Do we need to offer now?

[cakehoover123]

Sorry, beginner question.

We viewed a house on Saturday that we liked. It's been on the market for a week, we were the first viewers, but there are 2 more viewings booked this week. We're cash buyers, so hopefully in a good position.

However, we've just gone on holiday, so can't do a 2nd viewing till a week tomorrow.

Question: what happens if another viewer makes a strong offer this week? Would we get a chance to counter-offer, or could the EA take it off the market without phoning us?

Asking to figure out if we should offer now. We'd prefer to do the viewing first, but not if it means we might potentially lose the house.

Thank you, we'll do that!

Why would you need to do a second viewing?

@Nochoiceleft - surely the most expensive purchase of your life requires a second and perhaps even a third viewing? Second time to really look at it properly, look at the condition of the walls, windows roof etc. Check the boiler. Can I imagine Christmas (or equivalent holiday) here? Look at the neighbourhood, amenities and so on.
People need to buy smart, not just with their hearts.

I have only ever offered after one viewing.

I bought this house after one viewing at a time when the market was moving very fast - and never stepped foot in it again until I owned it.
This was before the days of digital cameras etc and although we had a survey and weren't too worried about the condition, there were quite a few surprises when we got back here; things we hadn't noticed or thought to ask.
I would advise a second viewing but not at the expense of a house you love. Perhaps you could make a firm arrangement to go back next Sunday when you're back, so there is something in the vendor's diary.

If you like it, offer now. Don’t rely on the agent getting in touch to do a bidding war, if another buyer offers asking price on the condition that the house go off market immediately, the agent will do that. The agent works for the seller and does not care about you at all.

This!

if you're worried about losing it, I'd offer now. I wouldn't rely on the EA contacting you if there's another offer.

but I'd make it a condition of the offer that it comes off the market & no further viewings (by others).

Offer now. They won’t hang around waiting for you. It’s a sign you aren’t sure, and as a buyer I’d rather go with the person who makes a firm offer straight up rather than someone who asks to hear if there is a counter offer while they are on holiday.

If I got a good offer while you are on holiday I would accept it straight away, without wanting the EA to contact you first. It's also not normal to be 2 offered 2 viewings. It's usually 1 viewing before offer, and then 1 or 2 further visits to measure etc. You can and probably should ask and try to arrange a second offer, but depending on how popular the house is, it might mean you lise out as most buyers will put in an offer after only 1 viewing.

Two viewing is entirely normal. First you look with your heart to imagine living their and then you look with your head.
In fast moving markets, people would offer after one viewing.

As pp have said, you can phone and express serious interest pending second viewing when you are back from holiday.

Assuming you are in England:
If they accept an offer while you are away and take it off the market, you won't be able to get the second viewing but you can still make and offer. The EA will be obliged to pass the offer on. If it's better or close, the vendor may come back to accept or ask for more.

The stupidity of English system is that neither party is tied in until the exchange of contracts after which the buyer will have incurred and lot of expense. It's shit, but in your case means they could accept an offer from you even after accepting someone else's.