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Accompanied Viewings Explained: DIY vs Agents

Posted 27/01/2025 by Alex Moore
Categories: Selling
Cosy home

Viewings are a vital part of the selling process as they offer a chance to meet buyers face to face, but did you know viewings entail more than showing a prospective buyer around your property?

You should always conduct viewings, but doing it alone can be quite an undertaking. That's why a lot of sellers opt for an accompanied viewing, where a professional estate agent like Reeds Rains steps in and conducts viewings on your behalf.

The benefits of accompanied viewings

Letting a professional agent take control is the best option if you aren't confident in your selling ability, or if your schedule is simply too busy to be planning and conducting viewings.

The benefits:

  • Professional agents have extensive experience selling properties and it would be advantageous to have them representing you and your property.
  • Agents act as a professional third party between you and the buyer, and buyers are more likely to feel comfortable enough to be honest about concerns with the property with an agent than the owner of the property.
  • There are lots of different types of buyers who have varying property needs and understand this well enough to tailor viewings to each buyer's needs.
  • You'll have more free time as you won't need to be planning, scheduling and hosting viewings.
  • A professional agent does this for a living and can be more flexible with time and dates for viewings.

The drawbacks:

  • Most agents require a fee for conducting accompanied viewings.
    • To discuss accompanied viewing fees contact your local branch and speak to one of your local experts who can advise you further.
  • You will not get the chance to meet each potential buyer face to face.

Conducting viewings on your own

Conducting viewings on your own will involve a lot of planning and time management, but if your schedule is light enough it can have its benefits.

The benefits:

  • You know your house better than others so you'll be able to answer potential buyer's questions.
  • Similarly, you will have lots of local area knowledge that you can call upon, such as to recommend local schools or amenities.
  • By conducting viewings yourself you won't have to pay fees to an agent.
  • You will have the opportunity to meet each potential buyer face to face.

The drawbacks:

  • Price negotiations can be stressful if you're not experienced, and there's a good chance buyers may try to start negotiating.
  • Buyers can be a bit on edge when dealing with the homeowner one on one, and are less likely to be direct about reservations or issues.
  • Viewings are a chance to sell and you do not have extensive experience selling properties.
  • Work or family commitments can make scheduling viewings a challenge.

Should I conduct my own viewings?

It's in your hands whether you conduct your own viewings or if you go with an agent.

If you'd like to talk through your options, including potential fees for accompanied viewings, contact your local property experts for advice. You can find your local branch here.

 

If you're planning on moving this year you can get started with a free property valuation, with no obligation to sell.

Book a FREE property valuation

Alex Moore

Reeds Rains E-marketing Executive

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