House Viewing -AWKWARD!!

TBagpuss

Crumble2018 wrote: »

I have never NOT been shown around by the vendor! Surely it's standard unless the property is already empty??

No, the standard is that the agents do it - it's normally part of their jobn. However, I think with cheap and online agetns it's become more common for vendors to do it themselcves.

It is much more awkward and I always much prefer to have an agent do the viewing if I am looking to buy.

I think it can be useful for the vendor to be there if you want a second viewing with a view to making an offer, as they have more knowledge about the property to answer any questions.

OP, I think you would be dine to ask the agen whether they can arrnage another viewing with them rather than the vendors, but you can't force it!

AdrianC

I've viewed properties shown around by the EA, and shown around by the owners.
I've had viewings of my property with the EA showing them around, and showing them round myself.

There is no "standard". Some vendors are odd people, some aren't. You aren't auditioning to be their friend, nor they yours.

Crumble2018

TBagpuss wrote: »

No, the standard is that the agents do it - it's normally part of their jobn. However, I think with cheap and online agetns it's become more common for vendors to do it themselcves.

I have both bought and rented, and not once have I ever been shown around by an agent, apart from where the property was empty. I have honestly never heard of anyone else I know being shown around by an agent either. When we sold our house, the agent never even mentioned it being an option that we didn't show vendors around ourselves.



Maybe this is a regional thing as started above?

Halfie

We showed round a couple of viewers when we were selling and actually, we showed round the people whose offer we are currently proceeding with (hoping to complete soon!). But it's not something we enjoyed doing and we've both worked in sales. A house is a personal thing and you put a lot of blood sweat and tears into making it a home. It's sometimes hard to be impartial as the vendor when showing people around I think because the things we love (and assume everyone else will) are perhaps not what we should have focussed on.

Ask the EA for a second viewing and explain that you want to really check out the house so would prefer the vendors be out for an hour whilst you view. Our agents actually recommended we went out for viewings, but mostly we stayed in the garden as wanted to be on hand for questions the agents just wouldn't know. Good luck!

eddddy

Is it a 'traditional' EA who gets paid on completion?

If so, I'd be tempted to to explain the issue to the EA. An experienced EA will have come across this problem dozens of times, and might come up with a strategy to deal with it.


FWIW, on one occasion an EA tactfully persuaded a seller to take his dog for a walk, whilst the EA took me round to check some things on a 3rd viewing - because things were getting 'difficult'.

scottishblondie

davidmcn wrote: »

From previous discussions here it seems to a large extent to be a regional thing - it's certainly the norm in Scotland for owner-occupiers to do viewings (unless it's a time they can't manage), and would be downright weird for a buyer to ask for anything else. Think the OP just needs to be brave enough to nose around as they wish. If of course the sellers are actually preventing them from doing so, beware!

I was going to say this - all of the EAs we had round charged extra for them to do the viewings, and all the houses we viewed were shown by the owners. Personally, I think it's better to be shown by the owner anyway as they can answer any questions. When I showed folk round I would take them through the downstairs, then the upstairs and then leave them up there to nosy round and make their way down.

hazyjo

I'd prob say a good 80% of viewings I've had have been by the owner, and I've prob shown 90-odd% of buyers round my property.


You mentioned wardrobes above - I'd save that for a second viewing (unless only planning on doing one viewing). Head off after, have a good think about if it's one you would consider buying, then go back for a more thorough look round. I'd also check things like water pressure, flush all loos, open windows, check out fitted furniture (ignore non-fitted! I can't tell you the amount of people who opened non-fitted furniture which really winds me up lol!) and look for any water marks/leaks, etc.

ACG

Haha, I have been on both sides of this as a buyer and seller.
As a buyer, you are thinking just give me 5 minutes to take a look in peace I cant look and talk.
As a seller you are thinking I just have to stand in a different room and it is really awkward.

It is what it is, just ask the question and obviously explain why, they will either take exception or fully understand. You would like to think they will understand and if nothing else, learn from it for future viewings.

[Deleted User]

amieloustew wrote: »

I may try to go back with my mum or my partners mum and from the outset say we would like to have a nosey alone.

This is a good idea if you're younger and maybe a bit lacking in confidence. If not just having a second opinion from someone who is not emotionally attached to the house is always beneficial. They might spot things that you aren't seeing.

We were all first time buyers once. I didn't have a clue what to look out for or ask when viewing. This forum is a great place for advice on things like that

pinkteapot

TBagpuss wrote: »

No, the standard is that the agents do it - it's normally part of their jobn. However, I think with cheap and online agetns it's become more common for vendors to do it themselcves.

I've moved a handful of times over the last 15 years and I've always been shown round by vendors, and showed buyers round myself. And all purchases/sales have been through high street EAs.

When I do viewings I show the buyers round the house, then let them have a second wander round by themselves. That's the only awkward part because you end up sat on the sofa or at the dining table pretending to read a magazine. :rotfl:

I tell a lie actually - we viewed one house a few years ago where the EA did the viewing. It was completely useless as they didn't know anything about the house!