A survey has shown consumers are worried about dealings with the other side in a slightly different way to that conveyancers might expect, with 19% of questions viewers asked estate agents being about ghosts.
Research, conducted by Move with Us, surveyed 200 independent estate agents to find out the most unusual questions they had been asked.
13% of questions were about what’s included in the property purchase, some requests were extreme than others such as: “Would the vendor be prepared to include the parrot?”
Animals were a common theme with 12% of questions asked about animals, a high proportion (30% of these) about cows in particular. Questions included: “Does the roof have a squirrel problem?” “Do the cows moo loudly?” and “Are those cows always in the field?”
Other slightly unusual questions included: “Is the kitchen inside or outside?”, “Can I try before I buy?”, and “Is there insulation in the garden?”
Robin King, Director at Move with Us said: “Although the data that we’ve collated is amusing it does highlight the importance of buyers needing to be better equipped with as much information as possible before visiting a property.
“Knowing what questions to ask and doing a little bit of research is the best tactic and ensures that buyers have all the information they need to make an informed decision on their home purchase, avoiding any disappointments or regrets further along in the process.
“Jotting down the questions you want answering prior to attending a viewing is always a good idea as often your heart can take over and rule your head before you’ve considered the more practical aspects.”
What is the strangest question you have been asked during the conveyancing process?
Do you think consumers are informed enough when making decisions? Are you worried that they are fixating on the wrong issues?
