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AIBU?

AIBU 2nd House Viewing Troubles

60 replies

kellyb220982 · 29/05/2016 11:58

AIBU to expect there wouldn't be a 1st viewing same time as our 2nd or that we should at least have been warned and do I complain?

We viewed a house 2 weeks ago for the first time and were lucky enough to be shown round by the vendor. He was really helpful, explained the history, how it had been a rental, suggested work he'd do if living there etc and at the end of the viewing said he'd happily let the EA pass his number on if we wanted to view again and have him there.

When we gave the EA feedback the next day (Tue) we explained we were interested but had an app at bank that Friday to discuss our mortgage options (the house needs quite a bit of work) so could we ring back re a second viewing after that. The EA didn't push to book a second viewing which I thought odd when vendor said been little interest. Ring back straight after bank and couldn't get an viewing until the following weekend which was disappointing, EA couldn't reach vendor and they assume people can view during day and don't have work?!?

Anyway we turned up to second viewing armed with questions, tape measure etc and 5 minutes in another couple turn up to have a first viewing at the same time!! AIBU to think this is out of order?? The EA at the viewing also offered no help what so ever, stood downstairs the whole time, couldn't answer any questions and made it very obvious he wanted to get the viewings over with asap. The only time he spoke was to tell us while we were in the garden that he'd locked the front door because he assumed we'd done inside.

We were thinking of putting an offer in but felt so rushed and put off by the other viewers we only checked half of the things they suggest for a second viewing. Now it's BH the EA isn't open until Tues and I'm worried we might not get a 3rd viewing for any time soon. I'm also left wondering whether I should complain to the EA or whether this would damage our chances of getting the house if other offers come in. Any advice????

OP posts:
newtscamander · 29/05/2016 12:03

You ate being unreasonable about sharing viewing slots - you don't own the house, other people can view it, and if the agent has to double up viewings to fit everyone in and the vendor doesn't mind then tough shit.

As regards not being able to view sooner - why should the agents work every evening as well as all day just to cater to people who may or may not buy the house? Sounds to me like the guy this weekend is an accompanied viewer. He is there purely to let people in and ensure the house is cared for. He shouldn't have to answer your questions, that's what the agents in the office are for.

newtscamander · 29/05/2016 12:04

You're complaining the agent didn't push you to book another viewing. Wtf? If the agent HAD pushed you would have whinged about them being too in your face!

newtscamander · 29/05/2016 12:06

AND you're already worrying about a third viewing, when you haven't even tried to book it yet! You need to tell them when you ring I need an hour to do measurements and make notes. After that, I will make an offer. Then they know you aren't just there for the usual 15 minute look round.

Mottled · 29/05/2016 12:08

I would book another viewing as it sounds like you are interested, unfortunately there are plenty of awful EA out there.

newtscamander · 29/05/2016 12:09

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BeautifulMaudOHara · 29/05/2016 12:13

YABU - why shouldn't people look around at the same time as you? You haven't even offered.

curren · 29/05/2016 12:21

Yabu, why do you think no one else should be able to look around while you are there?

curren · 29/05/2016 12:22

And what you measuring?

kellyb220982 · 29/05/2016 12:27

Thanks for all the brutal replies, I'll give my head a shake!! I just thought it would have been polite to let us know somebody else would be viewing at same time but sounds like I'm wrong. Just to explain I am a serious buyer and I'd made it clear we were def interested and were seriously thinking of offering but wanted a second viewing to look at the property in more detail, check things worked etc. All those things any advice on 2nd viewings tell us!! The EA couldn't even turn the boiler on and didn't have keys for all the doors/windows.

OP posts:
ThatsMyStapler · 29/05/2016 12:28

in the kindest of ways, you havent put in an offer, the house is still up for sale.

(we only viewed both of our houses -one at a time- once and offered virtually on the spot)

BeautifulMaudOHara · 29/05/2016 12:29

One estate agent said to me "you're not first time buyers are you?" With a concerned look on his face. He was relieved when I said not, he said they're a pain from an EA PoV as they need lots of hand holding. Remember he's acting for the vendors not you.

TondelayaDellaVentamiglia · 29/05/2016 12:30

ime the more viewings people want the more likely they are to be timewasters.

Birdsgottafly · 29/05/2016 12:31

""We were thinking of putting an offer in but felt so rushed and put off by the other viewers we only checked half of the things they suggest for a second viewing.""

You've got to learn how to control how you react to unexpected situations.

YABU, to expect them to hold off other viewings.

As said, when you get back in touch, make it clear there's there's a few points that you need to check on and if they are to your satisfaction, then you'll make an offer, so that they know, you aren't just pissing about.

Surely you'll be getting a Surveyor in and the Vendor, themselves gave more information than a EA could?

curren · 29/05/2016 12:31

Why would the estate agent have all the keys for the Windows?

leelu66 · 29/05/2016 12:32

What should I look for in a second viewing? I had no idea about this!

situatedknowledge · 29/05/2016 12:33

We bought an ex rental house. The EA told us a whole load of stuff that was just plain wrong, and the owner had never even seen the house so was even less help. Neither of them could tell us about a huge communal garden, and who was responsible for the upkeep. Even the deeds didn't help with that bit, it just said it existed! Sadly not unusual I'd suggest.

Chewbecca · 29/05/2016 12:34

What exactly are the questions you have outstanding before you make an offer? You should've asked the agent to open the house up to you again if you were not finished, but never mind, done now.

If you want to make an offer but have some o/s, ask them or make another appointment.

I wouldn't bother with the complaining or any of that business, just decide if you want to proceed and do it.

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 29/05/2016 12:34

That's why some agents are so shit. They accept the business, market aggressively for a couple of weeks, because the optimum selling time is the first two weeks and then they lose interest. It's generally the large chain ones who employ lots of people.

The best ones are the smaller local ones, who ensure that the house is marketed by an agent who comes to the house, finds out about it in depth, knows how things work and gives you genuine feedback regularly.

GoudyStout · 29/05/2016 12:36

I hate that too - smacks of a pushy EA trying to get people to panic into putting in an offer. We have walked away from house viewings when EAs have done this to us.

Why should EAs have to work evenings as well as during the day? Well, errrr, their potential buyers may only be free on evenings, and if they are going to collect 1 or 2% of the sale price they should be doing some bloody work for it.

If the EA is closed over the w/e then nobody else is going to get a viewing either. Guess you could ask if they can put you in contact with the vendor but they may not like being out of the loop. They can influence vendors as well (knew a crooked EA some years ago who had no compunction about lying to his clients if it suited him and he though he could make more money somehow) so I would still tread carefully.

PinkBallerina · 29/05/2016 12:39

It is possible that the other viewers were just there to panic you into making a quicker offer?

LunaLoveg00d · 29/05/2016 12:41

The Estate Agent is working for the vendor, not prospective purchasers. Having people traipse around your home - especially when you have kids - is a complete nightmare and Ms Vendor has probably told them to get as many people there at the same time so it minimises the keeping the house clean and the kids quiet.

Only when you have offered and had that offer accepted can you start making requests that the marketing of the property stops.

Jessbow · 29/05/2016 12:42

Lets just hope the couple on their first viewing haven't whacked in an offer whilst you are faffing about!

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EssentialHummus · 29/05/2016 12:42

Measurements etc are a waste of second viewings IMO - they should be for detailed fault-finding/a critical look at whether the property is for you. Once you have an offer accepted you can faff around with tape measures and learning how the boiler works.

FoggyBottom · 29/05/2016 12:46

YABU and treating what should be a business decision far too emotionally. Take the out of it, get over your petulance about the agent, and make a decision on your finances and work to be done &etc.

Are you first time buyers? Sometimes inexperienced buyers get far too hung up on the personalities. It's just business.

GoudyStout · 29/05/2016 12:48

Second viewings I would use to: clarify what is being included in the sale, get an idea of running costs (utilities, council tax), ask about any communal areas and who pays for maintenance, check car parking and road noise etc, get an idea of anything you would need to get done quickly in the way of upgrading.

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