New research carried out by virtual property viewings platform, U-See Homes, suggests that a bad impression during the viewings process can be a costly mistake for homebuyers. With the current market boom, sellers have a lot of leverage and buyers who fail to make a good impression can lose out to other homebuyers battling out in a high-pressure property market.
The research’s findings
According to U-See Homes’ research, 58% of UK home sellers wouldn’t sell to a buyer that makes a bad first impression. The study also uncovered that first impressions really do matter with 70% of home sellers saying they would decide immediately whether a particular buyer was out of the running for their home.
The findings revealed that 48% of sellers said they would not change their minds regardless of how much a buyer offered above the asking price. The research confirms that it currently is a seller's market as 21% of sellers stated buyers would have to offer 20% or more to sway them into a sale - that’s nearly £51,000 or more on the current average UK house price.
Other turn-offs for sellers include buyers having bad manners and making negative comments about their property in front of them. Sellers also find buyers not removing their shoes if asked and refusing to wear a face mask as other major faux pas.
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When selling your property, would you sell to a buyer who makes a bad impression during the viewing process?
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Answer
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Respondents
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No
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58%
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Yes
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42%
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How long does it take you before you decide that you won’t sell to a particular buyer?
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Answer
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Respondents
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Immediately
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70%
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1-2 days
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22%
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1 week+
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5%
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3-6 days
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3%
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How much more would they have to offer to change your mind?
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Answer
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Respondents
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Would not change my mind
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48%
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20% or more
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21%
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10% - 20%
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14%
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5% - 10%
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13%
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Up to 5%
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4%
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What are the main things that a buyer would create a bad first impression on you? (Tick all that apply)
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Answer
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Respondents
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General bad manners
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27%
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Making negative comments about your home in front of you
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22%
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Not taking off (muddy) shoes
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18%
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Not wearing a mask if requested
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16%
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Punctuality - arriving too early or too late
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12%
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Appearance
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6%
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Advice to buyers
Simon Dempsey, head of marketing for U-See Homes, advised: “As the saying goes ‘manners cost nothing’, but bad manners during the viewing process could cost you your dream home."
"It’s important to remember that someone’s home will often hold a hefty level of sentimental value regardless of the fact that they are selling up. So you shouldn’t assume that they will sell to you just because you put in a good offer, or in many cases, even the highest offer."
Dempsey added: “We all have our own visions and plans when moving into a new home and discussing these during the viewing process is no bad thing. It’s just important to do it with a bit of sensitivity in mind in front of the current owner.”
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