Can I sell my home without an estate agent?

What does selling a house privately involve?

In the world of property, selling a house privately is akin to taking the road less travelled. It's a path that bypasses the traditional estate agent and places the seller firmly in the driver's seat.

When you sell your home privately, you're the one setting the price, snapping the photographs, advertising the property, conducting house tours, and negotiating the deal.

It's a hands-on approach that can be both challenging and rewarding, offering a sense of control and the potential for significant cost savings.

Benefits of private house selling

Opting to sell your home without an estate agent's help can be a time-consuming endeavour, but it comes with a financial perk.

By going solo, sellers can save a substantial sum—typically 1% to 2% of their home's final sale price.

This saving is the commission that would otherwise line the pockets of an estate agent.

For many, this potential saving is a powerful incentive to roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of private house selling.

What to do when selling privately

If you're considering selling your home on your own, there's a checklist of tasks you'll need to tackle to ensure a smooth and successful sale.

From the initial clean-up to the final negotiations, every step you take is crucial in attracting buyers and securing the best possible price for your property.

Key factors in private house selling

• Getting clean: A spotless home is a welcoming one. Give your house a thorough cleaning to make it shine for potential buyers

• Getting all work done: Address all those little niggles—fix the leaky tap, patch up scuffs on the walls, and ensure everything is in working order

• Tidying up outside: First impressions count. Tidy the garden, conceal the bins, and fix any obvious damage to enhance curb appeal

• Redecorating: Neutral decor can act as a blank canvas, helping buyers picture themselves living in the space. Aim for neutral decor so that buyers can envision what the property might look like with their personal touch

• Taking great pictures: Use a proper camera to ensure the light is correct or consider hiring a professional photographer. Don't overlook the power of video as well as still images to showcase your home

• Listing the property: Be aware that selling privately means you may not have access to usual sites that sell property. Spread the word far and wide using social media, local newspapers, and community boards to advertise your property

• Showing buyers around: Be the perfect host. Take buyers on a set route before allowing them to explore themselves and be ready to answer questions about energy supply, leasehold or freehold, EPC rating, and the wider area

• Negotiating the price: Brace yourself for the bargaining table. Be prepared to discuss prices and stand your ground in negotiations

Estate agent's role

It's important to understand the role of an estate agent in the selling process. They are the experts who handle everything from property valuations and photography to listings, advertising, viewings, and price negotiations.

They also act as a go-between for you and potential buyers throughout the sale, and they will hold the keys for the property once the sale is completed.

While you might be foregoing their services, knowing what they do can help you replicate these tasks effectively.

Valuing the property

Even if you're going it alone, you can still seek valuations from estate agents without any obligation to use their services.

It's wise to get at least three different valuations to help you set a realistic price. Use these valuations to set the price for your property.

Be cautious with online valuation tools, as they might not reflect the nuances of the local market as accurately as a local agent's knowledge.

Alternatively, consider hiring an independent surveyor for an unbiased valuation.

Alternatives to estate agents

For those who aren't quite ready to sell entirely on their own, there are alternatives. Online estate agents offer a compromise, providing services for a set fee.

Another option is to sell at auction, which can be a faster process, though it requires a 10% buyer's deposit on the spot and has a specific timeline.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.