Selling etiquette

Bonfire_Bride

You can do what you like. I always got the kids and dog together and went out for a walk. I have two very young children so always thought it would be best for them to be out. You can always "stay out of the way" if that's what you prefer but try not to hover.


We went to see one house and the vendor just followed us into every room smoking....not a great sales pitch to be honest.

ThemeOne

I think agents usually do what they can to ensure viewers aren't complete timewasters, but some will inevitably slip through the net. Some agency staff get a small payment per viewing, though, which must make them a bit less fussy.

Having sold earlier in the year, I found the main problem was buyers who had finance arranged "in principle" but were then unable to raise it in practice. Unfortunately I think it's to be expected in a market where prices are generally high, coupled with strict lending criteria.

ladymarmalade222

On another note I have just called to enquire about a property we had been looking at online. It is on with an online agent, what a long call, they were more interested in finding out what areas we liked how much we could borrow etc rather than arranging a viewing.

They then said they thought it was sold...oh no its not...vendor is abroad...struggle to get access etc etc

No wonder it's been on the market for nearly a year. The company seems so unorganised. I was looking at an online agent myself but the local one impressed me and seems very helpful.

I will wait and see

cloo

I'd actually allow anyone to view a place, as the more viewers, the more competition it looks like, the more people might be prepared to bid to get it because they'll consider it likely that there will be other bids. There's a difference in just going to see a place and leaving, and seeing other sets of other viewers going and coming before and after you.

Maybe encourage agents to block book a set of viewings or show people around at the same time so you're not put to the effort of having to tidy up every time?

AlexMac

ladymarmalade222 wrote: »

Thanks everybody....So overall sounds positive. I will farm my doggie off to my mums. Also the agent always shows viewers around which I found strange. Do I just hang about the garden? Thanks again
Xx

I always prefer to look round without the owner lurking around, so if others are like me, then perhaps wise not to intrude; or at least not to follow 'em round.

In fact, my wife also suggested I not be in the house for the only viewing it took to sell our last flat... intuitively the right advice, as I find it hard not to shut up... and it went to that first viewer; a mature single woman who probably empathised more with 'er indoors sitting serenely in a corner than she ever would have done with me clumping around!

DigForVictory

Plan the Open House, get everything right up to boss-visiting-clean (and pay someone if your health won't permit), then evacuate Everyone who does not add value (conceal as far as possible evidence of children & pets, ship any teenagers to another county) - one lovely cousin asked me to check which films were on at the local cinema, then arranged matters so husband and three children saw a film, had a burger lunch, went for a swim & cam to us for a huge family tea and all the board games we had complete.
They rolled back just before 10 to find mum barefoot on the sofa clutching a third glass of wine & generally reckoned they'd had the more fun day. She'd got two solid offers though, and we saw the children for another fearsome round of games on the day they moved.

Very best of luck!

ladymarmalade222

Quick update.

We have had 2 offers of asking price ( cash buyer who has asked us to break the chain) and possibly above the asking the agent has said. He will get back to us on Monday.

Just a bit stunned but happy.

We now need to decide if we can rent for 6 months to break the chain as the buyer is apparently desperate. It's difficult for me health wise but I know we should not look a gift horse in the mouth.

Is a cash buyer the best situation these days? I would be grateful for any thoughts.

Thanks for your help

Xx

Elfbert

I don't think a cash buyer is best if it means you're inconvenienced! Also, reading threads on here, some cash buyers aren't quite as cash-buyer-y as they seem, when it comes down to it! Some people seem to use it to mean 'we don't need a mortgage, but need to sell our property to get the cash' - which then doesn't always happen.

I'd wait and see what other people offer by Monday and take stock. Do you want to be spending out on rent and moving twice? Or are you happy being in a chain? Clearly if you already have 2 offers your property is desirable, so don't rush into a situation to make someone else happy if it's not good for you, too.

ladymarmalade222

Thanks Elberton.

I understand what you are saying.

I think we have a bit of a downer on our home. It is lovely inside but amongst the hustle and bustle and being ill has made me a bit noise averse so I was a gobsmacked it has sold so quickly.

Part of me thinks take the cash offer incase we don't get another offer but I am unsure if I can deal with moving into a rental. I know the lady does not need to sell.

We probably need to take stock over the weekend.

Anymore thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks for replying.

Xx

david_a

Congratulations on getting an offer.

Will your vendors consider breaking the chain and moving into rental?