Yahoo Finance Top five tips for homebuyers to increase chances of securing a property
A good first impression is key for homebuyers looking to increase their chance of securing a property they are interested in and may even help them save money, new research has revealed.
Based on a report by estate agent comparison site GetAgent.co.uk, here are top tips for homebuyers to keep in mind when they go for viewings.
1) Remember that first impressions are important
For 72% of sellers, a good first impression was an important influence on who they would sell to. Around 20% stated they would be more likely to sell to a buyer who formed a good first impression when viewing, with a further 52% stating the same unless there was another considerably higher offer submitted.
For 28%, the relationship formed with a buyer when viewing had no influence on their decision of who to sell to and when asked if sellers would be more likely to accept a lower offer from a buyer who made a good first impression, 64% answered no.
However, forming a good first impression could save homebuyers money on their purchase in 36% of cases. In fact, 6% of sellers would flat-out accept a lower offer from their preferred buyer with a further 30% stating they would unless it was a considerably lower offer, the report said.
2) Don’t make negative comments about the sellers
The biggest pet peeve amongst UK home sellers is when a prospective buyer makes negative comments about the house, their children or their pets within earshot of them.
3) Wear a mask
A buyer not practising COVID-19 safety measures while in the property peeved off 24% of house sellers. Measures would include wearing a mask, sanitising hands before entering the home and observing social distancing from agents and residents.
4) Be on time
Poor punctuality rubbed 16% of sellers up the wrong way, with them stating that a buyer arriving too early or late for a viewing was the biggest annoyance.
5) Mind your manners
Other bad manners such as sitting on furniture or entering a room without permission (15%) and failing to remove unclean shoes or clothing when entering the property (12%) could also scupper chances of securing a purchase.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Retail, office vacancies see sharpest rise in decades
Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, said that “many potential buyers are naively of the opinion that submitting the highest offer will secure them a property but the reality is often different. A seller will generally consider a wider range of factors such as whether they are a cash buyer, are they in a lengthy chain and how will it impact their own desired timeframe.”
“It’s also important to remember that sellers are normal people and so if you don’t form a good impression, they may well decide to go with a buyer that does, even if it means a potentially lower sold price,” he added.
He explained that many sellers form a strong emotional attachment to the property and want to sell to somebody they believe will treat it well.
WATCH: The £2bn Green Home Grants scheme explained
