Quick sale advice......

8 replies

chocolatelover1234 · 02/05/2011 22:00

Hello all. I live with DH and DD in a 2 bed flat which we are desperate to move out of as although lovely its just to small now.

We don't really want to sell as we don't want it stuck on the market for years like the one above us and estate agent advised us against it as we wouldn't get what it's worth atm!

We decided to rent it out but it's been on the market for ages now with little interest. DH has suggested using a 'we buy any house' type company, i know it will be under market value but it will be quick which is what we're desperate for.

Has anyone ever used a company like this and what are your experiences???

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bellabelly · 02/05/2011 22:35

No experience of selling my house that way BUT I think it would be a bit mad to use them before you've even tried selling through an agent? Maybe you could continue to market the house for rental ad put it up for sale at the same time and see what happens? Is your rental price too high? What might be putting potential renters off living there?

suebfg · 02/05/2011 22:40

Any house/flat should sell if the price is right. We were desperate to sell a while back and ended up accepting a low offer as it was the only offer we had. However it was the best decision we made by far as it allowed us to get on with our lives.

fergoose · 03/05/2011 08:53

don't use them - they are utter charlatans. They offer way below market value too, and don't they charge you a massive fee just to value your property?

I agree, if it is priced right, it will sell.

Swedes2 · 03/05/2011 08:55

chocolatelover - where are you based?

MaryBS · 03/05/2011 08:59

If you are really desperate, could you put it into an auction?

angel1976 · 03/05/2011 20:25

I have read these companies will also drop their price right before exchange so they literally hold you to ransom. Also, they will offer you only like 70% of the market value before their 'last minute' drop. Surely it's worth going on the open market if that is your other option!

Fizzylemonade · 03/05/2011 23:01

I read an article about this in The Times a couple of years back as we wanted out of our house and would have done anything to move. If memory serves angel1976 is right, it is about 60-70% of their market value for your property which is a drive-by valuation.

In fact when we came to move we went with HouseNetwork who "valued" our house over the phone! Basically they use some computer system that values your house, it was incredibly accurate. We had been watching the market for years (advertised and sold prices) and had 3 estate agents round to value it but were massively put off by their commission. HouseNetwork charged a flat fee.

Why don't you get some more advice from other estate agents? Just because another flat hasn't sold yet doesn't mean yours won't.

We sold in November 2009, completed February 2010. We wanted to get out so accepted a cash buyer for £1k less than our bottom selling price.

Original poster

chocolatelover1234 · 04/05/2011 08:59

Thanks for all the advice. I think we'll steer clear of these companies we just feel very desperate and feel like we're never going to move. I spoke to the estate agent again yesterday and we've dropped the price again on lettings market.

Mary bs auction could be an option thanks.

Swedes2 we're about 20 mins from Shrewsbury.

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