HouseNetwork

Hoof_Hearted

No, I am not employed by them before you start!

Had a really good experience with Housenetwork. You need to be a bit Internet savvy, but it has gone really well so far. For others thinking about going down this route, this is the story so far.

Our house is £390,000 asking price. High St estate agents want 15% before negotiation, which is £7,020 inc VAT to sell the house.

We are not in a rush so thought we would give Housenetwork a go. Special offer at the moment, so paid the full amount up front (less a voucher found on this forum) -- £393.30 (inc VAT).

Paid on Tuesday, visit on Friday, photos, plans and blurb available on Saturday. Made a few changes (online) and gave it the OK. Went live on Monday (or possibly Sunday night) and on their own site, Rightmove, PrimeLocation and Zoopla (possibly others) by Monday.

Six viewings booked this week (plus one pending). One has already indicated that they will make an offer. Everything done effciently by phone and email. Feedback chased up from two people who viewed last night.

Overall, I am delighted and really feel it's an absolute bargain. I know the proof of the pudding is in the sale, but I would say give it a go if you are not in a rush or if your property is not likely to be difficult to sell.

Incidentally, a local agent who valued the house and has been courting (pestering) us ever since was immediately on the phone, dropping his commission to 1%.

I'll give a progress report once the booked viewings are complete.

FireWyrm

Good. I sold a house through them and although others on this forum are rightly sceptical of positive reviews, I do think sometimes they are clamouring to condemn what they don't trust or understand. Personally, I found the process to be painless and efficient but as with all business transactions, there is always an element of risk. Keep your wits about you and house selling/buying needn't be a massively expensive exercise. I really think that 'traditional' agents are over egging the pudding with their charges and commissions for what they actually do. With a little effort, you can do what they do for a damned sight less.

sugarwalsh

I'm glad you haev given some positive advice. We are thinking of putting our house on the market - we sold it our selves last time - and I think we will go with an internet agent this time.

All too often there is an air of negativity on these posts and it doesn't really help anyone, so thanks for some positive input.

Best of luck with your sale,
Megan

Lord_Lardington

Encouraging as I'm doing the same thing. The existing housenetwork reviews seem generally positive but often tainted by positive reviewers being accused of being Housenetwork employees due to their posting of voucher codes. Further reading SEEMS (and I could be wrong) to reveal that the posting of the vouchers is some kind of affiliate scheme rather than spamming by the company.

Anyway, given the relatively low outlay compared to the potential savings, I've taken a punt and paid upfront too - Option 1 Selling package and conveyancing for a sale (I'm not buying a new place).

I paid yesterday and they're coming to do the photographs on Monday so I should be live by Wednesday or Thursday next week.

If you don't mind me piggybaking on your post I'll post my ongoing experience here.

Lardington

Hoof_Hearted

Lord_Lardington wrote: »

If you don't mind me piggybaking on your post I'll post my ongoing experience here.

Lardington

You are welcome.

I am not against high street agents, and vendors may well opt for their complete package but, to my mind, I am punting £400 to save £6000. If it comes off, brilliant.

I think online agents are best for uncomplicated properties that are realistically priced.

This is our link here. 8 viewings booked in now. I think the quality of the photos is pretty good, although there are probably too many.

DannyboyMidlands

Good luck to you. Provided that you price it sensibly (pretty easy with all the information available online and without an EA trying to suck up by over-valuing) and it gets listed on rightmove I don't think it matters whether you go with an online or internet based agent.

sugarwalsh

It looks great, no wonder you have so many viewings booked. Best of luck.
Megan

Hoof_Hearted

First offer received today, which is positive.

sugarwalsh

Wow - that is great. IS it one you will accept? Megan

Hoof_Hearted

sugarwalsh wrote: »

Wow - that is great. IS it one you will accept? Megan

Our tactic is to do all the booked viewings and then assess offers positions to move, seriousness, etc. We will just play it straight and offer second viewings to anybody with a serious offer. I don't want to say too much on here as you may be one of them!

Just finished the third viewing. Three booked for tomorrow.

Lord_Lardington

If my photos are half as good as that I'll be happy. Sounds like you're getting even closer to selling too.

For anyone interested in "The Procedure" - having paid yesterday and booked my photo slot for Monday, today I got access to my client area and was able to upload all of the necessary docs that they need for the conveyancing etc. i.e. Proof of ID, Property Details form, Declaration and Contents form. It was all very easy to use and saved me faffing about posting everything.

So far so good but I'll post it all as it happens, warts and all.