Do You Check Who Is Viewing My Property Before Showing Them Around?

When you place your property on the market it is perfectly reasonable to want to know who will be coming through your front door.  Viewings are an essential part of selling a home but they require sellers to make their property available, prepare for visitors and, quite naturally owners are hopful that each appointment might lead to an offer.  That is why, at Langford Rae Property Agents, we believe prospective purchasers should be properly qualified before a viewing is arranged.

This starts with a conversation.  When somebody contacts us about a property, we will establish their basic details, including their name, address, telephone number and email address.  More importantly we want to understand their circumstances and what has prompted their interest in that particular property.

We will discuss their current buying position.  Are they first-time buyers, renting, living with family or do they have a property to sell? If they are selling, is their property already on the market and has a buyer been found? If it is under offer, we will look to understand the position of the chain beneath them and how far matters have progressed.

Finance is another important part of the conversation.  If a mortgage is required we will establish whether the prospective purchaser has considered their borrowing requirements and, where appropriate, whether they have spoken with a mortgage adviser or lender. Existing homeowners may be porting a current mortgage, increasing their borrowing or using equity from their sale.  Understanding this at an early stage can help identify potential complications before anybody becomes unnecessarily committed to a transaction.

Qualification is not simply about finance.  We also want to understand why somebody wants to view a particular property. Do they know the area? Are they specifically looking for that style or size of home? Is the location important because of schools, family, work or transport links? What was it about the property that caught their attention?  Are they looking for a 'show home' house or are they prepared to undertake a program of works?

These conversations are valuable for buyers too.  By discussing requirements properly we can answer an important question before a viewing or identify something that may mean the property is not suitable.  Equally, our conversation may highlight features of the property or location that make it particularly relevant to them.

Naturally at the initial enquiry stage we are largely reliant upon the information a prospective purchaser provides.   However, as experienced estate agents at Langford Rae Property Agents we know which questions to ask and when an answer warrants a little further discussion.  As a potential purchase progresses towards an offer, financial position, chain details and ability to proceed can then be examined in considerably greater detail.

The objective is not to make arranging a viewing unnecessarily difficult.  Quite the opposite.  Good qualification helps ensure that sellers are welcoming people into their homes who have a genuine reason for being there, while buyers spend their valuable time viewing properties that could realistically work for them.

Ultimately a viewing should have a purpose.  By taking the time to understand prospective purchasers before they walk through the door we can make viewings more productive, manage expectations on both sides and spot potential obstacles to a successful sale at the earliest possible opportunity.

If you would like to discuss your search requirements with us, or you have further questions on how we best make sure genuine intersted parties are viewing your property, please call the office on 01689862770.