HIPS Question

david29dpo

andyrules wrote: »

david, we took our house off the market last year as it didn't sell, but were planning on marketing again after Sept when DD goes back to college with all her junk, so we can see the wood for the trees (or the colour of the carpet!).

I had some valuations done in May in panic when HIPS were planned for June, when that was changed decided to wait till September! Most people I know are aware that we want to sell, but how would I prove that? would it be best to put an ad in the paper?

Yes. if you want to avoid having a HIP.

Doozergirl

I think EAs are still quite nervous about HIPs and the current legal position, so I suspect that even if you have been marketing yourself, they will feel uncomfortable with you commencing marketing with them without a HIP.

You may have a bit of a time trying to convince them of this. A phone call through to the 'communities' people to clarify your position will probably help. You can then tell your EA that they too can call them for clarification.

The lady I last spoke to there said that many, many EAs were clueless and that she was getting calls from them all day every day!

You can get their number via the 'contact us' section of their webiste:
http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer/1_home.html)

dolce_vita

The crucial point is that any estate agent that markets your property after the 10th will want to see evidence that it has been "marketed" before they take it on without getting a HIP.

Doozergirl

I don't think that is the crucial point for EAs, dolce vita.

I think they are even more nervous than that. I think that if you don't come with a HIP in your hand to a new EA after 10th September, they will want you to have one commissioned. It may not be necessary legally, but I think they will be convinced it will be and are desperate to keep their backsides covered.

david29dpo

Correct. Having spoke to most of the agents within a 20 mile radius, most have said the above. As its the sellers reasonability, i.e., the agent, to commission the pack, they can be fined and stuck off by TS. Some have said has long as the vendor can prove to there satisfaction that the house has been marketed, they will not insist on a pack. What there definition of satisfaction is, remains to be seen!

andyrules

Hi
thanks for replies, I've rung an agent and it seems everyone has decided to put their houses up this weekend! We are signing up with them, and hopefully they will be so busy they won't get details out too soon!

I'm just looking forward to seeing all the houses we can consider moving to after the weekend.

If we don't sell by January I shall be following in Doozergirl's footsteps I think!

courtjester

Doozergirl wrote: »

I don't think that is the crucial point for EAs, dolce vita.

I think they are even more nervous than that. I think that if you don't come with a HIP in your hand to a new EA after 10th September, they will want you to have one commissioned. It may not be necessary legally, but I think they will be convinced it will be and are desperate to keep their backsides covered.

Doozer, it's not a question of nervousness, its purely commercial - agents will try to suck in anyone with their scaremongering about HIPS in order to make more money flogging you a HIP you don't need - of course, they will conveniently say it's because they are liable if you don't comply, but it's just the usual tosh.

courtjester

MoJo wrote: »

That's the bit that was worrying me.
So, if you are currently trying to sell privately (in this case there is a home-made sign up), if you then decide to go down the conventional route with an Agent you are going to need a HIP - is that right?

No, you've taken the quote out of context - the response related to someone who had taken their property OFF the market, not someone that is on the market (privately) without an agent.

If you have continuously marketed your 3 bed home by ANY means without a break before Monday 10 Sep (including a home-made sign!), you will NOT need to purchase a HIP after 10 Sep merely because you appoint an estate agent. You just need to show some evidence of marketing to comply with the law - clearly, if you have a for sale sign outside the property, that is marketing. However, proving how long you have had that sign there may be the complication.

The answer is to take out some form of paid advertising which shows a date before 10/09/07.

You've got 6 hours, 5 minutes, 27 seconds and counting.....

MoJo

courtjester wrote: »

The answer is to take out some form of paid advertising which shows a date before 10/09/07.

You've got 6 hours, 5 minutes, 27 seconds and counting.....

Luckily it isn't me but thanks to you and everyone else for their input - and to the OP for asking the question in the first place

mike_the_bike_2

I've got a feeling the fine for not having a HIP is less than the cost of a HIP...Also there is a loop hole that you satisfy the law if you "apply" to have a HIP done before marketing the property..If you decide to cancel having the HIP done ..thats your business