Multiple repeat visits requested by buyer

[LongKim]

I recently moved out of my home, then put it on the market. I found a buyer fairly easily (popular area) and accepted a decent chain free offer, possibly not as high as could go but in theory would be able to move quite quickly.

Since the offer was accepted they've had two further viewings, a mortgage survey and a full survey. The surveys didn't show anything unexpected and they are buying at a decent price, it is a period property so of course some imperfections expected.

Six weeks later they've continued to ask for multiple further viewings, with builders etc. I think as the property is empty they see it as available for getting quotes, making plans. The agent has declined further time now other than one last short viewing to bring a builder, take photos and measurements and then planning must be done once we complete. They are FTB.

I think this is correct? Surely as a seller I can't be expected to have multiple visits of 1hr plus at this stage? The agent also doesn't have time to keep accompanying. The focus needs to be on completing imo, the planning can be done based on existing photos and floor plans.

I agree. Say no

Yes absolutely. You have been more than reasonable

It isn't being awkward to decline builder visits etc? That should be done on the buyers time? So they need to push for completion ASAP so they can get cracking, rather than doing whilst I'm paying the mortgage etc...how do you put it politely? I'm surprised the agent hasn't pushes back harder tbh.

Are they asking you to attend because the agent won't? Can't you just explain that you're busy and that this isn't normal?

They’re first time buyers and probably very nervous as it’s a massive commitment and want to get it right, I get that, I was terrified on our first purchase and had several viewings.

I’d let them have one more viewing and explain that it’s the last one. If you can’t do it personally then that’s the agents job.

You said it's sold easily, so if you wouldn't think it the end of the world if they pulled out, ok.
Personally I'd try to be as accommodating as I reasonably could, but I was terrified of losing the buyer.

I imagine they are eager but I’d say no you will have to wait. When we brought our first home we came twice, might have been one visit (was so competitive houses were going in days so wasn’t much option) I never dreamed of asking to come back though until we got it. We made rough plans of what we were going to do. But it all looks and feels so different when you actually get a bare house. I cried once we got the keys as it looked awful with no furniture!

We were really happy that our buyer facilitated lots of visits - the house was empty and they estate agent sent the office junior with the key (we know the estate agent). It meant we could take the architect round twice and 3 sets of builders and we were pretty much ready to go with the renovations once we'd completed. It didn't hold up completion...

They seem like committed buyers. They have their mortgage and surveys done. The agent is right. They now need to wait until completion before they can access the house again. Or possibly one last visit just after exchange. That's it.

This. I'm an experienced buyer and recently moved into my last home, in an area I know well. My first viewing was literally for 30 minutes (by owner-I hate those viewings), and a couple of days later so could barely remember the property, when the agent was pressurising me. It really pissed me off. I asked for another viewing without the owners, and this time didn't feel like i was intruding, it was sunny (I need to 'feel') the light and the first time it was raining. After another explore, taking videos etc.. I did decide it was the right property for me. I got the 'feeling' the second time. They had moved into sheltered a accommodation and a couple more viewings would have been beneficial as I was having to get rid of a whole family homes worth of furniture etc.. on my own, with no partner. I'd say anything you can do within reason to help, would be kind.

If the property is empty and the agents are happy to spend their time doing the viewings, is there really an issue? It literally has no impact on you

No I wouldn't. Before you know it they'll want to measure up for curtains and god knows what else.

She says in the OP the agent doesn't have time to keep accompanying repeated viewings.

I'd be wanting them to focus on exchanging and competing rather than measuring up etc; once they've bought the house they can do their planning. They've had 3 viewings already, and want multiple further access to facilitate their own building plans and intentions which seems excessive.

I'd also push back and suggest they wait until they've exchanged, then they can have 1 more access visit between exchange and completion. As soon as they complete it's all theirs!

I was in the same position OP. My buyers actually wanted to do some building work before the house was theirs. They wanted me to pay for it and said they would pay me back once contracts were exchanged...hahaha.
There was a big fat no right there.
They did buy the house in the end though...eventually.
Just keep saying no.

Then it’s up to the agent to say no.
my point is, if it’s not affecting the OP then is there really an issue?

Our buyer had 5 viewings, one was after exchange and without my consent, the estate agent agreed to it. I was really annoyed because we were packing by then. They trapped dirt through the house, so I was a lot less bothered about making it clean when we left.

@MsSquiz Oh I see, then no the agents can be the one to refuse. But as a seller I think I'd be worried they're going to become nightmare buyers!

We allowed a visit with builder but that was only the second time the (FT) buyer had been into the property so no issues. Repeated visits however would not have been tolerated.

Our buyers did push it though.
Exchange kept getting pushed back and we were getting a little fed up (we had already moved out by then) but what brought it to a head was when they asked if their new kitchen could be delivered on Friday and left in the (empty) garage. We said no, not until we had at least exchanged and low & behold, after weeks of delays we E&C on the Thursday ready for their kitchen to be delivered the following day.

Nothing wrong with that the house is empty. Our buyer has come in to measure up to organise things. Saves doing it after you move in. We don't have any contact with the buyer.

They should be told no one is available for further viewings and anything else they want to do will have to be done after exchange.

2 viewings is usual.

But they don"t want to buy something that they later find out has some problem or other that they missed, you are paying the mortgage because you took on a mortgage debt, that is not the buyer"s problem?

That is a good way to lose a buyer.

Probably they are going to use the builder to negotiate some discount. The builder says X will cost Y. Can we are reduce our offer by Y.

Generally it would be initial viewing, second viewing just to be 100% ahead of making an offer and then access for the valuation/homebuyers report or full survey.

At a push if there was specialist reports that were required such as asbestos removal, access should again be granted.

Are they perhaps submitting PP and need access to facilitate architects drawings for this? I would accommodate this as if PP is granted it attaches to the property and not the owner so could potentially add value depending on the plans submitted. This also assumes this is not the quickest conveyance and PP is approved before completion.