If we are interested in the house we view today, then what?

[house887]

Do we tell the current homeowner when we are there (he’s conducting the viewings)? It’s a weekend and the EA is closed until Monday

How do you make an offer? To the owner or to the estate agent? I’m presuming this must be in writing or can you let them know verbally that you are likely to make an offer

Clueless first time buyers!

I have never known an EA closed on a Saturday! It’s usually their busiest day. Are you sure the office isn’t open?

Just tell the EA your offer verbally, I've never put one in writing.
As pp said, weird that EA wld be closed. But if it is, then asap Monday am.

If you are interested, no harm in telling the seller you really like the house and may consider making an offer. The offer should be made to EA as they are selling on behalf of the seller.

Be non-committal with the vendor.
Only make an offer to the estate agent, you can do this over the phone there is no need for it to be in writing initially.

Do you have your mortgage in principal ready? (Or proof of funds of you are a cash buyer) Many estate agents won't accept an offer without this.

They close at lunchtime. Our viewing is in the late afternoon

Yes we do have an AIP/MIP :)

I would wait until the EA are open and put an offer in.

I did tell the owner how much we loved the house, but it was a probate sale so the daughter had emotional ties, and had rejected higher offers over from builders/house flipper types. We told her we would be keeping it as a family home. She accepted our lower offer the same day.

Usually though I would be pleasant but neutral to the owner and deal with the EA.