Viewing just before Exchange of contracts?

Amanda_Cm

We are first time buyers and we got our offer accepted 2 months ago. Waiting for the solicitors to do their job. Mortgage is in place, searches are done.[STRIKE][/STRIKE]
We had only one viewing of the house and made an offer because the property is easy to sell and we really liked it.
So our second offer was accepted as there was multiple offers just above the asking price.
My husband came back from work today and said he wants to have a second look. If I am honest can't remember lot of detail anyway. In the end of the day we are putting down our saving and over all is lots of money.
So do you think is ok to call the EA and ask for viewing? Can I say we want to take mesurements?
How many viewings you had in total?

Thrugelmir

Always more than one before making an offer. You notice a lot more detail on subsequent viewings.

Mickygg

Yes you can go back again. The seller will probably be nervous though.

In fact do go and look just before exchange so you can see what you are imminently going to buy. It is your responsibility to ensure the house is in a reasonable condition when contracts are exchanged. As much as you can anyway.

ashe

we had one before offering and one after offer accepted. we asked for the second viewing to be vendor led so they could talk us through the history of the property and any work to be aware of. It was good because EA told us one set of things 'the windows are all new' and vendor told us 10 years old! They do look brand new though, but shows its good to have the buyer give you the detail that they are close to.

JoJo1978

We saw ours after making an offer and before exchange, to take measurements once and then again to get demos from the vendors how things worked. We had already seen it twice before making an offer though so weren't looking around critically or to gather details. You may spook the vendor if they get a sense you're having second thoughts, but it's a good idea before committing

Murphybear

We bought a bungalow a few years ago from an elderly couple who couldn’t manage the glorious garden. We went back to measure up and visited 3 times for tea and cake. I still miss that bungalow but unfortunately it wouldn’t fit on the removal lorry when we moved from Northants to Devon :rotfl:

saajan_12

You should always view just before exchange, as you're signing a contract to buy a property in broadly the same condition as it was at exchange. If since the offer there's been an alteration and you don't see it but agree to purchase anyway, you won't have any comeback. If you do see it, you have the chance to pull out / renegotiate. If the change is after exchange, you may be able to claim on your insurance / from the vendor.

vicki2221

Yes it will be fine to ask the EA to view it to "take measurements so you can start to order your furniture". That's perfectly reasonable, especially as you only saw it once. I did that recently, because I missed the house we're buying so much and just wanted to see it again and try and take in much more smaller details than I did on the previous viewing. I also recommend taking as many photos as you can, if the owner doesn't mind. I took dozens and I am constantly gazing at them to remind myself of little things.

Surrey_EA

I think it's actually a good idea, but be prepared for the seller to become very nervous and develop fears that you are considering pulling out.

Smodlet

I think you would be crazy to buy a house you have seen only once. Anyone serious about selling is going to make an effort to present their property in the best possible light for viewers. They may not have the time to make everything pristine for a second viewing out of the blue and you need to see it "warts and all" to be sure it is the one for you before it is too late to change your minds.

I would go back and go over it with a fine-toothed comb, myself. Maybe that nice rug they are taking with them has been moved and is no longer hiding that hideous stain on the carpet, for instance. Maybe the picture that was hiding the damp patch has already been packed.

Presumably the vendor is also a buyer so they should understand how you feel. If they appear nervous or ask if you are having second thoughts, just tell them the truth: You have seen it only once, quite a while ago and want to remind yourself just how wonderful it is, the better to enjoy the anticipation.

Very few house buyers move into a property and find no issues at all. Better to find as many as you can before you get to that stage so you can at least be prepared and budget for any work that needs doing. Good luck.

martinsurrey

Surrey_EA wrote: »

I think it's actually a good idea, but be prepared for the seller to become very nervous and develop fears that you are considering pulling out.

only the case if they appear nervous,

a simple call to the EA along the lines of

"we're super excited to move in, the solicitor has recommended that we view just before exchange just to check condition, you know the usual legal rear covering, and we can measure up for our furniture. We dont want to hold up the process so can you organise ASAP"

nothing strange or worrying at all.