Meeting the seller after offer accepted

1122abc

I’ve had an offer accepted on a property and I’ve requested a second viewing. The viewing was initially arranged with the EA, but the seller has invited us over for a chat and to host the viewing themselves. I’ve not come across this before. Has anyone else done/heard of this and what are the benefits and the drawbacks?

Mark_d

Some people love their houses and like to know it's going to someone who will really appreciate it.  There are no drawbacks.  Your offer has been accepted an now it's up to the surveyors and your conveyancers to guide you.

RHemmings

This is a thread where, if you go ahead, I hope you post here how it went. 

Provided both of you are normal people, I would think it would be a good opportunity to meet. If either of you are not normal people then things could go badly indeed.

Newly_retired

Agreed.
I did this for second viewing. A very useful meeting. No drawbacks.

horsewithnoname

I met the buyer of my house and the seller of my current home. What problems did you imagine? I can’t think of any, unless you’re buying off Fred West or something similar?

eddddy

1122abc said:

I’ve had an offer accepted on a property and I’ve requested a second viewing. The viewing was initially arranged with the EA, but the seller has invited us over for a chat and to host the viewing themselves. I’ve not come across this before. Has anyone else done/heard of this and what are the benefits and the drawbacks?

Well weirdly...

One time, after I made an offer on a house, the estate agent phoned me to say that the sellers had invited me over for tea and a chat.  The estate agent wouldn't tell me why.

It turned out that they wanted to apologise to me 'face to face' for not accepting my offer, and accepting a higher offer from someone else.

I wondered if it was a tactic to get me to offer more, but they said they didn't want any more offers.  They said they just felt bad, because I seemed so nice!

(TBH, at the time I did think "Why didn't you just tell me that over the phone?")

Albermarle

1122abc said:

I’ve had an offer accepted on a property and I’ve requested a second viewing. The viewing was initially arranged with the EA, but the seller has invited us over for a chat and to host the viewing themselves. I’ve not come across this before. Has anyone else done/heard of this and what are the benefits and the drawbacks?

Should be fine and you might find some useful info, like when it is bin day and how the heating works etc.
Plus if they are thinking of leaving any stuff/furniture. Just do not turn your nose up if they say they are going to leave the 10 year old fake green leather sofa from DFS behind !

Hoenir

On a second viewing you'll notice far more detail. The owners are best placed to directly answer specific questions you may have. 

RHemmings

To address the 'there are no downsides' opinions, I personally don't feel that my sellers were normal people. When there were weird things happening I said to their EA that I could meet with them, but it had the potential to go very badly. They agreed, and it didn't happen. In hindsight, I feel that was definitely the right decision. 

MysteryMe

Granted things might be different now but I went on all viewings, including first, with the vendor present not an estate agent.  I'd much rather speak to the person who will know the information I want, which is not the EA. The chances of the vendor being the next Fred West are very slim and let's face it, there will be just as many odd buyers as sellers. 

Hoenir

First viewng much prefer someone not standing behind me providing a running commentary.  Visually I soon determine whether the property is of further interest or not.