First time home buyers. Dealing with estate agents. Tips when viewing houses for sale
Viewings are the ideal time to lay the groundwork, ready to negotiate a better deal on price
Get your name on every estate agents' "hot list" - build a rapport
Houses for sale, dealing with estate agents - you'll find they focus most effort on serious home buyers. Especially first time home buyers.
When dealing with estate agents and looking at houses for sale, it's essential they appreciate you seriously intend to buy.
- You'll tend to hear first as new homes come on the market for sale, or price reductions are made
- Trust built now gives added credibilty to any offer you make when finding a home to buy
There are simple ways to ensure estate agents regard you as a priority first time home buyer. Find tips and advice on home buying and dealing with estate agents - EstatesForum.co.uk
Ask agents and sellers questions that reveal more information
Ask more searching questions than "why are you/they selling?" Look for extra information to help pay the lowest price when finding a house to buy .
- Find extra facts that could save money when buying a home
- Learn all you can about the seller's circumstances
Build a rapport with both estate agents and sellers
Estates agents are the main source of houses for sale. You need their help. But remember, as a first time buyer your business is valuable to them. You just have to make sure they know you're a serious buyer.
There are important "do's and don'ts" to create trust with sellers. It'll help encourage a positive response to an offer.
Tips when viewing houses for sale
It's the time set up a strong negotiating position
- Think of viewings as more than looking at homes to buy
- It's the ideal time to lay the groundwork, ready to negotiate as much money off the asking price as possible
Build a rapport with estate agents
It'll help you get on to every estate agents' list of "hot" buyers when buying a home.
When you make an offer to buy a home, it'll give you added credibility.
Build a rapport with sellers
Most owners prefer selling to someone they like and trust.
Treat viewings as an opportunity to create trust and goodwill.
Treat looking and viewing as a time to add to your research
Build a detailed knowledge of the type of home you want to buy.
Get to know your seller. Be able to meet their individual needs if you make an offer.

