House viewing - Vendor or EA?

shinytop

As per title, we are about to contact EAs to sell. What's the received wisdom regarding viewings - do it ourselves or go for a walk and let the EA do it? Personally we'd rather the EA did it but would DIY if that were the better choice. Don't know if it makes a difference but our house is quite unusual/unique. And because it's a relatively expensive house the EA is will be making a lot of commission - I'd like to see them doing something for their money.
thanks in advance

hazyjo

Advice will vary.

I prefer the vendor to show me round. Have nearly always found the EA to either know naff all, or not to want to commit to answering questions.

Most seem to prefer the EA.

Perhaps the vendor first, then the EA on a second viewing if you're interested so you can pick holes, talk down the price, and discuss things at the time more openly to each other (if in a couple or with someone else when viewing) before offering. I wouldn't do that in front of the vendor.

Jrose1927

Mixed reviews

Some people feel awkward viewing a house with the vendor in attendance, we did going to a viewing but soo. As we got there the vendor was laid back basically said view as you please take your time and just let us roam as we pleased.
We found it a great help with questions at the end as of course the vendor knew every answer as EA wouldn't

If you want to see EA make their money then you should let them do it, will they give money off if you do the viewings? If not theyll be even more money up

sgun

Depends on the EA. Our first one was awful and we had them doing the viewings. The garden was a really important part of the sale and most viewers were more interested in it than the house. Our EA just didnt get this and I had suspicions about the quality of the viewing, they seemed to be in and out in under 5 minutes (we hid and watched). Sent round a secret viewer friend and found out the EA wasn't even showing the garden except from the living room window! We fired them.

Next EA was really keen on the garden themselves. They had the house sold in 4 days at a higher price than it was listed with the first EA.

Damago

When we've been viewing I do sometimes feel awkward if it's the vendor showing us around, BUT like others have said it's much better to be able to ask questions directly and get more informed answers.

When our EA hasn't been available to show viewers around we have said we would do it - I introduce myself, point out the general direction of the rooms and then leave them to it and tell them to shout if they have any questions. If your EA is restricted with hours they might do this - or some estate agencies that we have tried to view houses through will only allow their agents to show around which is a real pain if they aren't open 7 days - we've ended up discounting properties because they've been really inflexible with viewing times.

Also I find most EA's really annoying and sales-y which could also be off-putting to buyers.

hb2

We sold our house (via Purple Bricks) 2 years ago and opted to do our own viewings. Our buyers said that they had preferred this as EAs often don't know answers to questions, or give duff information etc. TBH, I felt a bit awkward with some viewers but not with the people who bought.

davidmcn

The norm in Scotland is for owner-occupiers to do their own viewings. I'd consider it downright weird for them to be hiding round the corner while some clueless viewing person from the agency shows people round.

hazyjo

It seems to be regional too - we have had people from the Bristol area (at least I think it was around Bristol!) saying of course the EA does the viewings.

need_an_answer

If I had to give my preference,it would be the agent,although I can see why some would prefer the vendor.

I like to go into a property and find my own way round,I've been known to like to open windows and fitted cupboards essentially to see the size or that they function and sometimes this has caused "looks" from the vendor...I always ask first if they mind,hopefully they don't although I guess someone is hardly likely to say no...more just roll their eyes.

I ill say though that most of my purchases have been of a BTL nature in the past 6 years and sometimes I feel that a vendor can come across a little overbearing and want to tell you far too much information (nerves probably).
My most recent viewing for the purchase I am currently making involved the tenant and the agent OMG that was the viewing from hell..tenant tried every trick in the book to show the property in a bad light then started shouting at the agent ….I just got on with having a look but it wasn't the most pleasant 10 mins ive ever spent!


Agent everytime for me ...they stand in the corner of the room and just let me explore!

As a LL I wouldn't even contemplate doing viewings for prospective tenants,even though I probably am a very approachable person with knowledge of my properties...again its something best left to the agent,

Bacon_Sandwich

It depends on the vendor really, I think. If you're grumpy, aloof, or shy, or just don't like dealing with people, or don't like your house, then maybe let the agent handle it.
A vendor with intimate knowledge of the house, an honest enthusiasm for it, and a welcoming nature, will often be the best salesperson for it. We sold our house last year - 3 offers from 4 viewings despite some of the usual shortcomings that may put some buyers off. My better half is a real 'people person', very warm and charming; it was her genuine love for the house and openness and positive vibes that converted those viewings to offers, without any doubt.

cattie

I've always done my own viewings as I'm the one who knows the most about the property & surrounding area, so can answer any questions that may be asked by viewers & refer to all points that I consider favourable.

Most of my properties have achieved quick sales & I've never been sure if this is because of my input. But I'd say if you really don't fancy taking control of viewings in this way then let the ea take the reins.