Using an online estate agent vs a local one to sell your property

Skiddaw1

juliedee4663 said:

somerlouise said:

I personally wouldn’t view a house listed with an online only agent unless it was absolutely perfect. This is due to past bad experiences with online only agents. 

Same here, Purple bricks were a nightmare to deal with when we tried to by a house listed with them. They didn't want to get involved with the process at all and seemed to leave everything up to vendor/buyer to deal with themselves which I wasn't comfortable with. A house would have to be amazing for me to even consider viewing another one with them.

I also agree. We once viewed (or tried to view) a house via PB. Never again.

I'd use a 'proper' EA every time. The EA we used when selling our previous house gave us a first class service from valuation onwards. Their sales progression team were amazing (and unless you're very lucky, I think a proactive sales progession team is essential).

Rambosmum

This is interesting. I much prefer online agents. I've had awful experiences with local agents (buying and selling). 
However I'm the sort of person which prefers all communication through me or my solicitor and I don't want to be bothered by the estate agent at all. I hate them - but as I say, have only had negative experiences with them. 

We've bought through purple bricks and I liked that they were really hands off. 

Jaybee_16

Viewed a house last year which was marketed by an online agency. Viewing booked online and they confirmed by text.
On the day of the viewing I received a text reminder, and another reminder an hour before the appointment time.
About 5 minutes after the appointment time I received a text directing me to their website for a questionnaire for feedback, how much I thought the property was worth, would I be putting in an offer etc.
Didn't like the process and avoided their other properties advertised on Rightmove, Zoopla etc.

Mutton_Geoff

applescruffs said:

Strike ... gave a similar price estimate as the other local estate agents we invited in but were considerably cheaper

That would be great if the agent was buying your house. Otherwise, in this world, you usually get what you pay for.

My house has just gone under offer via an agent who was more optimistic about the asking price than other local ones and the offer is still more than his fees over the original asking price so they've not only covered their fee but put more money in my pocket. This is where bricks and mortar agents with a client list beat any cheap online listing only agent hands down.

Thrugelmir

Rambosmum said:

However I'm the sort of person which prefers all communication through me or my solicitor and I don't want to be bothered by the estate agent at all. I hate them - but as I say, have only had negative experiences with them. 

How do you communicate with your vendor and have an insight into how the rest of the chain is progressing? 

fishfingerbutties

I've viewed properties through PB and HouseSimple (as Strike were previously). Honestly had no issues with arranging viewings, and was buying a property through the PB - chain collapsed but nothing to do with that. 
It wouldn't put me off doing so again, but only because my personal experience was fine. Lots of other people seem to have lots of issues it seems.