Doubling up on viewings.....is this usual?

[shushpenfold]

We are just starting a new property search and one particular Estates Agent wants to double us with another family for viewing a house......is this usual? To put it into context, we are in a fairly rural area and there is no major property boom where we are. I am fairly certain that he's just being a touch lazy and mildly snotty but wondered if this might just be the norm now.

Thanks Dixie. I suspect that I might have to grow a thicker skin and also try to hide the fact that I think the EA is an arse!

Pretty usual. When we were looking houses were going like hot cakes in a popular area. Most of our viewings were open house. Everyone just turned up at a set time and looked round by themselves and could ask estate agent questions if they wanted. Then when we were leaning another open house straight after. God I couldn't believe how many people there were it was so competitive.

Annoying.....DH still says he's not going anywhere with anyone!! Good job we're not in a major rush i suspect!

I think it's so that the properties look more popular, but then I am very suspicious of EA's!

House we bought had other viewers in when we were there i wonder if its to create competion or something

You can request a private viewing

I'm currently selling; our EA told us this is the norm as it makes the possible buyers think there's competition and puts pressure on them to make a good offer.

We viewed a house with another couple once and the estate agent suggested a contracts race while we were viewing. We loved the house, but promptly walked away without a backwards glance. I think it is designed to instill a sense of panic in prospective buyers

I dont think the couple were that fussed the man kept tutting and umming even though the EA was trying to gee us all along

We've been in at the same time as 4 other couples at one house. Seems pretty standard, I think they do it to try to make it look more competitive.

Speaking as an EA, yes standard trick. Open houses are the big thing now with most agents - why? Well, your staff member gets to sit at the house for a couple of hours, you herd everyone in and create super tension and everyone thinks that the other people are going to bid so it creates a frenzy of hopeful offers - the EA walks away smiling and their client feels super happy that there's been less disruption to the home, and they get a nice set of offers to choose from.

Is it a good idea? Depending on the property and the client, yes it can be, but personally I work differently and book people in for specific time slots so while the viewings are back-to-back, I prefer to give each buyer my personal attention and be on hand to answer questions - it's only fair that everyone gets the same treatment.

However yes it is a common tactic and usually it's just there to save the agent time and sadly some (not all, but some) are bone idle and just want their fee - not cool imho.

Thanks all. The viewings are continuing a pace and thankfully only one suggested double up so far. xx