the keys and it was my home to show them round. At the moment, it's somebody else's home.

If you want to buy it just get on with buying it, the fun stuff comes after completion.

LittleMax

I remember asking and being turned down so we had to be content with peering through the downstairs windows, this was the days before internet pictures!

I don't see it as an unusual request and think most sellers will be expecting it. Most people have another viewing at some point to measure up and remind themselves of layout so that they can decide on furniture. If seller is tidying up for this it really will make little difference to them whether 2 of you visit or 6.

What I would avoid though is more then one extra visit. If any parent can't make the day you agree then tough, they will have to wait until you move in.

Davesnave

Occasionally, parents know a few things about property. Some of them are even smart enough to bite their tongues as well if there's nothing seriously amiss.

I'm grandad now, but I've had builders in my family all my life, whom I've 'dragged' (lovely phrase) around houses I've bought. I've never had a survey and never been surprised.

Two years ago, it was my turn to be dragged. As I lived 150 miles away, I wasn't present at the two previous viewings. Yes, I bit my tongue, but the survey I recommended for a specific reason came back fine.

As for inconveniencing the vendor, get real, you'll be inconvenienced plenty by that 25 year mortgage!

bellaboo86

How is the OPs age relevant? As first time buyers they want to take their parents for advice.
I was single when I bought my house and took my parents with me.
I was desperate to have my own home so i'm glad I took them with me. one of the houses I looked at was a repo. There was lots wrong with the house and on my own I would have under estimated the time and money it would have taken to do up to a reasonable standard.

Mossfarr

Our son and daughter-in-law asked us to view the house they were buying, they were so excited they wanted everyone to see it! But more importantly, we are experienced property managers so know what to look for. Their view was that they were spending a massive amount of money so wanted as much advice as possible before they committed.
The vendors were really lovely about it. They were proud of their house so didn't mind at all - provided we gave plenty of notice of course!
They were also delighted that their buyers were so excited to live there.

robatwork

If you've done 2 viewings yourselves then it's very reasonable.

If you've done 4 or 5 yourselves then not so much.

My logic is:
1 - initial "yes I can live here" feeling
2 - was 1 right? Yes, I can see myself living here. Look more into cupboard, boiler, maybe talk to neighbours, make offer
3 - measure up, still got that excited feeling
4 - Bring builder, parents, forgot to check loft space and ask about xxxxxx. Find something dodgy that reduces offer

Mossfarr

From some of the other threads I've read on here, buyers are wise to do several viewings and definitely view again just before you exchange contracts. An awful lot of things can change over a period of time particularly if your purchase has been a lengthy process.

silvercar

Quite often the bank of mum & dad are helping with the deposit. So to turn down their request to view something that they are investing a lot of money in seems churlish.

MidLifeMayhem

Last time I bought a house I was refused a further visit while waiting to exchange. The property was empty and I had wanted to gradually introduce the move to my young children. The purchase ended up taking 6 months due to problems with the title deeds and they still wouldn't let us in.