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House and home

Someone from Tier 4 wanting to view my property....

(56 Posts)
Luckygirl Tue 29-Dec-20 13:03:28

.......I have said no, even though I am desperate to sell. They are not supposed to be leaving their own home except for essential reasons. And I am in vulnerable group.

Agent said they are not doing viewings with T4 folk, but let me make the final decision. I am in Tier 2.

Eviebeanz Tue 29-Dec-20 13:15:15

Have you had viewings already?

annsixty Tue 29-Dec-20 13:15:16

My friends sold during the first lockdown but things weren’t so serious then and the weather was better.
They had to sit in the garden, all doors to all rooms had to be open.
The viewers, accompanied by the EA were not allowed to touch anything at all.
The weather is certainly not conducive to that but if they don’t get out of their car from their door to yours and they are masked and keep their hands in their pockets, I think they would get an idea if they wanted to pursue it I think you would be ok.

Eviebeanz Tue 29-Dec-20 13:19:44

Our property is on the market and we have had viewings - it does take more care than usual but it is doable - generally we have gone out and let agent do viewings - there's a limit to how many people can visit

Laughterlines Tue 29-Dec-20 13:22:35

You are allowed viewings according to rules. You need to take all precautions as described by others here.

Riverwalk Tue 29-Dec-20 13:22:46

According the Government's website viewings are allowed whatever Tier anyone is in - property seems to come under 'reasonable excuse'.

Moving

silverlining48 Tue 29-Dec-20 13:27:17

Tough call as you have have had problems with the sale i think.
We are tier 4 and not allowed into any other homes or to have anyone in ours. have they done a drive by as often that helps a decision. They will know that, so its a cheeky ask.

If you are desperate and they and you wore masks etc and all windows and doors were open, nothing touched and a quick 5 minute stroll through might be ok but ....

silverlining48 Tue 29-Dec-20 13:28:43

.... But if you are allowed just take care.

Eviebeanz Tue 29-Dec-20 13:29:44

We have found that people coming to view are very aware of taking care and being safe - they wear masks, we have windows open and they know for example to ask us or the agent (who wears gloves) to open doors etc. It has felt very safe to us so far

Jane10 Tue 29-Dec-20 13:30:13

Maybe you'd be out at the time so they wouldn't technically be visiting you?

cornergran Tue 29-Dec-20 13:30:29

It seems its allowed lucky, the issue really is what you re comfortable with. If I've understood you correctly the the agent isn't supporting viewings with people from Tier 4 and you would need to manage it. If that is the case I'm disappointed with them on your behalf, with proper precautions in place it surely is no more risky to them than a trip to the supermarket. Your safety is paramount so if it it doesn't feel safe then of course you're right to refuse.

Elusivebutterfly Tue 29-Dec-20 13:36:22

If I were desperate to sell I would go ahead with viewings. When I sold the agent always expected me to go out for viewings so you would not interact with them. Viewers should wear masks and not touch anything. You can open all windows before leaving. It is within Government rules.
I am still going in shops where necessary in Tier 4 and think having viewings is less risky.

Greeneyedgirl Tue 29-Dec-20 13:39:13

Tricky but I wouldn’t be keen.
They can get a good idea from internet pics, but why don’t you offer something like a WhatsApp “walk around” when they could ask you any questions, for example?

Riverwalk Tue 29-Dec-20 13:44:05

I've just read that the Tier bandings are to be reviewed tomorrow and it's likely that two thirds of England could be put in Tier 4.

Ellianne Tue 29-Dec-20 13:54:33

Tricky situation and a bit of a dilemma for you. I think they are still allowed to view from anywhere. Our DD and family drove over 200 miles from London and back in 12 hours to view and buy.
Everything to do with house viewings is on the government's website. Very strict rules to do with masks, windows, touching etc. I'm surprised your agent is stopping viewers from tier 4. Do they not want to get the sale moving for you?

EllanVannin Tue 29-Dec-20 13:55:24

I think I'd say no as well even though I was desperate to sell.
I wasn't allowed to see my GGD on Christmas Day because she had come from a 3 tier to a 2 and now as a consequence I won't see my D for another week or so because of it.

Lucretzia Tue 29-Dec-20 14:01:47

It's a tricky one. It's not an essential visit. I had to call out an engineer due to my old boiler failing on Boxing Day.

Lovely chap. Wore gloves, mask, had shoe covers.

He was from a Tier 4 area and I'm in Tier 2.

He was saying that he goes in to at least 7 houses a day. The company says it's covid safe but that's an impossible claim in my opinion.

I suppose we agree to a visit when in dire need and keep our fingers crossed.

Hopefully you can get some viewers from your tier

Good luck

Pittcity Tue 29-Dec-20 14:03:00

We sold during lockdown. We went out to view properties at the same time that the agent conducted viewings on our house. Masks worn, sanitiser provided, 2 metres apart and windows and doors open. No problem.
Less contact than in the supermarket.

Grandma11 Tue 29-Dec-20 14:15:44

We have been working alongside an estate agent to sell my Late father's House, they have provided accompanied viewings by the agent throughout lockdown. The Market is selling well at the moment with people looking to complete their purchase of a new property before the Stamp duty window closes and increases at the end of March. Once this happens, the sales boom.is lightly to slow down somewhat, so now is a fairly good time to sell. As long as social distancing Rules are followed, our agent is continuing with Business as usual. We just keep out of the way and let him get on with it! We do have a buyer now, and as far as I am aware, the sale will not be effected by any tier regulations when it comes to moving and completion dates, as it's classed as essential business according to our agent and Solicitor.

Luckygirl Tue 29-Dec-20 14:20:54

My agent is not doing viewings for people from Tier 4 - I would have to do it myself.

Whitewavemark2 Tue 29-Dec-20 14:24:25

I think that you are entirely right.

Riverwalk Tue 29-Dec-20 14:25:20

That's a bit of a cheek - will there be a discount on their extortionate fees if the buyer is someone whom you've shown round?

They are obviously not following the Government guidelines or their own trade association.

What will they do if the whole country goes into Tier 4 or higher, as is highly likely?

NotSpaghetti Tue 29-Dec-20 14:29:38

I would do it with windows open and masks, no touching etc.
BUT if not first time buyers get the agent to check their own house is on the market first.

Ellianne Tue 29-Dec-20 14:29:59

Luckygirl

My agent is not doing viewings for people from Tier 4 - I would have to do it myself.

Dont just give up. It could be the start of that new life you want so much.
Is there no family member you could ask to do it for you?
Do you have personal contacts with anyone who is a surveyor, builder or such like?
If the agent is not prepared to do that bit of his instructed job then he shouldn't be receiving his full commission. I would deduct a percentage.

Ellianne Tue 29-Dec-20 14:30:44

X post Riverwalk. Yes very unprofessional agent.