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Original poster

Selling house privately without an agent

29 replies

BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 16:02

I am in the position of selling my mothers house. We have Probate. 3 neighbours have shown an interest in the house. It is in a lovely area, private and quiet but near to a popular town with excellent schools. We have had 3 valuations. It requires modernisation and lends itself to being extended and has a large garden.

Has anyone sold without using an agent and if so how was the experience. We are very on the fence about what to do. Thanks.

OP posts:
PotatoPudding · 30/04/2024 16:05

I haven’t done it personally and was advised against it. Agents do a lot more than you realise. The person we were buying from was on the phone every single day asking for dates and updates. I wouldn’t have been able to handle that if I’d been called directly. We had no end of issues and I am so pleased I wasn’t directly dealing with them.

Original poster
BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 16:09

Thanks for your response. I agree, they do a lot more than people think. I and one brother are leaning more to using an EA; other brother leaning more towards no agent. I'm fairly sure I don't want all the hassle (or more hassle than is normal when selling a house!)

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 30/04/2024 16:12

I sold a flat without using an agent - a friend of a neighbour wanted to buy it.

It was a while ago but it was very easy. Both of us just left it to our solicitors and there wasn't any more to it than that.

I think I just rang my solicitor once a week and they had all the updates required.

marzipanlover81 · 30/04/2024 16:12

what is the value of the property?

any of the siblings retired? then they could take on the admin

the brunt of work done by solicitor

sugarbyebye · 30/04/2024 16:20

I think it's alright if things go well, but the market is rubbish at the moment. You'd need the buyers to be properly committed and preferably not in a chain. I'd be making my decisions based on the vendors circumstances and how well you can rely on them.

sugarbyebye · 30/04/2024 16:20

buyers, not vendors

Original poster
BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 16:24

Two of the buyers, I don't know their circumstances as yet. The other buyer, I am fairly certain it would be a cash purchase, no mortgage needed. Two of us are retired, so in theory we have the time, but perhaps not the inclination! Valued at approx. £500,000.

OP posts:
ByUmberViewer · 30/04/2024 16:27

I'd definitely bypass the EA. Appoint a solicitor and let them deal with everything else

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 30/04/2024 16:34

Our EA was awful.

Basically blamed the sellers for any hold ups and then told them we were the ones causing the hold up.

Basically he was paid to talk shite. I’d dodge an EA if I could.

CMOTDibbler · 30/04/2024 16:46

I sold my parents house to one of their neighbours without an agent. It was all very straightforward and in fact I think less hassle than when I've used an agent as we were in direct communication

random9876 · 30/04/2024 16:46

We sold direct once, it went through fine. I think it depends on the situation though. Our recent sale was through an agent and they were brilliant at managing our tricky buyer- honestly I think it wouldn’t have worked direct. We are now buying from a very straightforward person and I feel that the agent isn‘t adding much!

Twiglets1 · 30/04/2024 16:52

You don’t need an EA if a sale goes smoothly but they can be very useful if things get difficult because they don’t get emotional, it’s just a business transaction to them. The trouble is, you don’t know at the outset whether the sale will turn out to be easy or not.

I would always err on the side of getting an EA. Especially in your situation where presumably the EA fees are being split 3 ways anyway with your siblings.

Original poster
BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 17:20

Many thanks for all your responses. Its a tricky one. My gut feeling is to go with an agent. I just don't want any extra hassle and neither me or my sibling feel particularly confident about it. Also, my sibling that is keen to go it alone, really wouldn't be able to do any of the admin as too busy with work. I shall sleep on it. Thanks again.

OP posts:
OpusGiemuJavlo · 30/04/2024 17:26

Given that you already have 3 buyers you might be able to negotiate a reduced commission fee with an agent as you aren't asking them to actively market the house, just communicate with the 3 interested neighbours to negotiate the best offer and shepherd the sale through.

marzipanlover81 · 30/04/2024 17:27

have you had it valued OP?

Original poster
BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 17:40

Yes, had 3 valuations.

OP posts:
marzipanlover81 · 30/04/2024 17:42

BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 17:40

Yes, had 3 valuations.

and these prospective buyers all know the valuations and have expressed keenness to buy since then?

WantToMakeWorldSilkySmooth · 30/04/2024 17:42

I went with DIY agents so I was dealing with everything bar putting it online myselg. It's easy really. You have buyers lined up. Speak to solicitor as pp said

marzipanlover81 · 30/04/2024 17:42

have you got any figures actually on the table here?

or have they expressed interest without knowing the valuation?

schloss · 30/04/2024 17:48

@BrandNewBicep You will pay an agent which would include marketing, photographs, brochures, finding buyers and viewings. They will do none of that yet still get paid.

Find a good solicitor, even top price ones you will only use a fraction of the fees you would need to pay an EA.

A good solicitor and let them get on with it.

Original poster
BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 17:58

None of the interested parties have been given a figure yet, as we still need to agree on one. They may well turn round and say 'not interested'. Obviously, they can look online and see what sort of prices similar houses go for.

OP posts:
marzipanlover81 · 30/04/2024 18:01

BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 17:58

None of the interested parties have been given a figure yet, as we still need to agree on one. They may well turn round and say 'not interested'. Obviously, they can look online and see what sort of prices similar houses go for.

ah
id hedge a bet they were hoping for less than whatever valued and you will end up using an EA to market

so i would not worry about this issue until figures have been clarified

Original poster
BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 18:06

Yes, I would guess that they would come in with a lower offer, due to us saving on EA fees.

OP posts:
Seaside3 · 30/04/2024 18:51

I sold to friends years ago, no agent. It's mainly the solicitors who deal with stuff, so I'd happily do it again.

marzipanlover81 · 30/04/2024 18:56

BrandNewBicep · 30/04/2024 18:06

Yes, I would guess that they would come in with a lower offer, due to us saving on EA fees.

and they will harbour hope that they will get a reduction just by virtue of being a neighbour