Buyer wants a second viewing - any tips?

[threeleftfeet]

A potential buyer has told the EA that he wants to put in an offer but wants to see the flat again first.

We're doing the viewings ourselves.

I just wondered if anyone has any tips for second viewings? On the first, we showed them around fairly quickly, pointed out things that were selling points that they might not have noticed. Then we left them alone to have a good look by themselves.

The guy who's coming back was really cagey on the first viewing - couldn't read him at all! He's actually put in a low offer already, which we rejected - he's having another look before putting in a higher offer (hopefully!)

At the moment we plan to just let him get on with having a good look around. Should we be doing any more than this?

Has anyone gut any tips for second viewings? What were you looking for on your second viewing?

TIA :)

For me second viewings are about looking for problems or anything missed on the first viewing and sizing up - basically checking that you will be able to live in the property and there is nothing which will obviously need money thrown at it (unless it's a doer upper). It's natural to have a "heart" reaction on a first viewing, and the second is usually about the "head" - you still want to get that same reaction but with a dose of practicality. So, I'd suggest you let your potential viewer have a good look around as you suggest and not worry about doing more.

Thanks for the reply suburbandweller :)

The oven needs replacing as it's lost its handle. It's usable but not ideal. We meant to do it but it was a job we didn't get round to before the viewings started. My instinct is to be honest, point it out and say that we're happy to replace it. (Wouldn't be expensive or difficult to replace with one of similar quality).

What do you think?

I agree. I also like to test taps, look in cupboards that kind of thing on a second viewing. Not to see the vendor has in them but to make sure they work

I would point it out and replace it. Better than not saying anything.

If I go back for a second viewing I am seriously considering buying the place. So I would want to know about neighbours, local facilities, council tax, utility costs, is there a water meter, is there a service charge (I see you live in a flat), problems with noise, anti-social behaviour, when was the boiler last serviced?

That sort of thing.

Always emphasise how happy you have been in a home you are selling, how much you will miss it, and so on.

You've got really nice weather now so I would so all i can to make the most of the outside space - buy or borrow anything that would help sell him the lifestyle

"You've got really nice weather now so I would so all i can to make the most of the outside space"

Bugger, must water the plants, it's scorching here! Haven't remembered to do it, the poor things must be wilting. I hope they can hold on it till I get in!

Let them feel relaxed and tell them to go round the flat on their own for as long as they want.

Nothing worse than a vendor hovering in front of you in each room and you feel under pressure to be quick and can't look at everything in detail - but also be in the background and available to answer any questions. I really like the vendor to be there so I can ask lots of the questions so it's good you are going to be there, but I also don't want them in my face when I'm making such a big decision.

Good luck!

How did it go aufaniae?

Hi minty :) the viewing's at the weekend now, I'll let you know how it goes! Is all going well with your sale?

Thanks Montblanc :)

When Ive wanted a second viewing, I've always asked the EA to be there and the seller not! It feels too restrictive if the current owner is about and I felt I couldnt take as much time as I really wanted, or checked as thoroughly. One owner sighed heavily and made a point of leaving the house just as we arri Ed with the EA, but we bought the house...

We're using an online EA, they don't do viewings. So the viewer will be stuck with us I'm afraid!

I promise not to sigh when they arrive

Good luck tomorrow. My other suggestion would be to look on rightmove at the competition. For example if you have off-road parking, try to think what makes your flat better than the others and subtly drop it into the conversation. I think its a good idea to have a mini pack prepared showing when the boiler was serviced, gas bills etc.

Let us know how you get on

How did it go then?