Am I mad for thinking of making an offer without viewing it myself?

[MadIady]

NC because I fully expect to get slated for even asking this.

Is this a mad idea?

I am a FTB.

I was going to view a property this weekend. I completely forgot about the train strikes when I booked the viewing for this weekend and I cannot drive (it’s a six hour drive so can’t really ask a friend). I also cannot go next week as I’m covering for someone at work so no chance of last minute AL and then have a work conference from Friday to Monday.

I’ve seen the online tour. It needs a bit of work but nothing major (new bathroom, a bit of paint work etc).

Could I ask a reputable local tradesman to go around and pay them to draw up a cost breakdown and offer them first dibs on doing the work if/when I buy the property? I’ll also pay them for their time.

Or am I being mad? Obviously I would want to view it myself but it’s such a reasonable price and property in the area so rarely comes up. I really don’t want to miss out! Would it even be allowed by the estate agent? I would then view myself at the earliest opportunity.

When we were looking, we viewed a house that looked great in the photos. Upon viewing, it turns out they hadn't shown the massive tree on the pavement outside the front room that rendered it perpetually dark! Absolute deal breaker we wouldn't have seen from the listing.

I think you’d be mad, especially if it’s unusually reasonable and therefore possible too good to be true.

I would want to see it myself in any case (possible exception allowed for a very good reason if my partner or my Mum had seen it for me) but when you add in

but it’s such a reasonable price and property in the area so rarely comes up.

does that not ring any bells ???
or wave any flags ???
Does it not occur to you there is very likely a reason why it is "such a reasonable price" in an area where "property rarely comes up" ???