2nd viewings on our place

[Tblock1800]

Hi all, selling our 2 bed apartment formerly new build when we bought it, so still in lovely condition and modern. We have been on the market since July so a decent amount of time. Had some interest and the feedback has always been good, but obviously the budget didn't help and people have been reluctant to put money on the table certainly for flats anyway in our area in Surrey. We have found since the new year it has definitely picked up again. We had 2 separate viewers over Thursday and had a call from the estate agents to say both loved it and want to come back next week for a 2nd viewing and have booked in. I can only assume to make sure and that we should hopefully get some sort of offer from at least 1? Any advice really to prepare for the 2nd viewings? We are aiming to move into a 3 bedroom house locally where we live as we need the space now with our 2 kids and a garden. Fingers crossed all goes well next week.

No advice, except obviously make sure it's as clean and tidy as possible for a 2nd viewing.

2nd viewings should be about 'head' rather than heart. Potential buyers should really be coming with a serious view to looking at your flat in a practical manner and seeing if it will honestly work for them. Possibly taking measurements. It usually means they liked the flat when they first saw it, but need a proper think about how it fits their needs.

Make sure your agent has all the important information to hand - service charges, any planned works, information on any warranties remaining. As previous poster said, make sure that it looks inviting for people who will be thinking practically and comparing it to other places they’re having second viewings on - so no clutter indicating lack of storage.

I’d also consider asking your agent not to tell either viewer about the other: there’s little more off-putting than when an agent starts doing the old “yeah, we’ve got other people really interested too, you might have to be quick with your offer if you like this place etc etc” because prospective buyers often just think it’s a lie designed to get them to pay more than they want or rush to offer, don’t want to get involved in that game playing, and move on with somewhere else.

Are they first time buyers? If so, they might bring their parents who may ask the esoteric questions (appreciate you don’t have a garden but my dad was keen to ask about soil type 😀)

thanks all.

Yes, both 1st time buyers and both bringing their parents haha spot on

I don't know if it can be done, but if one of them makes an offer you like, say it is accepted subject to contract and no change in the offer. You don't want someone who tries it on a few days before completion seeking a reduced amount.

yes good idea

It might be a good idea but it’s absolutely impossible to enforce!

only thing you can do is say no if they do that. Stick with your price you want

Sure, but then you are back at the beginning and may collapse your own purchase.

Just update on this one guys. D Day today. Our viewer also viewed a property in our complex but was a 1 bedroom unlike our 2 bedroom so she 💯 loves our apartment complex but will make a decision between the 2 today, I know i’m going to be biased here, but surely logically you would go for the 2 bedroom? Buying a 1 bedroom and potentially having to sell again in a few years paying another stamp duty where as a 2 bedroom gives you that slight longevity. The viewer was also very adamant on wanting a little space with sunshine and views. We have a southern facing balcony with common views and sunshine all day. The 1 bedroom is facing the car park and the sun is blocked all day. The positive in me thinks it’s a no brainer in what to go for , but the negative in me thinks she goes for the cheaper 1 bedroom option. FYI, my estate agent confirmed she has the budget for our asking price so this isn’t about affordability.

You’ll drive yourself mad second guessing all this. I have a flat on the market and have had viewers come back for a second, asking all sorts of questions etc and it’s come to nothing. Just keep it clean and tidy, have your paperwork ready (the management pack is often a big factor in delays), and be accommodating as you can re exchange and completion dates.

True but she’s already Said to our estate agents it’s between our 2 properties. She just needs to weigh it all up. So close, yet feels so far 😅

I wouldn’t be making any demands! Flats aren’t easy to sell in this market.

And how exactly will this work to prevent people from changing their offer at a later stage?

OP, good luck with the sale! Let us know how it goes.

agreed, flats are incredibly hard to sell at the moment and we know this 1st hand

Thank you.

Really all you can do is make sure it’s clean and tidy and cross your fingers. Other than reducing the price, there is nothing you can do to get them to buy it.