Vendor viewings - good or bad?

Sue_S

Hi, I've just had an estate agent around who's been telling me horror stories about online agents - no surprise there! Anyway, one of the things he said which I thought I'd check out is that viewers don't like being shown around by the vendor. Do you agree with this?

I can't imagine that it would make any difference to me at all, not something I've even thought about.

I'm tending towards going with Tepilo but the estate agent is a good, local company and he may get me a higher price (which would hopefully cover the 1% + VAT fee). Not sure how much negotiating Tepilo do, that's the next thing to check out... Any thoughts?

marksoton

Viewers opinions on that will probably be very mixed so what he says is not strictly true.

I have no idea about Tepilo or their negotiating skills but if it were me i'd have to say i'd prefer the local guy. But that's completely personal preference.

MrJB

I think the general consensus is that people opt for a local agent because they have a greater knowledge of the market and will probably have a more comprehensive list of suitable applicants. That said, I've heard horror stories of both conventional and online agents. The fee structures normally differ and the incentive for online agents is to get it sold, where as the incentive for conventional agents is to get the most money, and probably to some extent make sure you're happy as you may buy/sell from them in the future - they have more to lose if you tell your various friends that agent xyz was useless.

Person_one

Some people hate being shown around by the vendor, they feel under pressure, they feel they have to be complimentary etc etc.

Some people hate being shown around by the agent, they feel under pressure, its too much like a sales pitch, the agent doesn't know the place as well as the vendors and can't answer all the relevant questions.

Which is best for your property probably depends on which is the 'norm' for your area and your kind of place. Where I live its usual for the agent to show you around city centre flats but out in the suburbs you're far more likely to meet the vendor.

davidmcn

Sue_S wrote: »

one of the things he said which I thought I'd check out is that viewers don't like being shown around by the vendor. Do you agree with this?

It's the norm in Scotland (assuming the owner is currently occupying the property) and I'm not aware of people having a problem with that. At least the owner can answer questions, the viewing people sent by agents (often subcontracted) are generally pretty clueless and just there to unlock the door while you wander around (rarely had much of a sales pitch from any of them!).

firebird082

I would much rather be shown round by the vendor - you pick up so much more useful information! Estate agents at best are unable to answer any questions about the house, and at worst tell downright lies to cover up ignorance, and rush you round the house so fast you can't actually look at anything properly.

eddddy

It depends entirely on the vendor.

I've sometimes been subjected to streams of irrelevant, boring trivia from vendors - like a protracted demonstration of the special stick they use for opening the loft hatch (and promises that they will leave the special stick behind when they move).

And when I ask a question like "Have you any idea what might have caused that damp patch?" - they are affronted, and say "That's not damp! It's just where the plaster's gone a bit powdery!"

Dan-Dan

I advertised with House Network on Thursday , had two viewings in one day , conducted them myself (with my good lady wife) , took two offers the next day, near as dammit to AP

They seemed to like that they could ask anything they wanted and get the answers straight away

I must say though, its like having job interviews all day preparing for the viewings

Zeebs90

We did a full two days of viewings last weekend and I found the best ones to be when we were left to have a wander round ourselves (meaning there was no pressure or sales pitch) then the vendor being available at the end to answer any questions - however this was our personal preference and may not be the same for everyone!

alchemist.1

If it's fast moving market buyers will overcome being shown round by a vendor and therefore would make no difference and therefore would go with the online EA.

If it's a slow moving market then i can see the advantage of an EA with a list of people who are serious about buying in the area and could encourage them to view. In this case I would go with a high street EA.

Horses for courses.

kinger101

I always preferred the vendor viewings. Or estate agents who kept their gobs shut.