Housenetwork

Phirefly

Phirefly In on-the-fence-about-Housenetwork Shocker.......

I've always extolled the virtues of HN, having seen first hand how efficient and effective their service is. My colleague sold within two weeks with them having had her property become subject to a bidding war and taking 10k over asking.

However, my Dad is having less luck with them. They are still efficient and professional, only in his case I'm not sure its the right marketing tool for his particular property.

His is a bungalow in prime Saga central, in a small well regarded village. His target buyer is the kind of person who positively ENJOYS a visit to the local high street EA to see that nice young Martin who always remembers their names. Its a huge generalisation and I know the Silver Surfer contingent is on the increase, but I think this market is less inlined to use or trust an outfit like HN in their property search.

His property has been on the market a couple of months now, is priced competatively (lower than the high street EAs valuations) and is newly refurbished throughout. He's had quite a few viewings and one agreed sale that fell through, but I'm not confident I'll ever see the wedge he promised me if he sold through HN on my recommendation.

In short, like any service, theres pros and cons, but I think target market for your property is a big consideration when thinking of using Housenetwork.

nicksta27

Hi

Yes we are worried about this too. It is just getting people through the door, and a lot of people only rely on estate agents which is sad. Hopefully as ours is a small house normally sold to first time buyers they will look on the web!!!

We are considering going with a local estate agent as well, as we have found a property we like and really dont want to miss out. One question - can we do this - put our house with housenetwork and with a local estate agent?

Phirefly

I'm not sure about HN sole agency poilicy, but it will probably be very clear on your paperwork.

I had a look at your link and you're right, the kind of person who'd be after your house would probably work 9-5 and have little time to spend hoofing round traditional EAs. I think you'll be fine

And if its any comfort, my colleague who I mentioned had her success with HN in South Leics. She's now moved to Wigston too - small world. As we speak I'm at work in deepest Knighton *waves*

nicksta27

Phirefly wrote: »

I'm not sure about HN sole agency poilicy, but it will probably be very clear on your paperwork.

I had a look at your link and you're right, the kind of person who'd be after your house would probably work 9-5 and have little time to spend hoofing round traditional EAs. I think you'll be fine

And if its any comfort, my colleague who I mentioned had her success with HN in South Leics. She's now moved to Wigston too - small world. As we speak I'm at work in deepest Knighton *waves*

It's a small world isn't it!! I will keep my fingers crossed for a viewing this week! We have had quite a few hits on the housenetwork site anyway!:)

Doozergirl

Wow! Your garden! It's so lovely!

I think your house is really well presented. Modern yet you have evidently got personality - it's not an identikit house

Have you got any more pics of the front? You can't tell which house it is! Nor does it say if you are end or mid terrace - so I'm still not sure. If the others aren't clear either, then take a pic yourself and email it over (they are fine with that) - I wouldn't worry about getting the garage in too much as it's not very pretty and the bullet point does draw attention to it. I'd get a shot of just the house and put a bit more foliage outside the front - pretty it up, even if it's just for the photos

Price, there's a lot SSTC just under yours - £135,000 etc. but you're not a million miles off - it shouldn't really stop people from viewing. Personally I think it's your front pic doing the damage...

I do agree with phirefly on target market - you have to consider carefully whether the sort of person you are selling to is going to be looking for their new home on the internet.

I don't think you'll do too badly once you get them through the door

nicksta27

Doozergirl wrote: »

Wow! Your garden! It's so lovely!

I think your house is really well presented. Modern yet you have evidently got personality - it's not an identikit house

Have you got any more pics of the front? You can't tell which house it is! Nor does it say if you are end or mid terrace - so I'm still not sure. If the others aren't clear either, then take a pic yourself and email it over (they are fine with that) - I wouldn't worry about getting the garage in too much as it's not very pretty and the bullet point does draw attention to it. I'd get a shot of just the house and put a bit more foliage outside the front - pretty it up, even if it's just for the photos

Price, there's a lot SSTC just under yours - £135,000 etc. but you're not a million miles off - it shouldn't really stop people from viewing. Personally I think it's your front pic doing the damage...

I do agree with phirefly on target market - you have to consider carefully whether the sort of person you are selling to is going to be looking for their new home on the internet.

I don't think you'll do too badly once you get them through the door

Hi

Thanks for the comments. Will look into changing the front photo. It is actually the middle one of 3 houses.

I agree - once we get them through the door I don't think we will have trouble selling the house it is just getting them there in the first place!

Will let you know how I get on.

Canucklehead

Good afternoon: Your property is well presented and as you said, once you get people through the door... don't give up on HN quite yet. We've had a slowdown in the market down here...people are thinking twice about buying but a property such as yours will sell sooner than most in a quieter market. We've sold twice in sleepy, SAGA type towns through HN...in fact one viewer didn't even see the property online but spotted it while driving around the area (she was a retired local...said she couldn't put up with the 'smarminess' (her words) of the young pups on the high street;)

HTH

Canucklehead

Phirefly

Canucklehead wrote: »

said she couldn't put up with the 'smarminess' (her words) of the young pups on the high street;)

In the words of Prince, I stand corrected

cuteusmaximus

Housenetwork do not have a sole agency requirement. We specifically asked them this when we listed with a high street estate agent.

CM

Doozergirl

I think if you sign up on the 0.75% they ask for a small period of exclusivity. if you pay up front for the visuals, they don't.

Not sure though.