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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Found a house I like but vendors won't allow us to have a second viewing

42 replies

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:31

as the wife felt 'ambushed' during the viewing. Have been wondering what we did wrong but we only asked a question re the neighbours, weren't intrusive and were there for about 20 minutes (just DH, me and DS).

We've viewed lots of houses and this is a new one on me. What is wrong with people?

OP posts:

Springforward · 26/07/2012 20:38

Bonkers. Do they really want to sell? If the vendors can't handle viewings the estate agent should be doing them.

oreocrumbs · 26/07/2012 20:40

, I'd think she doesn't want to sell her house!

Perhaps the reality of having someone come round and view has panicked her and she doesn't want to sell it now?

Original poster

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:42

They have changed estate agents since we went around but obviously we don't feel like we can approach the new estate agent for a second viewing given the feedback we've had!

It's such a shame as we have already sold, are in rented and in a position to proceed. I despair!

OP posts:

Rooble · 26/07/2012 20:42

It could be she doesn't want to sell? I've seen more than two where either one partner wanted to move and the other didn't, so the one who wanted to stay put was as obstructive to potential buyers as possible, OR where house was being sold following marriage breakdown and partner in home tried to make it as undesirable as possible.
Her request seems a bit mad - who on earth spends several hundred grand after only one viewing?
Could you ask for a viewing with estate agent rather than owner?

Rooble · 26/07/2012 20:43

Oops cross-posted!
But I don't think it's unreasonable to ask the agent to show you the house

Original poster

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:45

It was the husband who said to the estate agent that his wife felt ambushed but he wasn't there at the viewing. So maybe she doesn't want to sell and has fed him some cock and bull story. I don't know - I'm at a loss really.

OP posts:

Odmedod · 26/07/2012 20:50

If its a different agent, how will they know youv e already viewed?

Original poster

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:51

The agent doesn't but the owner does.

OP posts:

oreocrumbs · 26/07/2012 20:51

I would ring the new agent and explain the situation, and your position to proceede. Ask them if they will do a second viewing.

If so go and view with the agent, and see how you feel - but if you do decide to offer on it, bear her odd behaviour in mind, she may well mess the sale around and pull out, leaving you out of pocket.

Very odd. Who can be bothered with all the rigmaroll of getting a house ready to sell and not let people view?

HecateHarshPants · 26/07/2012 20:52

You asked a question about the neighbours and she said she felt ambushed and doesn't want you back?

neighbour problem neighbour problem neighbour problem that they don't want to disclose.

Original poster

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:54

Yes, that crossed my mind. Also, I should mention that when I did an Internet search, the house and the neighbouring property on each side had all been advertised for sale in the last few years but hadn't sold since 2000.

OP posts:

zipzap · 26/07/2012 20:55

I'd just ring up the new agents and say you've seen the house once and would like to see it again. And see what they say, then take it from there.

The ea's must have some standard way of dealing with a property in these circumstances.

If you like the house it's worth going for it!

Original poster

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:55

Including the house we went to view which had been marketed in 2007 but hadn't sold.

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IvanaHumpalot · 26/07/2012 20:57

Put all your questions in a letter via the agent, that way the vendor doesn't feel 'hassled' and you get disclosure. I agree with Hecarte Harsh Pants - sounds a bit too odd - unless you and DH are barristers...

Original poster

suebfg · 26/07/2012 20:59

It's fair to say we would run a mile in the opposite direction if there was any hint of neighbour issues. Perhaps she picked up on this.

OP posts:

jollydiane · 26/07/2012 21:23

Why not put a note through the door? The trouble is, if you go to via the new estate agent the vendor will be liable for two sets of commission (the initial agent and the new agent).

tricot39 · 26/07/2012 21:33

I agree this all sounds odd and I second the suggestion of explaining the situation and asking the agent to show you around when the vendors are out.

Could you also call the old agent to ask about it? Now that they are no longer acting for the couple they may be prepared to talk and/or explain how you could make amends in order to proceed with a purchase?

I would also knock on the surrounding neighbours' doors just to say "Hello" and that you are thinking about buying the house next door and is there anything useful that you should know about the house/local area/schools etc?

We introduced ourselves to the neighbours on both sides before we bought to get a feel for them before we moved in. It's a good idea even if you don't suspect a dispute or anti-social behaviour.

Which makes me wonder whether it would be worth calling the Environmental Health so ask if they have had complaints about any of the houses in that area. I know that the police tag addresses too - but I doubt that they would let this be public knowledge.

If you get to the next stage get your solicitor to add lots of probing questions to the standard seller's questionnaire.

IDontDoIroning · 26/07/2012 21:38

You need to be aware that if the old agents introduced you the new agents won't be keen to sell to you as the old agents will be able to claim the fees.

CokeFan · 26/07/2012 22:00

Sounds like a "difficult" seller already. Remember, if you go ahead and buy a house from them you have to rely on them to do all their paperwork, communicate with their solicitors, EAs and removal people and sort out whatever financial stuff they have to do to move out. If they're anything less than enthusiastic to sell at this point then you may have trouble with them.

Our seller was apparently "cautious" (property being sold because of divorce). There were problems up the chain but she compounded things by agreeing to break the chain and then 1) not getting the fixtures and fittings list and other paperwork to us until days before exchange because she was deliberately delaying, 2) not arranging a mortgage (had an in principle agreement only) until days before completion was supposed to take place. Our solicitor had to go ahead with things she shouldn't have been doing until exchange because the seller left things so late. We had 3 days between exchange and completion in the end and we didn't know until exchange that we were definitely moving, which really messed the removal company around and our cash buyers had to be out of their rented property because it had already been let to someone else.

The (slightly long) point being that lots of house sales fall through and it's usually because someone is playing silly beggars.

notcitrus · 26/07/2012 22:25

Definitely knock on neighbours' doors and ask what the street is like to live in (aka get the gossip on the vendors!)

We decided against making an offer on a maisonette after 10 minutes of annoying smelly neighour couple telling us all the gossip about the vendors and the other six couples in the block, including how many people came and went from each of them each day, and various racist and homophobic and other nasty slurs about most of them. We moved to a block across the street and spent the next couple years being shouted at, the woman asking why 'her' block wasn't good enough for us. I pretended I couldn't hear...

In contrast the neighbours in the semi ajoining our current house were a real bonus and have been wonderful for the last few years.

AvonCallingBarksdale · 26/07/2012 22:36

I was going to say exactly what Hectate did! Neighbour problems. Is it a semi-detached? My guess would be that the neighbours are v noisy and your vendor is actually desperate to sell, but doesn't want you back in case you hear anything from next door which could put you off! (ahem, I may be projecting slightly here!)

Rhubarbgarden · 26/07/2012 22:43

This screams neighbour problems to me too.

CuddyMum · 26/07/2012 23:15

Defo sounds like neighbour problems. I would welcome a second viewing with open arms!

Original poster

suebfg · 27/07/2012 06:38

It's a detached house but on a modern estate so the houses are fairly close to one another.

OP posts:

CuddyMum · 27/07/2012 09:35

Or is she the problem neighbour? Do you know anyone who lives locally?

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