Is it OK to ask the seller for additional photos and a revisit later on?

to_be_FTB

I am in a process of buying a house and I realised I can't quite remember a couple of things about the layout. In addition, the F&F says there is some built in furniture in one of the rooms that I did not pay much attention to as I didn't realise it was built in. Is it OK to ask the nicely seller if they were willing to provide few additional photos? None of these things really affect my decision to buy, they just would help me to plan ahead for the move/redecorations.
I would also like to view the property again at some point closer the completion - partly to figure out what needs doing before I were to move, partly for my own peace of mind, i.e. that I am not signing away all this money for something I can no longer remember! Would this be acceptable?
I am and FTB, and newish to UK, so I don't really know what is "normal" and what would be considered pestering - the process here seems very different (and so much longer to an impatient FTB!) than in other European countries...

Stubod

..don't see why not...

youth_leader

How long ago did you offer?  I had six months between viewing and completion and wish I'd asked to view again before exchange.  Melted the underneath of the kitchen cupboard with the toaster on my first night - I thought they were wood .  I'm sure your vendor will be amenable to a second viewing, and would allow you to take photographs.

daivid

Much better to ask than to regret not asking after you've purchased. If the seller isn't amenable to a request of a second viewing (given reasonable notice and flexibility of dates etc) then for me that would ring some alarm bells.

purplebutterfly

Definitely go for a second viewing with your own specific checklist ie counting plug sockets - and ask if you can take some photos yourself if you need to. 

Also, we are FTB and we are in constant direct contact with our vendors via text and phone.  They used an online EA so did their own viewings and we have agreed more or less everything between ourselves (due to the EA being useless and not passing on any messages etc). 
It has really really helped to have that direct contact so, if your vendor is amenable, try and see if you can speak to them personally about things.   Keep the EA and conveyancer informed of anything important but small queries are easier answered directly.  

We are so lucky in that our vendors are a lovely couple and we popped round for a quick second viewing then ended up sitting in the garden drinking tea for 3 hours and agreeing to buy their fridge 

This whole process is horribly stressful and you are handing over a HUGE amount of money so I can't see why any vendor wouldn't allow you a second viewing.  

eddddy

to_be_FTB said:

I would also like to view the property again at some point closer the completion

- Do you mean at some point before 'exchange of contracts'?
- Or do you mean at some point between 'exchange of contracts' and 'completion'?
- Or are you exchanging contracts and completing on the same day?

The sale/purchase becomes binding on 'exchange of contracts' - so you can't change your mind after that.

Estate Agents and sellers are normally very accommodating about allowing a further viewing or two before 'exchange of contracts' - because they want to 'keep you happy', and stop you walking away.

Between 'exchange of contracts' and 'completion' - some sellers are still accommodating, but others will say they're too busy packing, and they're less bothered about 'keeping you happy', because you can't walk away at this stage.

sw7

Agreed with others, presuming you are still before exchange.

Some sellers may panic that you are having second thoughts, but if it's been a long time then completely normal. We offered in November and had a repeat viewing last month where we literally measured everything. Our sellers were totally fine with it (although probably thought we were a bit over the top) but it's difficult to make any sort of plans when you aren't quite sure what the dimensions of certain things are.

LAD917

Usually not a problem, and commonplace in my transactions.  I've done this with all of my purchases, and my buyers have done it, too.  Depending on how long things take, I anticipate two visits, or even three.  Beyond three, I'd start to wonder.

Buyers asking to view again after offer can sometimes be a yellow/red flag, so I'd recommend making your intention clear.  E.g., "I'm planning to refurbish the bathroom.  Could I please come to take measurements and photos to help me plan?" or "Can I pop by with a builder to get an estimate at a mutually convenient time?"  It doesn't hurt to explicitly reiterate that you're committed to the sale.

If it has been awhile since my last visit, I ask to view the day before exchange to confirm condition - again, making my intention clear.  ("Can we do a quick 5-minute visit to confirm the property is still in the same condition?")

Lesson learned in my latest purchase (despite pre-exchange walk-through): if the sellers ask to remove anything that might create damage, I will ask them to do it prior to exchange or insist on a retention for damage.  I'm stuck with serious damage from someone badly removing a fireplace mantel, and a very subjective definition of what "make good" to the wall means.  The legal costs would be more than remedy, so I'm just going to eat it, but lesson learned....

Sunsaru

I had 6 or 7 viewings on my house before I bought it but it was empty from the 2nd one onwards. Roofer, plumber, decorator.... "To measure up for curtains". 

barbiedoll

I viewed my flat 3 times before completion, and we did the same when we bought our house. I can remember reading somewhere that people spend longer choosing an outfit for a night out, than they do looking at the house that they are planning on buying. Spending a few quid on an outfit that you might only wear once, compared to spending hundreds of thousands on a building that you'll be living in for years, it's ridiculous that we're supposed to make the right decision based on a half hour walk-around. I spend more time than that when buying a book!

Don't feel bad, or think that you're "pestering" the vendors, just because you want to go and have another look. Everyone should be checking what they're buying, and they should make sure that they view in daylight too. Lots of horrors can be carefully hidden by low lighting and strategically placed lamps, my parents only discovered that their front living-room had no ceiling light fitting after they moved in. They also didn't notice that the carpet was made up of several off-cuts, nor that the kitchen lino had been cut to fit around the appliances!

to_be_FTB

Great - thanks for the comments and advice everyone! Glad to know it's not uncommon! Part of me thinks I should just be patient, because it's not like I will buy any fittings before it's all binding, but it would be nice to do some informed browsing! 

I see why they might be more motivated before exchange! And yes, I also do not want the seller to think I am having second thoughts, so I will mention my specific questions. I would love to have direct contact details for them, but we have not been introduced...