DIY selling

SGE1

Does anyone have any experience of selling themselves, rather than through an EA, or buying direct from a seller? Or even through an online EA, e.g. halfapercent.com?

We're thinking of putting our house on the market, and I've been having a look at what's out there. I've seen too many rubbish photos (EA's reflection in mirror / photo not straight / weird photo e.g. of corner of a room / poor quality or fuzzy picture), and that got me thinking about whether I'd rather sell myself (and save a bit of money in the process). I'm completely up for doing it all DIY - but I wonder whether it might put buyers off in some way?

questionss

Main issue with selling yourself I would think is not being on rightmove.

Say I was to find your house for sale, which would be unlikely without rightmove , it would have to be perfect for me to brave negotiating directly. I would worry about possible unrealistic expectations, causing offence, reluctance to negotiate, owner being tight with money etc etc

Online agent wouldn't bother me so much & I'd find your house on rightmove

lessonlearned

An online agent would give you access to RM. They can also make bookings for viewings etc. They also undertake to "clarify" the viewer to see what position they are in.

I have not used one to sell a property, but I think I may well give it a try next time.

I did however view a property which was advertised on RM via an online agent. I just rang the number as normal, they contacted the vendor who showed me around their property, and then the online agent then rang me to ask for feedback a few days later.

My understanding is that online agents will handle offers and negotiate for you just as an ordinary high street EA would so the Vendor does not need to get involved.

The Vendor will of course need to do all viewings and also allow surveyors etc access.

I am not sure how much of the "sales progressing" an online agent will normally undertake or whether you have to pay an additional fee for that service.

I normally do all my own viewings anyway, and tend to monitor the EA for sales progressing so I am pretty sure that I will definitely try an online agent next time.

The only real drawback I can see is that with an online agent you pay an up-front fee which is non-refundable, whether or not you actually get a sale. However the savings are considerable so I would be prepared to take the risk.

Guest101

I think it depends on the area your selling in. Samller communities the EA have reputations, which for some are important and therefore you, and your buyers, get a better service.

But if your selling in a high demand area, then online would be fine.

beedeedee

We've sold a few times without using EA's. Simply put an advert in the local rag or wherever with the briefest of details i.e "3 bedroomed detached house in xxxx for sale at £xxxxx" with a phone number. We printed off a resume with more details and a few photographs and when people called, we took their addresses and phone numbers and posted (not e-mailed) them the details. We didn't entertain anyone who would not give their address for contact.
We didn't give any real measurements of rooms but drew a floor plan and gave details of anything else we felt it was good to mention. Less is more sometimes.....
They were free to accurately measure any rooms as they wished and we have always had details of utility bills and council tax etc plus servicing of boilers etc on hand.
We sold each time and nobody has pulled out I'm pleased to say.

Hoof_Hearted

I think being on Rightmove etc is the key. Try an online agent. There are lots of threads on here. I think Housenetwork, the company I used successfully, is the largest online agency. (Cue Googler)

bigjoe

There are some very good niche property websites that are perfect if you are selling something different to the typical 3 bed wimpey.

SGE1

Thanks all. Agree that RM is key, so we'll probably try an online agent when the time comes.

beedeedee

I'd still try an advert (£5-10 ish) first. The method has not let us down yet. Plenty of people want to move but stay local.

demontfort

My advice, don’t do it you lose you out on all the premium services that an estate agent can provide. If you do want to go it alone and still recreate the estate agent experience then you can buy a shop window dummy, put it in a cheap suit and smear it’s head copiously with hair gel. Then stick the dummy next to a phone that never gets answered and be sure to give that phone number out to potential buyers. Oh and I forgot go and chuck £2,000 on a roaring fire.

Davesnave

demontfort wrote: »

My advice, don’t do it you lose you out on all the premium services that an estate agent can provide. If you do want to go it alone and still recreate the estate agent experience then you can buy a shop window dummy, put it in a cheap suit and smear it’s head copiously with hair gel. Then stick the dummy next to a phone that never gets answered and be sure to give that phone number out to potential buyers. Oh and I forgot go and chuck £2,000 on a roaring fire.

There speaks someone who was ripped off after not doing the kind of research we recommend on here, but nonetheless, it was very funny! :rotfl: