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Original poster

quick, help, house viewing etiquette!

27 replies

ZingWantsCake · 26/10/2013 11:29

DH took the kids out for the day, I'm home, desperately trying to tidy up as we have 6 potential buyers coming between 2-5.

all good. but I'm going to be in. (can't go anywhere, not well enough for a walk, no car etc - so not an option). EA knows, viewers know - not a problem.

but, what, in your opinions would you consider ok/not ok behaviour from me if YOU were coming to see my house?

can I

  • carry on tidying/pottering about?
  • sit and watch tv?
  • do the ironing?
  • prepare dinner?
  • have a bath? (Grin only kidding, as if!)
  • sit with a pile clothes mending them?

I can't just stand around chattering, as I have so much to do, always.

what shall I do? help me!

thanks

OP posts:
29chapel · 26/10/2013 11:30

You'll probably end up chatting to them like i did when ours was on the market!

Icepilot · 26/10/2013 11:32

Oh I just sat on mn in the kitchen!

gallicgirl · 26/10/2013 11:32

Are you not doing the viewings?

I show viewers around the house and talk to them about the house and answer questions.

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mojojomo · 26/10/2013 11:35

Be friendly and available to chat, while doing something trivial that doesn't require much concentration.

In my experience EAs can rarely answer even basic questions at viewings so having you there is a bonus. And the extra info you can provide today may avoid you having to do some 2nd viewings.

mojojomo · 26/10/2013 11:37

Don't watch tv or prepare dinner, it'll make your viewers feel like they're unwelcome and intruding.

Original poster
ZingWantsCake · 26/10/2013 11:37

sorry, should have said, EA is doing the viewing.

OP posts:
BoundandRebound · 26/10/2013 11:38

TV or clothes mending

Be pleasant say hello and sit still in one room so they can check out house

Do not cook it makes a mess, make tea?

If EA shit take over

eurochick · 26/10/2013 11:39

If an EA is taking them round, I'd welcome them then flick through a magazine while they look around and then do a chat about how much you have loved living there at the end. If not, you will be doing the tour so there will be no time for anything on your list.

RandomMess · 26/10/2013 11:40

no cafe near enough to go and read your book for a while?

I agree if the EA is shit it may be better to take over! Sell the unseen things like cheap utility bills, good local facilities etc.?

Original poster
ZingWantsCake · 26/10/2013 11:40

mojo

tv is out I think, I'd end up shushing (sp) them!Grin

I just want to do something useful, coz I rarely have a day without 6 kids running around!
(it's so peaceful and quiet here now)

OP posts:
PrincessFlirtyPants · 26/10/2013 11:40

I viewed a house once and the DH showed us around while the DW just sat on the sofa staring at her phone, she didn't even smile or say hello. It was so uncomfortable, I couldn't even concentrate on looking around I just wanted to leave ASAP.

Original poster
ZingWantsCake · 26/10/2013 11:42

oh, I'd certainly say hello (too nosy anyway)

oh and thanks for answers, keep it coming.

will read back in a mo, gotta wash floors

OP posts:
dovaffanculo · 26/10/2013 11:49

I would watch TV in the dining room (so not just lounging on the sofa ) or sit at the kitchen table with a book/laptop .Then when the viewers come in just acknowledge them and let the EA get on with their part of the proceedings.

If the viewers approach you then you can answer their questions but otherwise leave them alone.

marriedinwhiteisback · 26/10/2013 11:49

Say hello when they arrive. Say that you will keep out of their way so they EA can show them the house but if they have any questions at the end you will be in x room and will happily answer them. In the meantime do things that don't cause mess or smells or untidiness.

madabootthehoose · 26/10/2013 11:59

I am doing a viewing today too. I don't have the EA doing the viewing, costs extra. Why, as you are there, is someone else doing the viewings? You will feel in the way, I never know what to do while viewers go round by themselves at the end. Magazine and coffee usually. Realistically you won't be able to do anything more than a little mending.

BillyBanter · 26/10/2013 11:59

Show them the lifestyle they can have living in your house.

Bake bread!

Brew some coffee!

Knit beautiful clothes for babies!

Hang-glide in the garden!

Have a few friends round for a party!

BillyBanter · 26/10/2013 12:01

get your dp back for loud sex!

play a board game with the family with no strops!

TwoStepsBeyond · 26/10/2013 12:04

I like what married said, make it known that you're available whenever/at the end to answer questions, perhaps offer them a cup of tea when they get there and then sit and do something quiet. Once they've seen that particular room, which only takes 30 seconds (you can extol the virtues of the open fire, easy to clean flooring, lovely view or whatever) they won't notice what you're doing while they look at the rest.

VivaLeBeaver · 26/10/2013 12:05

I'd cancel the EA and show people round myself. It'll be a bit weird otherwise and might put some people off.

Renniehorta · 26/10/2013 12:13

Having viewed numerous houses recently I much prefer the EA to do the viewing. In fact one house where the vendors showed us round they managed to completely put me off the house. Although I liked the house I could tell they would be awkward to deal with.

As you have 6 potential buyers in such a short time I would get out. Get a taxi to somewhere. Friend's ? Cinema?

Iggity · 26/10/2013 12:24

If I was a buyer, I would prefer the owners not to be there as it can make you feel a bit inhibited about discussing the house. I once went to see a house and the man showed us around. When we got to a bedroom, he opened the door and his wife was sitting on the bed on the phone. Felt so uncomfortable. Suffice to say we didn't buy that house as that really put me off along with the drip bag hanging off the light fitting. It was supposed to be "artistic" I think! Very odd. If I had a day off from 6 kids I'd be out enjoying myself even if it was just tucked up in a cafe reading a book. Good luck with it anyway. Hope you get lots of offers.

gnoomi · 26/10/2013 12:34

Having just spent several months viewing lots of houses, if you really really have to be there either (if weather permits) head out to the garden, or if you need to stay inside stay in one room - not the kitchen, and don't have the TV on. Viewers want to be able to discuss your house freely, which they can't do if you are there/nearby. It put me off several houses.

Original poster
ZingWantsCake · 26/10/2013 14:18

sorry, haven't read back.

Two of them are already here!

I went with pottering in the kitchen, this way I can chat but not be in the way.

OP posts:
Original poster
ZingWantsCake · 26/10/2013 16:22

two steps and married
that is how it panned out in the end.

it was very useful to have EA - we had 9 lots of viewers and they overlapped - he was showing upstairs while I had a little chat downstairs.

I think it went well, and one of them already asked if we'd accept an offer even though they haven't sold yet (so basically same situation as us).
that's gotta be a good sign.
3 -4 more were very keen, straight away talked about how they would extend kitchen etc.

I think we'll do exactly the same next time.
thanks for your help and input.

OP posts:
ghostonthecanvas · 26/10/2013 16:57

Congrats. That was a lot of viewings! I see why you needed the EA. That sounds very positive. Mine was another waste of time. Our agent keeps sending retired couples to our large family home Confused