Quick sale needed

[NatureLovingWalks]

Hi for personal reasons I am looking to sell my house quickly and move into rented out of the area.

my question is if I use a traditional EA, in the current market how feasible is it for me to ask them to strictly govern the process in terms of vetting viewers? I anticipate a lot of interest as it will on at c20% below market value so I want only no chain buyers in to view. I hate strangers in my home so want to limit the amount of viewings to those who can realistically proceed in my desired timeframe which is 3 months.
when I was a FTB I had a timeframe put to me after offer accepted stage but not during viewing.

I know it’s a buyers market so just looking for views on how realistic this is for me to expect an EA to actually do this and not just let anyone through the door regardless also would there be any pitfalls to doing it this way eg would I make myself look desperate? TIA x

Personally I think especially with the dropped price that is fine and they are working for you so if that's what you say then they should do that. I would just contact them and speak to them.

If you only want someone that can proceed it makes no sense for them to waste time letting others view anyway.

I'm looking to buy and have found that many estate agents work to their own agenda. Even though I've been cash buyer, no chain, want a quick purchase the property has sold to someone else on several occasions! I've seen actual sold prices so I know mine was highest offer. Estate agents often prioritise builders they have contact with, a chain through their branch, those using their mortgage services etc

Have you considered selling at traditional auction? You would definitely get certainty

You cant guarantee a timeframe - your buyers might get a survey that throws up issues for example.

But yes I think you can ask your agent to restrict viewings. We had this recently as we're in the process of moving. We saw a house online and enquired about viewing and the estate agent said "the seller is moving abroad and needs it sold ASAP so if you're also selling somewhere, you can't view it" This place was listed as SSTC within a couple of days.

That’s good to hear your experience of it. And yes totally understand re survey etc. it’s more to avoid time wasters. Neighbours had theirs on last year and said they had so many nosey people not serious and not in any position to proceed. They found it really intrusive. After 5 months they got an offer who then pulled out. They decided to just stay and reassess in another few months. They are not in any rush but I am. Thank you !

Have you considered asking for a price from the We Buy Any House types?

As for the EA, tell them chain free cash buyers only, who have already shown they have the cash in the bank - otherwise it'll be people who have the equity in their homes to buy outright but who haven't sold etc...

Auction?

Thanks for all the replies. I have explored a couple of cash buy companies one lowered the offer a couple of times before we had even fully got into the conveyancing so I pulled out. I’ve had an offer from another but have concerns over them trying to renegotiate later down line (they are asking personal financial info they really don’t need to know) so think I’ll can them off. Auction - I’ve explored with a reputable auction house and their honest advise was it’s probably too modern and in too good condition to auction as most people want a super cheap one they can do up and maximise profit on. They said they would take it but the guide price would need to be so low it’s worse than the cash offers were and no guarantee would get interest. Two years ago this property would be an ideal buy to let so I’m sure would have had interested landlords at auctions but with the new legislation that’s changed things. Thanks for all the comments they are really helpful and giving me some thoughts on how I could proceed with an EA

Then I would start by marketing it yourself on Facebook.

You don't need to go through a estate agents, you both need good solicitors. Saving estate agents fees would make it a better deal.

Auction seems the like it might be the best option. A fast guaranteed sale, which the buyer is committed to once the hammer comes down.

By that I mean traditional auction. Don’t touch modern auction with a bargepole.

I have found this too.

Its actually funny we viewed a house the other week where the sellers showed us round and made a huge deal out of how they wouldn't sell to landlords/developers to protect the area. They apparently told EA to block any developers/buy to let-ers from viewing had a whole rant about how they hate those.

As we talked longer they explained they move every 6 months, apparently they buy a house, do it up, selling it and then moving again and have never lived anywhere longer than a year lol.

There seemed to be a hypocrisy in that. TBF they didn't seem as bad as most developers. They charged a decent price for the area and the house looked nice really the house was more flipped that wildly over developed but it just seemed funny them hating developers but basically being developers themselves.

OP auction is best for quick sales.

You can also specify cash buyers only as its much quicker but limits the market, problem is many will 'assume' thats because its unmorgagable due to structural issues or uninhabitable state etc...

How did you get on with selling?