How many viewings?

[TakeMe2Insanity]

After the sale was agreed on a house
how many viewing would you expect from the prospective buyer? House has been empty and unfurnished and empty for a while so no issues about wanting to see the space. X has I think viewed 4 times so far.

so what did they say when you asked them on their 4th visit?

post offer it might be reasonable to visit once, possibly twice, to measure up for own furnishings and investigate the odd issue in more detail, but not 4 times after offer and before exchange.

have you left it on the market?

They’ve always viewed with the estate agent and without me just because it is empty. It’s been taken off the market, as no chain on both sides and a 6 week exchange planned. Just a little unsettled by the constant reviewing. I get the perspective of excitement but the only thing to to do is personal taste no heavy building work.

I think because it's empty they don't see it as an inconvenience
I had buyers who viewed repeatedly with builders, window fitter etc
In the end I said no more

As it's empty and your Estate Agent is handling the viewings I wouldn't worry. 4 does sound more than normal but it sounds like it's only an inconvenience for the EA??

As long as they are not giving you a list of concerns/issues after each viewing I'd just let them crack on.,

ok so does not sound like they are having second thoughts, and as the place is empty, and viewings do not involve you, don't stress over it.

But - it's empty. What's your problem? There are loads of things I'd like to check at the house I'm buying but don't, because I don't want to inconvenience the owners. I'd have far less problem inconveniencing an EA who is being paid thousands of pounds and who works within a few minutes walk.

We viewed about 6 times in total, 1st & 2nd viewing - sale agreed. Then back again for measurements, then back again for EICR and then again with structural engineer and then a final time (I felt very awkward at this point) to check a boundary issue flagged by solicitor.

The estate agent must feel the reasons for wanting more viewings are sensible because a lot of estate agents get very funny about having to spend time letting people view houses they are already in the process of buying as it's essentially a waste of their time and therefore money to keep sending someone to let them in.

They are excited!

I think the most we’ve ever viewed was 3 times but that’s generally so you don’t inconvenience the owners.

We’ll usually drive or walk past discreetly though in the lead up because we are excited (perhaps we’re weird though!)

I definitely should have viewed the property 4x!
Wouldn’t give up on the flat but the sellers hid a lot of stuff and from viewing to exchanges there were new issues that were not disclosed.
Should have asked for them to be fixed or have a price reduction!
Since the property is empty you run less of this risk as everything is open to the sight. Most like they want to check if their furniture works and align with builders/decorators.
Don’t fret!

First house about 5 times if you count just 'going to the house' the seller was dragging his feet on appointing a solicitor. As a private sale there was no EA to push him along. Fell through because we got sick of waiting and roof got badly damaged in a storm (and they had no insurance).

Last house that fell through we viewed half a dozen time but it was standing empty for 2 years due to probate issues and falling into complete disrepair with leaks and water damage, in the end it got repossessed by the bank to pay the debts on the estate (and we lost money, through no fault of our own).

This house that we finally successfully bought we viewed twice, once right before offering and once on the morning of exchange 3 and a half months later. Its just across the road so we see it from the outside often.

We are only viewing our purchase twice, one before offer and once coming up before we exchange. I think 4 seems like quite a lot but equally as it's empty especially if EA are showing them round it isn't really an issue.

I agree they probably don't see a problem if there's nobody living there. With everything house related you are just guessing if there's a problem or they just want to measure up etc.

Thanks! Always good to get a different perspective!

It is an interesting answer. And replies.

It is increible really, that for such a big financial outlay, that people are not expected to have a good look, let alone scrutinise.