Property viewing etiquette
23 January 2008
Even in a buyers' market, property vendors tend to sell to people they like; not always to the person who makes the highest offer.
Following these rules can ensure you make a good impression. At the end of the day, at BDI Homefinders in London, we feel that when you are on a viewing a property, you are in someone else's home.
How many times can you view a property before you have to put in an offer?
Estate agents have a saying 'third time unlucky', which means that once a buyer comes to view a house for the third time, they are highly unlikely to buy. So if you haven't put in an offer after a second viewing, you are likely to find you get a much cooler reception.
How many people can you bring with you before it looks like you're turning up to a house party?
Ideally, you should turn up just with your partner, or a friend if you are single, for a first viewing. For a second viewing it is acceptable to bring perhaps one more person, but never, ever, more than four.
Is it rude to take a tape measure to a first viewing?
It's not rude, but it's unnecessary. The estate agents' details will include floor plans so you’ll already know the dimensions of each room. Once you have had an offer accepted and want to start measuring up to see if you’ll get your sofa in, then it's fine. In fact it is to be encouraged as it proves to the vendor that you're serious.
What about taking a camera?
It would be the height of bad manners to walk round someone's home snapping pictures on your mobile phone. The only instance I would say it is OK is if your partner is out of the country and you want them to have a look. But always ask first.
Can making a low offer cause offence?
Yes, if it's not handled in the right way. As a property search agent, I would always back up a low offer by saying that it's the top of my clients' budget. If you're going it alone, be prepared to enter into psychological warfare. If you are offering £700,000 on an £800,000 property, you need to back it up by listing what work you would need to do on the property and what it would cost you.
Is there anything you really mustn't say in front of a property vendor?
The very worst thing you can do is say things like 'well we'd have to knock that wall down' and 'if we filled the pond in the garden would look much better'. The vendor is probably very proud of their property the way it is and will not warm to you if you discuss what you want to do to it.
Is it OK to go round and speak to the neighbours before putting in an offer?
It's a bit premature. It would be more usual to do this once you’ve had an offer accepted. You’re better to go and chat up the landlord of the local.
Should you dress up to view a property?
I would say aim to look innocuous and don't let your clothes give anything away. You don’t want to look scruffy, but equally, if you look too smart the vendor might assume you've got loads of money and won’t negotiate.
Is it OK to pull back curtains to look for cracks/ tap on the walls/ pull up rugs etc?
This depends on whether the vendor is there. If they are out and you are being shown round by an estate agent then a limited amount of rug-lifting and curtain- twitching is OK – but definitely, not in front of the vendor. It’s a surveyor's job to do all these checks on your behalf once you've had an offer accepted.
If you've got kids, is it OK to take them round with you?
I would advise not to on a first viewing as they can be too distracting. If the vendor has children, then it is OK to bring them on a second viewing, but if the vendor is childless, they may find it a bit of an imposition.
This guide to property viewing etiquette was prepared by Tracy Kellett, the Managing Director of BDI Homefinders in London.
