Selling without an estate agent

Pete.g

Hi,

I'm looking for a bit of advice regarding selling our house and cutting out the agent,

We currently have our house on the market with an agent who to be honest doesn't look to be pushing to get the house sold. It has been on over a month now without any viewings. I know a month isn't long in the big scheme of things but we would still have expected at least someone through the door.

Today, I noticed a guy stood at the end of the drive looking at the house so had a quick word with him and ended up showing him and his wife around. They seem really keen and have asked if I'd be interested in selling the house without involving the agent and saving in the region of 5k.

To be honest I'm very tempted but at the same time very wary. The guy said they don't need a mortgage and could move quickly, that wouldn't be a problem for us as we can move into my parents house until we found another property.

Could there be any repercussions from the estate agent if we paid the 250pound get out clause to cancel our contract with them and sold the house ourselves?

I know we would have to appoint a solicitor to take care of the legal aspects but is there any way this guy could be a con man? probably a silly thing to ask but like I said I don't really have a clue on how to go about this but saving 5k does appeal to me in the fact it could be put towards our next property.

googler

Why was the guy looking at YOUR house instead of others in the street?

The agent's sale board outside?
He saw it on the agent's website?
Saw it in the agent's window?

hazyjo

As above, unless your EA is advertising it without a sale board and no ad on any website, you'll have to use the EA. They pretty much frown upon just letting anyone through your door without going through them (understandably).

You'll have to pay the fee - or lose the EA and this buyer and put your own homemade sign up outside.

Lots of people talk offers but if he's not actually put an offer forward that you've agreed on, don't take it as gospel.

Jx

googler

and, contrary to your title, you won't be "Selling without an estate agent" - you'll be selling, having had the estate agent draw in a buyer for you, and thereafter dropping the agent and trying to duck out of paying their fee.....