Piloting Property Viewings: who's guiding you?

Picture this: you've discovered a property that sparks your interest, set up a viewing appointment, and arrived at the doorstep, eager to explore your potential new home.

Now, big question, have you ever wondered about the person guiding you through the property? More importantly, what's their stake in the viewing, and what angle might they be working?

Let's delve into who might be the one opening the door and showing you around:

1. Estate Agent (EA) You might find yourself in the company of the estate agent, an individual with a basic knowledge of the property. They'll sing praises of its appealing features while downplaying any drawbacks. Their mission? To gauge your likelihood of making an offer, and they're well-versed in using persuasion techniques. They have answers for all your objections and will encourage you to make an offer, even if you are not entirely sure.

2. Homeowner If the property is being marketed directly by the owner or through an online agency, they're likely to be your guide. This presents a unique advantage, as they possess first-hand knowledge of recent repairs and upcoming work. However, bear in mind that while EAs have a legal obligation to provide truthful answers, homeowners may not be aware of this duty and may only provide minimal information, but fear not, because your Home Buyers Report should uncover anything major. Also, remember that your interaction with the homeowner isn't just about the property; they're also considering whether they'd want to sell to you. Selling a home is an emotive decision, just as buying one is.

3. Viewing Guides These could be third-party representatives or individuals from estate agencies assigned to facilitate viewings. They could also have been appointed by homeowners who don't want to take viewings themselves. Viewing Guides are not sales experts, and their knowledge of the property is limited. Their sole role is to open up properties for viewings, to be a separation from the home owner or, if they work for an agency, to free up the EAs so that they can focus on their more profitable tasks which are getting offers and signing up listings. Any queries that are asked to Viewing Guides are usually passed on to the EA, but its often more effective to save your questions for when the EA calls you for feedback on the property.

4. Developer's Sales Representative For those eyeing new build properties, you'll interact with the developer's sales reps. Expect to view a show home rather than the actual property. These representatives are trained in sales, with a focus on the lifestyle that the property offers and the sales emphasis is on selling the customisable finishes available.

Understanding who's guiding you during a viewing is crucial. Each has their own motivations and goals for the interaction. Tailoring your communication to suit each type ensures a smooth viewing experience. By comprehending their intentions, you can act accordingly so that you don't feel pressurised to fulfil their goals.

Empowering you with knowledge, one viewing at a time.