Selling property without estate agent?

car0line123

I am thinking about selling without an estate agent: I am at home all day with a baby, so I can manage all the viewings and details.
Has anyone done this? Any tips/ advice? Good/bad stories?
Many thanks!

Update: many thanks for all advice, will definitively go with an online agent (for zoopla etc/ floor plan..). I am not brave enough not to use a solicitor though!
Good point about having address of the viewers, thanks
(regarding viewings with baby, I did think about it, but not much choice, with or without estate agent, I won't be able to leave the house every single viewing anyway)

Now if anyone has tips/ advice/ avoid when using online AE...

teddysmum

I sold my late father's home without an estate agent (just had a couple to give valuations).


As the bungalow was in a popular area, I printed my own for sale notice to go in the window and sold to the second person to view.


I didn't use a solicitor, either. I used a template from a library book, on house selling, to produce draft documents, submitted to the buyers' solicitor, then made minor changes, which he suggested.


However, this was about 15 years ago and I feel that some things have changed since then.

beedeedee

I've sold a few properties without using an estate agent by putting adverts locally in shop windows ( you'd be amazed who reads them) and in local papers. I would give a very brief description i.e. 3 bed detached, close to town or whatever, with the price and a phone number. When people call, I ask for their address and snail mail them more details, which I have printed off with some nice photo's. I don't entertain anyone who doesn't give a proper address I'm afraid. There are lots of people who simply want to move up or down the ladder, close to an area they know. Give it a try - cheap and simple and it often works!

MrsFingersCrossed

There are lots of 'online estate agents' which might be a good way for you to go. They are much cheaper than high street agents and if you are happy to do the viewings might be ideal for you. Have a look at emoove or House Network or Topilo. There are loads out there. You have more say in the descriptions and photos, and they are licensed estate agents so will negotiate with buyers and follow through to completion. Some you pay a flat fee of around £500 and that gets the house listed on all the major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. That is the most important thing. As a private seller you can't advertise your house on Rightmove, where 99% of people will be looking.

ellie27

We used an online local agent, under £500.

However in your case I would have thought it would be best to have an agent do viewings for you.

Folk come round, your baby screams to be fed, does a poo, is sick, is screaming then it would be very off-putting for viewers.