Estate agents have shared tips with buyers and sellers to ensure the house viewing process runs smoothly and to help them avoid making mistakes which could jeopardise a potential sale.
Advice provided by NAEA Propertymark, the professional body for estate agents, includes tips on negotiating and guidance on how to avoid time wasting.
A report out earlier this year from the HomeOwners Alliance revealed time wasters were one of the reasons hundreds of thousands of UK house sales fell through every year.
But there are other factors which make the viewing process is so important to the eventual deal. Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark, said: “First impressions are a crucial part of the house buying and selling process, but it’s no surprise buyers and sellers are making silly mistakes which could damage the interest from the buyer, or have an impact on whether the seller accepts an offer.
“However, on the flipside, you could visit a property and be so overcome by great first impressions you forget to ask the right questions which will help you establish whether it really is the right property for you and any potential problems.”
Tips for buyers
Propertymark said it is important to show the property the same sort of respect you would expect someone to show your own. Estate agents report stories of buyers lighting up cigarettes, refusing to take off their shoes and bringing pets with them for a viewing – things which might not prove favourable to potential buyers if they were considering several offers.
Negotiating over or criticising the asking price during a viewing is also considered a faux pas, according to Propertymark. It is better to wait until you have left the property to discuss the price with the estate agent, especially if the seller is at home.
This also applies to any opinions you may have about the property. It’s best not to offer any negative comment during a viewing. Propertymark warned, that ‘ghastly’ en-suite might be the seller’s favourite feature.
Tips for sellers
Although many sellers think it’s helpful to be available to answer questions, hanging around home during a viewing can actually put buyers off. Estate agents said it prevents them from relaxing and imaging themselves in the property.
They might also be reluctant to try out the taps and shower, things which could prove a deal breaker.
Propertymark also warned against leaving your home in a mess. Although it’s a given that a house should be tidy and clean for a viewing, there have been a ‘surprising’ number of reports from estate agents who have come across messy properties.
There have even been cases of sellers who have been asleep in bed when viewers arrived.
Finally, Propertymark warned, don’t waste buyers’ time. Be upfront with your estate agent about the sort of buyer you are looking for. If you need to move quickly and need a buyer with no chain or a cash buyer only, make all parties aware in advance.
One agent recalls a seller who was looking for a cash buyer, and kept turning away prospective buyers. It turned out he was expecting buyers to turn up with a suitcase full of cash to complete the sale there and then.
