How long timewise is reasonable for pre exchange viewing?

[2Magpies24]

We have ours today, and DH is busy packing laser measures, floor mapping apps, GoPro, wall measuring gubbins, torches etc. it’s a bit ridiculous and overkill (all stuff he uses for work) but we are renovating before moving in fully.

Im just a bit worried about how long this will all take and what is a reasonable amount of time for a viewing? EA is doing the viewing but I don’t want to upset anyone!

I would have thought the estate agent would have about 20 minutes to view. Are there specific measurements that you need to know before you exchange or can these wait until completion? Pre- exchange viewing is usually to check that nothing has changed since you initially viewed not a massive survey!

You’re making a purchase of hundreds of thousands of pounds so, in my view, it’s not unreasonable to take your time with the viewing. And if the estate agent has to work for his money then so be it.

We had our booked 2 days before as that when the EA gave us the viewing.

We viewed Wednesday with Exchange and Completion both booked for Friday but just an hour after viewing (don't know if the EA contacted them etc...) the solicitor phoned to ask to exchange there and then (contract pre-signed just not sent) to lock in and then complete on Friday.

So I ended up exchanging pretty much immediately right on the same day.

Its not, well it is but its also when measurements are taken and it can be as long as you like.

The EA even brought her own laser measures to help us measure up (although I assume the benefit is it makes it go quicker for her).

Why drag them back out for another completely unnecessary viewing later, most if the person lives there won't want you in again while they are packing in the last moments.

Thanks all, we have builders in a few days after completion so need to get it right. Don’t really know what’s reasonable time though. Thanks for responses.

From what the op has said it isn't just measuring, it's the ridiculous and overkill amount of gubbins he is taking! I would check with the estate agent to see how long they have booked in for the viewing.

Our buyers came for a pre exchange viewing and wanted to meet us, with the EA. She was late, so we showed them things they wouldn’t have seen originally. He went into the loft, they looked into cupboards and wardrobes, were shown how the heating system works and the things that you don’t necessarily see at first.

There were no renovations to be done though and I think people might be annoyed at someone planning them to that extent, when the house isn’t theirs. Yes, of course it’s a lot of money, but it does sound like overkill and I’d be put off. The length of time the EA has booked, will be an indicator of what is expected.

So just to be certain, this is a final viewing prior to exchange and not a structural survey (which I presume was done earlier in the process)?

If so, I would expect it to be nothing more than a thorough walk around to make sure that nothing has changed. Yes, take measurements if you want to arrange soft furnishings, furniture etc but from what you say this is not the case?
If your DH is taking detailed measurements prior to starting renovations, I would say they could wait until the house is actually yours as presumably you already know enough to have proceeded with the sale anyway?

When we sold our last house we were happy for the buyers to bring a builder on their final viewing as they wanted advice on proposed changes but that was it, just checking the feasibility, bouncing ideas etc and not making detailed plans.

As far as I’m concerned, once you are committed to buying it’s essentially your house. I know legally you haven’t exchanged yet, but once the process is underway I’d be happy for my buyer to measure and plan whatever they like. I tend to go out during viewings anyway so it wouldn’t bother me however long they take.

I’d advise the EA of your plans so they can allocate enough of their time to the viewing, but otherwise crack on.

Many years ago post exchange of contracts the EA contacted us to say the buyers wanted to come over to measure up for curtains etc. It was DS's 8th birthday & we said that would be fine, but we'd be leaving at 11:00am to collect a couple of DS's friends, my parents & MIL & to take DS out for his birthday so they would need to be in & out before then.

Buyers turned up at about 10:30, then announced that they had arranged for a kitchen fitter to come at '11:00ish' to give a quote & someone else to give a quote for fitted wardrobes. We calmly explained that wouldn't be convenient, we had agreed with EA that they would measure up & be gone by 11:00 as was son's birthday & we had plans to take him out. Things escalated & my (now exH) & the buyer's husband had a real row about it. The buyer's H calling us unreasonable suggesting that I took DS out on our own & my H could join us later which really upset DS (he obviously wanted his daddy to be with him for a <rare> day out with his whole family) buyer's H threatened to pull out of the deal, my H responded that, if they did, he would sue them for breach of contact. I stayed in the garden with tearful DH trying to stay out of the way & distract him from the very loud row going on in the house. My H ended up throwing them out threatening to call the police if they didn't leave.

From then on when we sold houses & buyers wanted to measure up I always let the EA deal with it while we were out of the way.

BTW, we had a lovely day out at a local farm which is also a bit of a theme park with rides, animals to pet, feed & milk, a huge barn with stuff to climb on, swing from, ball pool etc,

Is your dh generally inconsiderate and thoughtless?

But you ended up selling to them?

Nope. Are you generally rude and judgy?

Sounds like you and your DH are a match made in heaven OP!

He is setting up for what sounds like hours at the property
and you’re jumping down posters throats

have you managed to persuade him to basically consider the EA?

I would let the EA know you plan on being at the house a while, in case they have another appointment soon after. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to take your time, it’s not that different to having a survey, which can take several hours.

Not jumping down anyone’s throat, just calling out someone accusing my DH of being inconsiderate and thoughtless. Was totally unnecessary, as was your comment.

I came on here to ask for advice from people in the know as we were genuinely unsure on the best course of action, I was asking for help and seeking advice rather than just showing up and taking ages. There are some very knowledgable people on the property boards and I had some very helpful guidance over a month ago when I asked the question and took it on board.

We have lived in the house for 2 weeks now. In the end we were there for around 30 mins and the EA was more than happy for us to take thorough measurements and take our time. So thanks very much for all the people who provided genuine, helpful advice, your sensible guidance helped us a lot.

I personally think what you describe in your OP, your husband clearly planning on a very substantial visit, and having given no indication of his intentions to the EA, is an indication of pretty inconsiderate 🤷‍♀️

Except it actually wasn't a substantial visit at only 30 minutes long and was weeks ago.

The op clearly didn’t think that was going to be the case when she watched her husband, and decided to start this thread, which indicates he has a history of being pretty inconsiderate