What expectations do estate agents have of someone asking for a viewing?

RHemmings

Noneforit999 said:

The house we have for example is a 3 bed semi but two of the bedrooms are 6m x 3m so fairly large.

It was owned by my Wifes gran and when she passes away, they had it valued for probate. All three EA came out expecting a standard 3 bed semi for £375k which was the area average. They didn't factor in the room sizes, the internal garage as well as external garage and several other things so probate valuation was £425k-£450k.

When we were looking at 4 bed houses before we bought this one, lots of them had two doubles and two singles despite being 4 bedroom where as others had 4 double rooms. Personally I think all room sizes should be in the adverts

I'm pretty sure the master bedroom (of this rented home) that I'm in now is 6m x 3m. It is very large to my eyes, and has a full wall (minus bay window) set of fitted wardrobes. I've got lots fitted into the room, and still there is space. But, I think my life would be better if I had less junk and a house that is easier to heat than this leaky monstrosity.

At work I had to downsize from a communal office with large amounts of space and storage, to a small individual office. I disposed of more stuff than I took with me. The new office is now all neat and tidy (except what is inside the single cupboard where the doors shut), and it's such a better environment. I want to attempt the same at home. 

Silvertabby

RHemmings said:

Silvertabby said:

When we were house hunting some years ago we saw a couple of properties in an estate agents window that looked promising, and popped in to request viewings.

All seemed to be going well until the EA asked how far along we were in selling our existing property, and we said that we were in rented/Armed Forces married quarters.

She immediately seemed to go cold on us, said that both vendors were currently on holiday so she would have to get back to us.  She never did.  It may be that she thought that first time buyers wouldn't seriously be looking at 4 bed detacheds, or maybe she just didn't like the Armed Forces.....

There's one house where I've asked for a viewing three times now. I get told that there will be no problem organising a viewing, but they have to ask the tenants. Then, I hear nothing. I'm assured that there is no problem getting a viewing, but then it never happens. The third time only started recently, so I'm going to give them a few more days and then ask again. My wild guess is that they're asking the tenants, the tenants don't get back to them, and then they forget about it. 

(I've seen the advice in this forum in general to not spend any money on a property until the tenants are out of the property.)

It's odd that the EA went cold on you. I keep getting told how much vendors and EAs like FTBs because they don't make chains any worse. If I don't buy a property now, then in some months my budget will expand. And, I would easily be able to buy a four bed detached. Though, I'm not sure I need one. 

Both properties were owner occupied.  In fact, one of the houses was owned by a RAF chap who was selling because he was being posted to another unit.

He came into my office to start his pre-clearance, and mentioned that he was getting worried about selling his house.  It didn't take long to work out that his was one of the houses we had asked to view, but to no avail.  To cut a long story short, he hadn't been on holiday at the time of our enquiry, and so was not best pleased with his EA.....

He tried to get us to view that night, but by then we were in the process of buying our new build.  The sales rep on our estate didn't have any problems with first time buyers/RAF buying a 4 bed detached.....in fact, once she knew that we were in rented and so could definitely complete by X date she said that we were her perfect customers.

ADD.  Although there has only ever been the two of us (plus cat) our 4 bed house has never been too big.  30 years later, we are still here - master suite, guest bedroom, study and hobby room.  And downstairs living space is bigger too.  

RHemmings

Silvertabby said:

Both properties were owner occupied.  In fact, one of the houses was owned by a RAF chap who was selling because he was being posted to another unit.

He came into my office to start his pre-clearance, and mentioned that he was getting worried about selling his house.  It didn't take long to work out that his was one of the houses we had asked to view, but to no avail.  To cut a long story short, he hadn't been on holiday at the time of our enquiry, and so was not best pleased with his EA.....

He tried to get us to view that night, but by then we were in the process of buying our new build.  The sales rep on our estate didn't have any problems with first time buyers/RAF buying a 4 bed detached.....in fact, once she knew that we were in rented and so could definitely complete by X date she said that we were her perfect customers.

There are several houses where I have asked for viewings and they haven't happened, and the houses are still for sale. I wonder if the owners know I've been stymied in terms of viewings and what they would think. But, I'm not going to do anything like sending the owner a letter or anything. No stirring of the pot. I do notice that the house I've had three attempts to view had its price reduced between the 2nd and 3rd attempt. 

Grizebeck

You do seem some what fixated on this. Sorry to say.....

RHemmings

Grizebeck said:

You do seem some what fixated on this. Sorry to say.....

If you mean me (quoting helps), I'm not sure what you mean. I'm not really all that worried, more bemused. 

If you mean the thread in general, then I was thinking this morning that it is amazing it got to five pages. But, people keep on raising interesting and useful points. So, I'm not complaining.

MultiFuelBurner

Grizebeck said:

You do seem some what fixated on this. Sorry to say.....

Maybe obsessed to the point of "never will buy"

Reminds me of tiger and Miranda on here lots and lots of endless what this/what that/how/if questions but never really any further forward.

RHemmings

MultiFuelBurner said:

Maybe obsessed to the point of "never will buy"

Reminds me of tiger and Miranda on here lots and lots of endless what this/what that/how/if questions but never really any further forward.

Well, you will find out about me being a 'never will buy' or not. I'll promise that one.