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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is weird when viewing a house?

192 replies

lemoncurd20 · 27/05/2015 17:36

We are potential FTBs and viewed our first house today.

The owner was there... aibu to think this is weird?

It was really awkward... or is it normal?

OP posts:
stillenacht1 · 27/05/2015 17:38

Normal... But last house I bought was over 10 yrs ago

ihavenonameonhere · 27/05/2015 17:39

very much normal.

Supersoft · 27/05/2015 17:39

Very normal.

KitKat1985 · 27/05/2015 17:40

No it's pretty normal from what I remember. But you're right yes, it can be a tad uncomfortable.

gnoomi · 27/05/2015 17:40

I find it really weird, and when we were looking it really put us off houses if the owner was there, as it felt like you couldn't talk honestly about what you'd like to do to the house. I'd say 90% of the time agents showed us round though.

HermioneGrangerHair · 27/05/2015 17:42

Normal to have them there AND normal to feel awkward. Steel your nerves... There's plenty more where that came from!

murmuration · 27/05/2015 17:42

Where I live the estate agents make arrangements with the potential buyers and the owners, and the potentials buyers go to the house on their own and the owners give a tour. When we were selling, we had to be there to meet people for the tour.

Weathergames · 27/05/2015 17:42

We used to go out when we had viewings but it's normal to stay in as well.

Original poster
lemoncurd20 · 27/05/2015 17:42

The agent was there too, the owner just sort of followed us around. I found it really hard to say anything other than 'oh, that's nice'.

Sometimes does the vendor show you round instead of the agent?

OP posts:
Mehitabel6 · 27/05/2015 17:43

Perfectly normal. I have always showed people around- I know the house and do a much better job. When buying I have always had the owners unless they have already moved or at work or away.
Why would it be awkward? Surely better to have the people who live there and know the answers. I have always had people come around when I am there when selling- I wouldn't want people around without me.

Original poster
lemoncurd20 · 27/05/2015 17:43

Thanks all, looks like I was being unreasonable! Well we have another one coming up and he gave the impression we would be meeting them (agent) and only them..!

OP posts:
balletnotlacrosse · 27/05/2015 17:44

I don't like people who live in the place to be there when I'm viewing. Nine times out of ten it's just the estate agent. If the resident is there they're usually renting rather than the owner, so they've no vested interest in the buying feeling comfortable I suppose.
But YANBU and it's definitely off putting.

WipsGlitter · 27/05/2015 17:44

Sometimes yes. Was it during the day? You could ask the estate agent the next time.

balletnotlacrosse · 27/05/2015 17:44

'buyer' feeling comfortable, I meant.

viva100 · 27/05/2015 17:44

Of course it's normal. They probably have several viewings in a day, you don't actually expect them to leave the house every time, do you?

Mehitabel6 · 27/05/2015 17:44

Perhaps you have watched too many property programmes if you think it isn't normal.

Original poster
lemoncurd20 · 27/05/2015 17:45

It was awkward because I could hardly say "oh, look we could paint this such and such" or move that wall etc. obviously it's their home so you don't want to say anything that could offend them.

I can be prepared in future though!

OP posts:
viva100 · 27/05/2015 17:45

Also, if the owner is there that would actually be a nice opportunity for you to ask them some questions!

ShitHotAwesome · 27/05/2015 17:45

My favourite was when there was a dying grandmother in one of the downstairs room so we couldn't go in and look.
We actually bid on that place (but didn't get it).

We had people there for some viewings and not others - maybe 50/50. It can be kind of handy to get a sense of the neighbourhood a bit or the local buses and stuff if the people are home but not so handy to get a proper sense of the house since it's easy to be very conscious of them.

GnocchiGnocchiWhosThere · 27/05/2015 17:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
lemoncurd20 · 27/05/2015 17:46

I think that's a bit unfair Wips. As I said we are first time buyers, so don't know what to expect. I've never encountered people when renting/ always made sure we were out for viewings.

OP posts:
Mehitabel6 · 27/05/2015 17:46

How odd to not feel comfortable! I certainly wouldn't have anyone viewing my house without me doing the tour.

YsabellStoHelit · 27/05/2015 17:48

It is normal either way. We just sold a house but it was empty so agent showed people around. If owners/renters still living there I think it depends on personal choice. Some people like to show others round some prefer an agent does it.

GnocchiGnocchiWhosThere · 27/05/2015 17:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sunbathe · 27/05/2015 17:49

We looked round one, where the owner raved about the view. From the tiny window, if you stood on tiptoe and looked past the rest of the estate.

It felt very awkward as we couldn't talk normally as we didn't want to offend the owner.