House buying companies' unsolicited contact

Falafels

I put my house on the market in June, found a buyer and it went under offer at the beginning of July. I'm at the top of a fairly complicated chain, various processes have been held up because of COVID, but we're looking to complete in a couple of weeks time.

However, I keep getting letters from companies like 'SellQuick' saying that they've noticed that my property's been on the market for 100+ days, and that they can buy it in under 7 days. Or that they think my house would be sellable, and they've got hundreds of applicants who can complete in less than a month. None of them seem to have noticed that the property's been SSTC for most of those 100+ days!

Why do they do this? Is it that they genuinely haven't noticed, and think I'm desperate to sell because nobody else is interested? Or will they try and tempt me in a gazumping manoeuvre - because I must be getting bored with my purchaser - only to drop the price at the last minute before exchange?

I'm not responding to any of them, but has anyone else been assailed by this kind of junk mail?

Sibbers123

The letters are probably generated by a bit of computer software that gathers data from rightmove, zoopla etc. I don’t think it’s about guzumping, but more about looking for people who are desperate to sell for whatever reason so they can purchase at a discount.

WorkingHard

Its not personal at all I’m afraid. It’s just an automated computer program that picks up on houses on the market and then generates a letter. There’s very little if any human interaction on most letters from agents, although some will physically change wording and perhaps sign the letter. 

Some may even hand deliver preprinted letters, but 99% are just trying their luck using this software. 

(This isn’t speculation)
Basically it’s Designed to work by identifying the addresses for an agents local competitors and the properties they market. Its then programmed to pick up on set points when a vendor may be likely to change due to frustrations with their agent or the process. If you get what seems like a pertinent letter at a particular time, you might just ring them. It does work for some people, for most it’s just annoying junk mail.

Falafels

Sibbers123 said:

The letters are probably generated by a bit of computer software that gathers data from rightmove, zoopla etc. I don’t think it’s about guzumping, but more about looking for people who are desperate to sell for whatever reason so they can purchase at a discount.

I'd be interested to know if it's a standard letter which goes out once the property's reached the 100 day mark!

WorkingHard

Falafels said:

Sibbers123 said:

The letters are probably generated by a bit of computer software that gathers data from rightmove, zoopla etc. I don’t think it’s about guzumping, but more about looking for people who are desperate to sell for whatever reason so they can purchase at a discount.

I'd be interested to know if it's a standard letter which goes out once the property's reached the 100 day mark!

In most cases yes. Some people do change them, but most are just standard processes they generate set letters at set times.

eddddy

In the old days, competitor EAs and other similar companies would look out for "For Sale" boards outside houses - and either put a flyer though the door, or note down the address and send a letter.

Now Rigntmove makes the process much simpler.

greatcrested

Guy knocks on door: "I've got some left-over tarmac. Would you like me to tarmac your drive cheaply?"

Lady on phone: "Not selling anything, just wondered if you might qualify for discounted eco improvements".

Letter in post: "Best investment ever for your children's future. Guaranteed 12% return (over 25 years)."

Phonecall/letter/email: "We'll buy your house in 7 days. No risk no delay.Sign up now!"

They are all the same.

Falafels

greatcrested said:

Guy knocks on door: "I've got some left-over tarmac. Would you like me to tarmac your drive cheaply?"

Lady on phone: "Not selling anything, just wondered if you might qualify for discounted eco improvements".

Letter in post: "Best investment ever for your children's future. Guaranteed 12% return (over 25 years)."

Phonecall/letter/email: "We'll buy your house in 7 days. No risk no delay.Sign up now!"

They are all the same.

    

kinger101

Tell them that you've considered their offer, but as it's probably illegal for you to send them a turd in the post, it's in your mutual interest if they just cease all contact.

NinjaTune

I got quite a few random offers to buy the family home after I put a notice in the Gazette about my Dad's death - wasn't even up for sale at that point.  One local developer even hand delivered it (saw them jump in their car and zoom off just after the letterbox clicked shut).  There will always be people looking to make a quick buck off other people's misery, or perceived desperation.

FreeBear

greatcrested said: Lady on phone: "Not selling anything, just wondered if you might qualify for discounted eco improvements".

"Fibreglass loft insulation has been declared not fit for purpose by the government"... We can replace it with spray foam insulation. (The company will be long gone by the time you find that the roof timbers have rotted away).

kinger101 said: but as it's probably illegal for you to send them a turd in the post,

I know of a few horse owners that regularly post stool samples to a lab. Then there is the bowel screening service that have a mail-in service... Not always the most delightful packages that Postie has to handle