How to Sell Your House Without an Estate Agent
Estimated reading time 5 minutes
Selling your house without the help of an estate agent can seem like a daunting task. However, it is becoming increasingly common as homeowners look to save on costly fees and take control of the selling process.
Why are homeowners avoiding estate agents?
Currently in the UK, it takes buyers an average of 6 months to complete on a property purchase – and that’s a smooth sale. Sellers are missing out on dream properties due to lengthy timeframes and fast house sales are the goal for many vendors. Add high street charging high fees into the mix – an eyewatering 3% + VAT in some cases – it is no surprise that homeowners are seeking alternative ways to sell their homes.
The development of digital platforms has seen the evolution of the way in which people sell property. The pandemic was a catalyst for online estate agencies as buying and selling property had to shift to a virtual, contact-free solution. This convenience has suited vendors and has remained popular since.
Below, Gaffsy discuss how to sell your home without an estate agent in more detail.
Steps for selling your house without an estate agent
1. Prepare your home for sale
Whichever alternative way you choose to sell your home, decluttering, cleaning, and making any necessary repairs can be beneficial. You may also want to consider staging your home to help potential buyers envision themselves living there.
However, this is not always required to sell your home. We buy any house, regardless of its location, size, and condition. Gaffsy have the funds available to buy any property, as well as flats, garages, and land.
2. Determine a realistic asking price
Pricing your home correctly is key to attracting buyers. You can start by researching recent sales of comparable homes in your area to get an idea of what your home is worth. You can also use online valuation tools to get an estimate of your home's value. However, keep in mind that these tools are not always accurate.
With Gaffsy, we will ask you details about your property when your request a no-obligation free cash offer. Our property experts will use the information you provide, along with local property market data, to give you a realistic cash price for your property.
3. List your home online
There are several websites that allow you to list your home for sale without the help of an estate agent. However, without experience in the property industry, it can be hard to decipher what to write in the description or how to take the best photos. This is when harnessing the skills of a cash house buyer such as Gaffsy is beneficial. We can offer you a guaranteed property sale, managing the entire process for you.
4. Market your home
If you do decide to privately sell your house without any additional support you'll want to get the word out through other channels, not just on property portals. This may include posting flyers in your neighbourhood, advertising on social media, or hosting an open house.
5. Be prepared to show your home
Once you start getting inquiries from potential buyers, you'll need to be prepared to show your home. Make sure it is clean and tidy - consider having a checklist of things to do before each showing. You may also want to have a friend or family member present during showings for safety reasons.
6. Negotiate the sale
When you receive an offer it's important to negotiate the terms of the sale. This may include the sale price, closing date, and any contingencies such as financing or home inspections. You may want to consult a solicitor to help you navigate the negotiation process if you do sell your home yourself.
7. Close the sale
Once you've agreed to the terms of the sale, you'll need to prepare for closing. This may include the help of a solicitor to handle the paperwork and transfer of ownership. You'll also need to arrange for a final walkthrough of the property to ensure it is in the same condition as when the buyer made the offer.
Can you save money on estate agent fees?
Traditional estate agents in the UK typically charge a fee for their services when selling a property. The fee is usually a percentage of the final sale price, although some agents may charge a flat fee. The exact amount that estate agents charge can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the property, the value of the property, and the level of service provided by the agent.
In general, estate agent fees in the UK range from 0.75% to 3% of the final sale price, although it is important to note that fees can be negotiable. It is also worth noting that VAT is usually charged on top of the agent's fee, which adds an additional 20% to the overall cost.
Should you sell your house without an estate agent?
While selling your home without an estate agent can save you money on fees, it does require more work on your part. However, with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully sell your home on your own.
Equally, a middle ground is often most suitable for those looking to sell their home outside of the traditional estate agent model. This is where Gaffsy can help. Operating online, we strike the perfect balance between the support and process management of an agent but with total freedom for sellers. Gaffsy can buy your home from you as quickly as you require. We also don’t charge any fees and cover your legal costs. Get a free cash offer online to sell your property on your terms today.
