Properties sold, before able to view

David2710

GJB1954 said:

We have sold subject to STC. Looking to move / downsize . Area we are looking to move is around 3.5 hours drive from where we are now.
Registered with EA’s in area and also on right move for updates of properties. 

Due to OH having to go to hospital some weeks , fitting in viewings can be a problem. 

We are finding that shortlisting to view on a Sunday or before , to view the next week . Properties are when phoning EA’s sold . 

Any suggestions how to get around this ?

Having worked in the EA business back in the 90's I knew of some unscrupulous EA's who would advertise bogus properties for sale for the sole purpose of plastering SOLD stc boards throughout the region giving vendors and buyers the false impression the market was buoyant. When the boards went up, vendors were saying "this guy must be good let's get a valuation" and buyers were saying "we'd better make an offer real quick before it's snapped up". And unbelievably it worked, They fall for it hook lined and sinker every time. The next step would be to contact the Tory press and let them know how properties in this area were selling like hots cakes. And before you know it house prices are going through the roof. It's oldest trick in the book. The best way to sort the wheat from the chaff is to ask the EA for the house number and to knock on the door or leave a letter of interest. The same principle applies to a pyramid selling/Ponze scheme so caveat emptor.   

Weathergirl_76

I know it’s a pain, but depending on how many agents cover that area, could you ring them once a day, and check if they have any new instructions? That way, you won’t miss any, and can book to view the next day (assuming you can arrange that). 

GJB1954

Weathergirl_76 said:

I know it’s a pain, but depending on how many agents cover that area, could you ring them once a day, and check if they have any new instructions? That way, you won’t miss any, and can book to view the next day (assuming you can arrange that). 

Saw a bungalow from a EA that we were not registered with yesterday. Phoned and asked. But sold. Asked to be sent list etc of new if any they had, plus keep us updated.They sent list, saw another , phoned to view today. Again sold yesterday morning. We are now wondering if , due to being not local. EA’s put us bottom of mailing. Even though they know our house is STC. 

md258

The house that we bought was only on RM for a day or 2- we saw it about a week before it went on the market, liked (but not loved) it and so needed time to think about it. The listing went up on Friday, our second viewing was Saturday and we offered about half an hour after the second viewing. That was about the 4th house we'd seen before it went on RM- one I viewed was within 5 mins of the agent being instructed. At that point, we were probably about 2 weeks away from exchange on our sale so EAs knew we were very keen.

It sounds like you're not on the EA priority list for viewings, possibly because you're not local, possibly you're not able to view that day or possibly you're not pestering them enough.

Alan2020

There are a few possibilities:
1. The area is so popular people are buying without viewing. I had this experience firstly renting after weeks of having this happen, I told the EA to let me know which lets were going to come soon and without viewing agreed on one that was still being completed by the landlord. 

Same area houses sold without viewing, to be honest I was surprised then but thinking of it what is there to view if you know the area well and did your research.
2. You have annoyed the EAs by being a PITA and they have blacklisted you. I know of someone that no local trades/businesses would deal with because he complains about how they cheated him etc and most politely tell him they are sold out but one day someone laughed and told him never to expect a local business to deal with them. Viewings cost time and in popular areas with high demand people who have absurd complaints like the garage is too small or the fitted kitchen is not a fitted kitchen are politely told sorry we are sold out.

But one has to keep trying, good luck!

davilown

I feel for you op but this is just the way that house sales are going at the moment. There won’t be any special allowances because of an individual’s circumstances.

To be in with a chance you need to be able to view at very short notice but your current circumstances don’t allow this therefore you’ll continue to ‘miss out’.

As suggested before, your best bet is to move down and rent in the area you want to buy in for 6-12 months. 

Given that you’ve sold, you can transfer any medical treatment your partner is having to the new location, and get a much better understanding of the area you may, or may not, want to live in.

Don’t rush buying just because it’s the only one you can view. Also, don’t not view just because it’s been in the market a while - it may not be overpriced, just not suited to the majority and could be perfect for you.

getmore4less

If you can't get local to be there ready to view you may have to go back through all the properties that have stuck and see if there is anything you can work with.


If you have relatives in the areas get them on the case and doing viewing for you


If stuff is shifting quickly you need to present yourselves as being prepared to pay a premium to get higher up the pecking order.


if you have been viewing and then rejecting places you will go down the pecking order.


I remember now the washing machine thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6256339/fitted-kitchen-no-washing-machine/p1


wonder if you are presenting as a picky buyer  if the market is buoyant and offers are coming in 24/48 hours from early viewings they want someone that is going to go yes after walking through the door.


What's your target property and competition..

As a downsizer many are picky as they want it to be the last move so get it right.

if competing with those moving up, they can "that will do" we will be moving again anyway.

AdrianC

getmore4less said:

I remember now the washing machine thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6256339/fitted-kitchen-no-washing-machine/p1

wonder if you are presenting as a picky buyer

Suddenly, everything becomes clear.

thriftytracey

Could you think about moving to a less popular area?  What area of the country are you looking to relocate?

SDLT_Geek

Oh yes, the same OP as the washing machine thread!  Good spot!