Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Property/DIY

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

Original poster

Viewings when we are on holiday - bad idea?

24 replies

InTheCludgie · 16/07/2022 13:48

We are away on holiday from 25th July to 5th August, had a successful offer on a house on Thursday. Getting photos etc done this coming Thursday and EA has said they can do the viewings for us while we're away (we live in area where homeowners usually conduct their own viewings unless it's a probate sale etc).

This sounds like a great idea in theory but have a couple of reservations. Firstly, I'm worried it might be 'too much' to do in a short space of time before we leave to go on holiday. Second, we have a cat who is going to be getting fed daily by my DSis who lives round the corner. While I love the cat dearly, he is a bit of a menace. He's not shy and if he feels hungry he will likely follow the EA and viewers round looking for food and is very good at getting underfoot at the best of times! I've tried to call round recommended catteries but of course it's too late in the day to get a free space for him. DSis can't take him as she has a dog and isn't overly keen on cats as it is.

WWYD if you were in my position? I like the idea of not cleaning and tidying loads before different viewing blocks, especially as I have a very messy 7 year old in the house and a ton of crap to hide in the car/wardrobe etc!

OP posts:
Mosaic123 · 16/07/2022 15:57

I would feel like I'd lost control. Also the house might smell stale with all the windows shut at this hot time.

Do you want to be notified about any offers while you are on holiday? You might have to make some decisions which will disturb your relaxation time.

I would schedule for a few days after your return.

Findmebythesea · 16/07/2022 16:03

We did exactly this last year! The week our house went on the market we were away on holiday. It was great!! Gave it a massive clean and declutter before we left, my mum popped round a couple of times to keep it freshened up. We had 14 viewings in that first week and the day we came home, 2 offers were made! It was far less stressful than having to keep on top of the house incase another viewing was made. Don't worry about the cat getting in the way. I say go for it!

CaptainBeakyandhisband · 16/07/2022 16:04

I’d go for it - means there is less tidying of crap to do which is the worst part of house selling. If you have a cleaner make sure they still come. If not then try and find someone who will keep the dust at bay and it smelling fresh

hassletassle · 16/07/2022 16:07

When we sold our last house I had a one-year-old and a two-year/old it was impossible to keep it tidy and keep on top of viewings myself.

I sent my husband out one morning with the children, did a deep clean/tidy, made the beds etc....

and the estate agent showed people around while we were away for 4/5 days. They took their shoes off at the door so that the house didn't need mopping and hoovering.

We also have a cat, my neighbour popped in every evening to feed him.

I was very clear with the estate agent that we would only allow viewings to happen in this four day window, so they saved them up for a week or so.

I think there were about 20 viewings over 4 days and we about six offers in, the day before we came back. I would not have done it any other way with small kids ! I only had to tidy up once then cleared off!

hassletassle · 16/07/2022 16:10

Oh I forgot to say we had a cleaner in a couple of days before we went as well. I didn't use a regular cleaner but a neighbours cleaner agreed to come and give it a deep clean once over

Horriblewoman · 16/07/2022 16:13

Yes we did it with two cats who accompanied all the viewings apparently. The person who came in to feed them waterered plants, made sure the litter wasn't offensive and opened windows and doors to air it.

Much easier than us having to clear out each time we had a viewing.

catsnore · 16/07/2022 16:32

If you do it, make sure estate agent accompanies all viewings and do not leave any paperwork lying around, lock up valuables etc. A friend's parents had identity theft after allowing house viewings while away, turned out the estate agents were too lazy to show people around and just handed out the keys!!!!

Good luck with your house sale!

Twiglets1 · 16/07/2022 16:36

I think it’s a good idea and I’m sure your cat won’t put potential buyers off, which is all that really matters.

partypineapple · 16/07/2022 16:40

We did this - worked brilliantly although we did have to deal with estate agents calling on holiday but that was fine.

Sapphirejane · 16/07/2022 16:42

We did it, took the weekend to do a full clean and pack, went away, open house on the following Saturday, came back on the Sunday, 2 offers on the Monday. Nice to come home to a spotless house too. EA opened windows before the viewing and closed them after as agreed.

I wouldn’t worry about the cat, in a different house ours was once sick on the sofa before a viewing but after we’d left (a gap of about 5 mins!) so we had no idea until after the viewing. We still got an asking price offer, they later asked if we’d sell any furniture bar the sofa so they definitely noticed 😬

Original poster
InTheCludgie · 16/07/2022 16:49

Thank you for all the responses! To those who had viewings with cats there What did you do with food bowls, litter trays? Did the EA hide these before viewers arrived?

OP posts:
Sapphirejane · 16/07/2022 16:55

@InTheCludgie - no, I did make sure they were clean though. Pet bowls etc are par for the course

Original poster
InTheCludgie · 16/07/2022 17:44

Thanks @Sapphirejane that's true although from what I've read on here over the years it seems to be some kind of no-no to have any evidence of animals on show at viewings!

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 17/07/2022 06:35

InTheCludgie · 16/07/2022 17:44

Thanks @Sapphirejane that's true although from what I've read on here over the years it seems to be some kind of no-no to have any evidence of animals on show at viewings!

I don’t mind seeing peoples animals. Have to admit the litter tray would be highly unappealing however. I think you do need to get a relative/friend/paid person in while you’re away to deal with this every day you’re away. May just be easier to find a cattery, there must be one with vacancies if you look widely enough

De88 · 17/07/2022 07:29

Sounds perfect to me! Just make sure there's constant air, don't know about yours but there is no mistaking the smell of cat litter on a hot day, I'm sure no one will mind the cat!

Original poster
InTheCludgie · 17/07/2022 07:43

I think I may just pack the litter tray away, we have a cat flap installed in the back door and his litter tray doesn't get changed often, he hardly uses it. I'd need to remind DSis and EA to keep the kitchen door open so he can get out ok.

OP posts:
Clymene · 17/07/2022 07:51

If he doesn't use the litter tray, I'd get rid of it. And switch him to dry food for the duration.

@Twiglets1 - there are no spaces in kennels or catteries and haven't been for months. My cat sitter has been fully booked for august since May!

Original poster
InTheCludgie · 17/07/2022 08:03

Thanks that's a good call on the dry food, I wouldn't have thought of that

OP posts:
Clymene · 17/07/2022 08:04

After a really horrible flies laying eggs incident when we went away many years ago @InTheCludgie - I've learned my lesson! 🤮

Twiglets1 · 17/07/2022 08:32

InTheCludgie · 17/07/2022 07:43

I think I may just pack the litter tray away, we have a cat flap installed in the back door and his litter tray doesn't get changed often, he hardly uses it. I'd need to remind DSis and EA to keep the kitchen door open so he can get out ok.

I think that’s a good idea and to switch to dry food with plenty of water available of course. Then just ask someone to pop in regularly to check the cat is ok. The estate agent will probably report back if the cat is making their presence known at viewings.

KarrotKake · 17/07/2022 09:46

We had a viewing yesterday. It concluded with 2 kids playing football in the garden, and the toddler sitting on my knee trying to get the cat to come for a stroke, whilst chatting with the parents....
I'd say the cat has been a positive on any viewing with kids!!!

We've left food out, and a clean litter tray, but tucked away cat bed/scratching post etc for viewings.

Id be tempted to have a open day next Sat, before your holiday, and maybe one day while you are away - with your sister doing a massive favour and airing the house and a quick vacuum the day before the "on holiday viewings"

Original poster
InTheCludgie · 17/07/2022 18:51

Hi karrotkake I could maybe do that, may be tricky as DH is working and I'm on my own with both kids. DSis may be able to watch them but think she might be away next weekend.

OP posts:
PrawnGoDookaDooka · 17/07/2022 19:02

When we bought our house there was a pissed off absolutely starving cat in it. It had been abandoned for the weekend and was very keen we know about the maltreatment. It was also about 3 times the size of the cat flap and we were worried about it getting stuck outside when it followed us into the garden. However the estate agent hada number of notes on his file which said something like "cat has been fed, cat does fit through cat flap, ignore the cat" Grin

If you can clear up before you go and your sister can air the house before viewings why not get them over and done with. Or just have an open day the first weekend you are away?

Original poster
InTheCludgie · 18/07/2022 19:45

Thank you everyone for your replies, that's photos being done on Wednesday and house has been well decluttered and touched up where its a bit tatty looking. Just hope I'm not too stressed on Sunday and Monday morning getting us all sorted and out the door!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page