Can you stop property tourists?

I wrote 2 years ago (here) about property tourists.  These are the people who aren't content with having a nosy on the internet and have to visit a property in person even though they aren't going to buy it.

This popped up for me recently for a couple of reasons.  A few days ago, I was in the hairdresser and chatting to a lady beside me about plans for the weekend and she mentioned she was going to view a property (she didn't know me or what I do - I don't think).  So I continued the conversation to ask what area, etc and I couldn't believe it when she said she wasn't really moving, she was just looking for design ideas.  Now let me pause for breath for a moment. Design ideas??  You are wasting someones time (I estimate it takes about 3 hours to prepare for a viewing on average) and invading their personal space because you can't be bothered to google some design ideas or hire a designer.  I'm sorry, I just don't think thats ok.

I feel like show-houses are slightly different, unless you deliberately waste the sales assistants time, it isn't really too bad.  Although so many photos are on the internet now that there isn't really any need to see it in real life if you aren't interested in buying.

I have Summer Terrace on the market, which is probably why this is so personal to me at the moment, and I have had several viewings, or to be accurate, several appointments to view and some people who bothered to turn up.  

As a vacant property it is less of a burden to me when people don't turn up, I waste an hour maybe, but I know now to expect it and take some work with me to do so I don't waste time waiting for someone who doesn't show.  

So if you are selling, how can you prevent a property tourist wasting your time?  Well, the truth is you can't 100%, but there are a few things you can do to help.

• Pre-checkthe viewers - Talk to your agent about your concerns, it isn't uncommon to refuse to let someone view who isn't in a position to proceed - either under offer on their own property (and check that) or have funds in place (the agent can check that too).  It is a bit of a risk to not let people view, but a good agent should be able to weed out the less serious enquirers.

• Quality over Quantity - Some agents go for quantity over quality, so if you do book a viewing and the agent is going to handle it for you, my advice is to stay local and spy.  It sounds a bit crazy, but you will be able to see if the viewers look genuine or if they are wasting your time. 

• Do viewings yourself - There are some people who aren't deliberately wasting time, they are genuinely undecided on moving.  My experience has been that people are less likely to book a viewing that they aren't sure about if it is the vendor showing them the property.  I guess it's a bit of a safety blanket of meeting an agent and remaining anonymous to the vendor, so consider that as an option if you feel able to present the viewing yourself.