To offer without viewing?!

[ThatsNotMyMuffin]

Bit of a complicated one, I found a house I really, really like. It's a very good price and I don't think it will be around for long. We cannot view it for another few weeks (it's a long distance move) by when it would have been probably sold. I've asked the EA for a virtual viewing which they will ask the vendor about.

The house seems ok, good condition etc. Am I crazy to consider offering on it without visiting it physically? Anything I should ask/consider before doing so?

Gosh, I just couldn't do this! I am pretty risk adverse but even for someone who is less cautious, it's such a huge investment with the potential to go very wrong. Or I guess it could all be great! Just not something I could do myself. Good luck, whatever you decide!

I couldn't either, Catwithflowers

I've looked round loads of houses in the last year, and so very often the house has quite a different 'feel' once you are in it, viewing, than the one you get from the details at the EA.

Even before you factor in the fact you can't smell what it is like on photos.
I've been in a house that smelled damp - although there were no visible signs. I've been in a house that stank of smoke. I've been in a house that stank of dog. Smells that strong are notoriously difficult to get out.

That said, it is difficult when you are moving that far.
If you are 'moving home' then is there someone that could do a viewing for you?
If you are 'moving away', then would it not make sense to move into rented accommodation until you get to know the area and are also on hand to view properties?

We just accepted an offer on our house yesterday (had 4 offers and went to best and final) the top offer was from someone in Hong Kong who offered 8K more than the next best. We were dubious as they hadn't seen it and the estate agent warned us that they type of buyers are trouble and to stay clear. Apparently off ask for reduction once they view it in person.

We bought a house last year without viewing it. It was 10 hours away and there was no way we could travel to view it before someone else snaffled it. We didn't actually see the house until the day we moved in. Not like me at all, I'm generally pretty risk averse but it was the only way we could make it happen.

It depends.

If people know the road and other houses, if it's an investment, etc. The better the agent the better the due diligence into circumstances.

I did this but did manage to send a family member round to look (5 minute slot and all bids taken at the end of the one day of viewings). I had seen a house on the same Street but lost out in a bidding war. I had a good relationship with the estate agent from previous viewings and made it very clear the reason we needed to move quickly and that we wouldn't be messing around. I offered over asking and had all the paperwork/proof and solicitors instructed. I did view before exchange but again made it clear it was just to decide what furniture would fit.