What would you ask at a viewing when there're offers on the table?

Bookgal88

I'm viewing a property tomorrow. I just called the agent to double check the details, and he confirmed the viewing is going ahead, but he also said that there are 2 offers on the table. I've got a good feeling about the place, so as long as there's not something massively wrong with it that wasn't visible in the online listing, I'm pretty confident I'll be making an offer. 

My question is: what would you be asking the agents if they've already told you there are offers on the table? Can I enquire about the position of the people who have already put offers in to see if they're in a worse/same position as me and figure out what to offer from there? Should I ask at what price the vendors would take it off the market and stop viewings? I have an AIP, completed my own sale, conveyancer on stand-by and I'll really like to progress quickly and be in by the time the Stamp Duty holiday extension comes to an end so I feel like I'm in a strong position, and the property is currently vacant. 

All advice appreciated.  

eddddy

Bookgal88 said:

Should I ask at what price the vendors would take it off the market and stop viewings? 

Yep - that's certainly worth a try.

The EA shouldn't disclose the amount of other offers without the seller's consent, and then the EA should disclose all offers to everyone.

But FWIW, one EA essentially told me the best current offer, because I said

"If I offered £200k, is it likely to be accepted?" - the EA said "no"
"If I offered £210k, is it likely to be accepted?" - the EA said "no"
"If I offered £215k" is it likely to be accepted?" - the EA said "there's a good chance that would be accepted"


My offer was accepted (and info I found out later suggested that the EA wasn't misleading me). But I'm sure that not all EAs would be that forthcoming. But it's worth 'quizzing' the EA to see what insight you can get.


The EA wants the property sold so they get their fee. So it's not in their interests to risk 'scaring buyers away' by suggesting they have to make higher than necessary offers.

dimbo61

Now that the Stamp duty holiday has finished and hopefully things are maybe cooling down in the housing market you might find a suitable new home.
However that depends on where you want to live, the type of property your after and the local market at the moment ! 
How much you want somewhere and how much deposit you have will decide if you can afford and get a property.

mcpitman

dimbo61 said:

Now that the Stamp duty holiday has finished

It hasn't.

mcpitman

We did similar to eddddy, but also informed the EA of our position and ability to complete quickly.

That can override a financial decision sometimes for a couple of £'k

Bookgal88

Thanks @mcpitman and @eddddy. This has made me think that it's also probably worth understanding if the vendor is looking for a speedy-ish sale or not.