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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

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:

jetsetlil · 29/05/2016 14:54

zoobaby - maybe you should have a career change as it's such a cushy job

littlemonkey5 · 29/05/2016 15:07

We as a family have relocated so many times all over the UK and have made 'house hunting' a serious sport!

I would NEVER take a tape measure to a second viewing and I would only do a second viewing because I was unsure of something (neighbours/traffic/noise from trains etc) and needed to go at a different time of day.

After we get the house details, we do a 'drive-by' to decide if we want to book an internal viewing. Generally from the outside, you are 25% further to liking it. Internally, you are decided another 50% and you are decided the other 25% either in the car after you have seen it the once or on a second viewing. Then, once 100%, you put in an offer, then surveyors go in, then if that's ok, you make an appointment to measure up etc....... I have to say, I would never get a second viewing if I was unsure if my furniture would fit. I am never going to spend that amount of money on a maybe and I am sure you can tell this on the first viewing......

If you are not 100% sure of the property by the end of the second visit and haven't put in an offer the same day, walk away, the house is not the one for you.

clam · 29/05/2016 15:14

Of course you can't complain. You may be in competition for this house with other buyers. It's the agent's job to maximise that.
Sorry but YABU.

Grilledaubergines · 29/05/2016 15:16

I have always done two viewings prior to making an offer and the property being removed from the market. And a third viewing after that and before exchange. If I wasn't allowed a third viewing, id definitely withdraw from the purchase.

FoggyBottom · 29/05/2016 15:36

I never understand measuring up to see if furniture will fit, and then reducing the offer. I've had people try this on me and my answer is no. Your furniture not fitting isn't a fault of the property.

You still sound far too emotional and worked up about the whole thing.There is always another property. A lot of agents are crap - I don't know how some of them make a living. But so what? Don't waste your time worrying about incompetent people.

I usually know when I walk into a house if it's a contender. You have to have the skill to see the bones of a house though, and know what can and can't be changed.

OurBlanche · 29/05/2016 15:38

That would be different, though, Grilled as you would have made an offer/been accepted prior to your third viewing.

Three visits with no firm word to the EA/vendor starts to become annoying, for some.

Having said that, we bought on one view an a full survey. The house was in the right place, we accepted things like the boiler needing replacing and started negotiations immediately. We didn't have a long list of wants just a few absolute needs and the house hit all of those immediately

edwinbear · 29/05/2016 16:10

As a vendor I'd be really cross if I left my house for a viewing and came home to discover the EA has been fiddling with the boiler and unlocking all the windows. It's quite usual where we are (London) to have viewings at an open house, where there are loads of people looking around at the same time. Doesn't bother me in the slightest, I can still see what I need to and ask any burning questions post viewing.

ratspeaker · 29/05/2016 16:15

Be glad you're not buying under the Scottish system then OP.
Its traditional to have open viewings up here, usually Thursday evening and Sunday 2-4 and its mostly the vendors showing you round.

LogicalThinking · 29/05/2016 16:39

Reading this thread has reminded me why I think so many EA are crap!

What did you see that wasn't obvious the first time, if you'd bothered looking?
First visit was on an evening. It was dark.
Second visit it was pouring down.
Both times I had my baby with me so wandering round outside to see the garden properly and check the room to extend was impossible. We also wanted to see the loft space to see if a loft conversion would be possible.
Having established that this was probably the right house, I was able to get someone to babysit so we could pop round during the day when it was dry to check the last few things before putting in our offer.

Fortunately we had already fucked off the inept EA and made arrangements directly with the owners so it was much easier. We agreed a price with them too. The EA then lied to us and told us that our offer had been rejected in a bid to get us to increase it.

The couple who bought our house also made 3 visits before making an offer. I had no problem with that at all. It's a lot of money and they wanted to be sure. It strikes me as a huge gamble to buy a house after a 20 minute silent visit - not something I would ever do.

GoudyStout · 29/05/2016 17:44

edwinbear but an Open House is different - you know all and sundry can be dropping in at any time.

ratspeaker not sure which bit of Scotland you're in, but that's not the case where I am. We've conducted our own viewings because none of the solicitors seem to be open / working on a Saturday and most people want to view at the weekend.

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