We've exchanged and complete in 2 weeks - buyers want YET ANOTHER viewing

[MoominFeatures]

We've exchanged contracts on the sale of our house - completion is in two weeks (we're in England).

Pre-exchange we accommodated multiple viewings - of course. We felt it was just part of the process and seemed fair enough.

We exchanged at the end of July. Since then, the buy has asked for (and we've accommodated) two more viewings, one really last minute while they knew we were on holiday and away (but we figured it out so they could come) and the second time one afternoon on a day they knew was a working day for us but was the only day/time that worked for them. We accommodated. They were here for four hours (the house is a pretty regular 4-bed detached house in a village - not some pile somewhere with a million rooms and corridors).

They're coming again today - for the third time. They've even asked me to push out a work call I have in case they need longer than 90 minutes here (I told them about that to try to get a sense of how long they'll be here for).

AIBU for feeling really quite put out??! The house is utter chaos - boxes everywhere, dust all over because we're actively packing. It doesn't look good at all and it's really stressing me out. I have been up until god knows what our the past two nights and up with the sparrows the following mornings trying to make things look a bit neater (not sure it's made a difference) but the more i do the angrier I get about it all. To top it off, the buyer sent us an email last night essentially saying "see you tomorrow" but jibed that "I guess you're more relaxed than we are". Well that's set me right off. I'm absolutely raging - they have no idea of all the shit going on in our lives at the moment (the house move is only one element and probably the least stressful one).

Please someone tell me I'm not being over-sensitive and they're truly CFs. Being tired and cranky isn't helping me no doubt, but we wouldn't dream of heading to our sellers' house now, when we'd been twice post-exchange already and when completion is in two weeks, so this is really pissing me off. I really need to not lose my shit at them when they rock up later this morning. Eeeeek.

I think it's perfectly fine to ask. We only had 1 viewing after our offer was accepted, so the owners could take us through and show us how things worked, which was really helpful. But you don't have to say yes. If someone asked if I could shift stuff around to accommodate their viewings, I'd just say no.

They aren't CF. There's nothing cheeky about asking. But you can say no if it doesn't work for you.

how have they got your mobile number to make all these appointments, OP?

Surely they should be doing it via your agent (who could put a barrier between you).

I'd lay the rules out now about communication AFTER completion - sounds like they'll expect you to jump with every niggle, question and complaint 😳

The problem will be turfing them out once they're through the door!

Surely you have a sudden emergency today and can't accommodate them? Then a firm no to any other requests.

You've been more than fair letting them do the viewings already and they are taking the absolute piss.

God, imagine if I said this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to calm down. Have worked myself into a right lather about it all - I'm so furious that I'm on the verge of tears!

Thank you to you all for being so kind and supportive. I'm honestly so relieved that it seems I'm not a lunatic.

To those saying that it's on me at least in part (or to put my big girl pants on, or similar), I absolutely hear you and don't disagree - I think my mega anxiety about all this flows from the fact that it took us ages to sell and now I'm terrified that it's all going to go to shit (even though we've exchanged - ultimately, I know they can renege on the agreement and, even though we'll get their deposit, we can't legally compel them to buy our house if they changed their minds).

Not long until they're here. Yayyyyyyyyyy......

They’re unbelievable. Expecting you to rearrange work for them? Stupid fuckers. Say no from here on in. Flat no. With a ‘fuck off’ in reserve if they don’t listen.

We were told no to viewing requests between exchange and completion. At the time I was irked, but it’s totally fair enough, cancel on them and say you hope they will enjoy themselves in the property.

We swapped contact details early doors. Tbh it was pretty helpful earlier on and helped filter some of the diligence/conveyancing stuff. Now it's not quite so helpful!

FGS OP say no! And I honestly don't mean this in a rude way but you need you work on your boundaries going forward. I used to be a people pleaser but then I realised that doing things I didn't want to do was worse than pissing people off when they're being CFs.

I’d 100% say no to pushing back a work call. Tell them you only have an hour for them to stay. I wouldn’t be tidying up either.

I did 4 visits to our new house after our offer was accepted. First they invited us over for coffee which was nice. Then we took our parents to see it. After exchange I did a visit with my curtain lady, as there was a 6-8 week lead time on new curtains and blinds, then I had another visit for a survey to install a log burner (which again had a 2 month lead time). Our sellers were super lovely and accommodating and timing worked with their availability.

In return we were happy to delay the sale after their “we’re definitely moving into rented” became “actually we’re now buying a really complicated repossessed property that will take ages to sort out” 😂

Personally I wouldn't care as unlike the majority of MNrs , not at all precious about my house , visitors, guests. Probably because raised in a different place . But no way do I stop what I am doing , nor would I bother to clean up .
But it is your right to do what suits you. No idea why they would need to view again , unless they are trying to coordinate trades , etc. Try and just think that shortly , you can have no contact whatsoever. 😀

When they arrive be really firm that you have a call at X time and that they absolutely have to be gone 10 minutes before that time. No negotiation. Then if they message asking for any more visits before exchange just say no, it’s not convenient now you are busy packing and clearing out the house.

We had similar from a previous house sale and I had to say no more viewings, it was getting really silly. So they started walking their dogs past the house EVERY DAY and standing outside staring at the house for ages, I found it so creepy! Couldn’t wait for the completion and move to be over.

Oh god, make sure you've got your post redirected then block their number after completion!

My friend had similarly annoying buyers, and allowed a viewing 2 weeks before completion for 'measuring up'.

They then produced a long list of 'defects' they expected her to put right, like painting minor wall scuffs and to professionally clean the (perfectly decent) carpets!

Oh gosh no this is ridiculous. 4 hours? What the heck are they doing? Say no

You don’t have to accommodate measuring up - as you say, that can be done after moving in. And you certainly don’t have to accommodate them to this extent. What the hell were they doing for four hours ???? Don’t be the nice person any more OP, they’re CF’s and are taking advantage of you. I can’t believe they even wanted you to rearrange a work call. I’d stop this nonsense now- can you not do it through the EA or the solicitor. Get them to convey the message that they’ve had enough opportunities to view, it’s becoming more and more inconvenient, what with work, and packing, and that anything else needs to wait until they move in.

That's outrageous!!! jesus, some people are so bloody entitled!!!

Because it is still the OPs house. And they also have a right to privacy.

Are you making sure they are supervised? They are still random people walking around your house. I would insist the estate agent supervise them at all times.

Please cancel. It is completely unreasonable. I'm sure they do want to get going with measurements etc but they just need to wait until the house is theirs. Just like everyone else does...

I'm invested now and need to know how the visit went.

How long did they stay ????

They are still there. Op is currently serving them brunch.

You've got the patience of a saint!! Shamelessly bookmarked for further updates.... Can't believe I'm so invested in this. Good luck with the shortened viewing of 30 mins....😃😃

Bloody hell op I feel stressed just reading this. They do realise you’re moving house as well don’t they?!

I hope they didn’t outstay their not-welcome.

just a small tip. When you move, remember to change the delivery address on stuff you order online. Do not be me and have To go round to your old house and get stuff you e inadvertently sent there.

Agree, cancel and refuse any more viewings. It’s not yet their home and they’ve no right to disrupt your life.

Unless the seller is specified as contractually responsible this wouldn’t stand up. After exchange the buyer is legally responsible for the property up to completion. The only responsibility the seller has is to make sure the property is handed over in the same condition as seen, and to put right any damage done in the interim. Our buyers thought they were in control and after exchange they tried similar to this, and also tried to renegotiate the price when we refused to play their game - threatening to pull out if we didn’t. Until our solicitor put them straight and told them that they would be legally responsible for additional fees incurred and that we could sue them for damages. Some people are just CF’s, plain and simple.