As far as viewings are concerned, some sellers would rather show people around themselves while others cannot imagine anything worse than having to watch strangers trample through their house while not being sure what they should be saying to them. Viewers generally prefer it to be the agent who opens the front door to them, they find it less awkward and they can be a little more forthright in their opinions without upsetting the owner of the home.
We like to be there for all viewings and here are the reasons why:
1. We’re paid to sell the house and accompanied viewings are included. Calling an owner the next day to ask how a viewing went the previous evening just seems like we are not really involved
2 Many agents will contact a viewer the day after they have seen a house asking for feedback but in effect this is just a box ticking exercise so they can add ‘feedback’ to their list of services. It is of limited value. We often contact the owner about the viewing after we leave their property
3 We can get direct feedback from the viewers. Years of experience helps us build up a good picture of the potential buyer and whether they are likely to be the purchaser of the house we are selling and if they are in a position to buy it
4 We have to be able to make important decisions going forward in relation to marketing properties if they are not immediately selling, in terms of asking price and advertising. This can only be carried out correctly with all the right information and that can only be achieved by meeting the potential buyers at the property
5 The most important reason is to meet potential buyers who may not turn out to be interested in the house we are currently selling is that we can try to. understand exactly what they are looking for, then when a suitable property comes along, we already have potential buyers to contact
6 We pride ourselves on service, a service that goes beyond the norm and that has to include accompanied viewings, except in exceptional circumstances
Viewings can be local or many miles away and are time-consuming but they are at the very core of our business, meeting people. In fact, they are so important, I will meet viewers at a time that suits them and that can often be a weekend or evening
