If an estate agent doesn't sound very enthusiastic about a property does that mean...

[sethstarkaddersmum]

...that they already have a lot of interest in it?

I tried to arrange a viewing for a house we're interested in which has just been reduced by 50k and there was a lot of teeth-sucking and she offered me one time which we couldn't do (because we'd have had to bring 2 small dcs with us) and she said the house needed a lot of work (I know, that's why I don't want to come and view with 2 small dcs if there are floorboards up etc).

you know when you sometimes feel like they don't actually want to be bothered with you?

Or is it that viewing staff are terribly terribly busy people and IABU to want to take their time up in viewing the house?!

ooh, maybe I should ask Sarah Beeny tomorrow!

I do know what you're describing, but I'd say it just means that's a crap Estate Agent there!

Who, in these times, can afford to be offhand to potential buyers? It could mean there's already a couple of cash buyers lined up for that house, of course, but there's no excuse for trying to put you off. I think you were joking, but you are NEVER being unreasonable wanting to view a house, however many people they are dealing with already! Of course, lots of agencies have laid off staff recently so there might not be someone available to take you round, but they want to sell it so they should be able to sort something out.

Be stroppy and get that viewing.

thank you Reshape, I will be stroppy if that's what it takes.

hurrah, they've got back to me with a time.

An estate agent will only not want to make a viewing if they think they wont make money out of it. Either got a buyer they are trying to tie up. Know there is a reason you would not go ahead. You need a mortgage and it is unmortgageable. They have had a sale fall before for some reason. Or know the vendors will not proceed with the sale for some reason.

I worked in estate agents some time ago and some vendors were so strange in their behaviour never found another house to move to but sold theirs six times. In the end we tried to put people off viewing it.

most likely they have another buyer then.
the house is empty so probably not the vendor arsing about.

it is out in a village and needs a lot of work so I can imagine they are a bit fed up with going all the way out there only to have viewers say it needs too much work.... but surely that's part of the job?!

if they are getting too many people wanting to see it but thinking it needs too much work shouldn't they just rewrite the specs to make it more obvious?

it's clear to me from the brochure (and because we drove past and looked at it) that it will need a new kitchen and probably bathrooms; I am two thirds expecting it will need a rewire too. Windows at the front look ok. If we get there and it needs a new roof and floors and walls that's a different matter though

Lynli thank you for insights into the minds of estate agents - it's invaluable!

It could be the estate agent wants to buy it themselves. Try talking to the manager or another agent at the same firm.

But then vendors can be useless too I can think of lots of houses we have be interested in but the vendors ruined any chance of a sale (wouldn't allow a view quickly enough, left all the windows open and went away in winter=very cold and suspicion of a problem with smells, wouldn't allow anyone to visit with children).

Good luck anyway

Mummytime. It's been on the market for ages though - you'd think they would have made their move by now!