Should I sell my house alone or with an estate agent?
So, you've made the big decision to put your home on the market and start your sales journey. For some people this then brings about a question – should you sell your property privately, or enlist the expertise of a local estate agent? While selling without an agent can save costs, it requires a strategic approach in order to maximise your return. We’d encourage you to yourself these questions and do some thorough research before you decide to go down that route.
Can you dedicate significant time to marketing, viewings and buyer communication?
Selling your house requires consistent effort. Creating captivating listings, professional photos, and detailed descriptions takes a lot of time. You'll also need to handle paperwork, arrange viewings, and communicate with buyers. Wouldn't you rather focus on packing and preparing for moving day?
Communication is crucial even after accepting a sale. For example, for our clients in Cardiff, we have a full-time Sales Progression Manager, Chelsea, who’s solely responsible for keeping sellers updated, managing solicitor communication and streamlining the sales process.
Do you have a solid understanding of the UK property market and the legal aspects of selling a home?
UK property sales involve complex regulations. Missed deadlines, incorrect forms or non-compliance can derail a sale. You’ll need to obtain a valid EPC, manage the conveyancing process, understand seller disclosure, tax implications, and building regulations. An estate agent takes care of all this for you, ensuring smooth, compliant transactions as they handle all legal aspects for you.
Are you comfortable negotiating offers directly with buyers?
We would add, it’s not just about being comfortable, as negotiation is a delicate process. If you are going it alone, it’s important that you research similar properties and set a fair asking price that reflects your home's value. This gives you a strong foundation for negotiations. Before talks begin, determine the absolute minimum you'd accept and stick to it to ensure you don't get pressured into a lowball offer.
Skilled agents will fight for the best possible price for your property and negotiating a good price requires experience and finesse. If you’re going it alone, you might end up leaving money on the table. There’s also the emotional side to consider, as negotiating with buyers directly can be stressful and lead to rash decision-making. Our team handles all negotiations professionally, securing the best price and ensuring buyers' financial resources are verified.
Would you be able to manage and conduct viewings on your own?
Scheduling viewings around your life can be challenging. You’ll need to coordinate work schedules, family commitments, and buyer availability. An estate agent will organise and host engaging open house viewings, provide home staging guidance and offer prompt feedback to keep you informed. (We’ve shared some home staging tips on our blog, so if you do decide to sell alone, feel free to make use of these resources).
Will you be able to utilise effective marketing strategies to reach the biggest pool of buyers?
Selling a property privately means reaching a limited audience, potentially leading to a slower sale. Estate agents will make use of prominent online platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla with premium placements, social media marketing (like our channels reaching over 60,000 users a month!), and creative advertising strategies. This broad exposure can significantly increase the chances of finding the right buyer fast, leading to a quicker sale, saving you time and a lot of legwork.
Estate agents also have connections with a large database of pre-approved buyers interested in your home, ensuring you're dealing with serious contenders ready to make a great offer. For instance, we know buyers who have recently missed out on similar homes and would be extremely eager to view yours. We can simply call them and get them booked in for a viewing.
Do you have access to high-quality photography and videography equipment?
Part of our unique approach includes a captivating video tour created by our in-house videography team, showcasing your home in its best light. We love to include shots of the lifestyle benefits, giving buyers a realistic and emotionally engaging virtual experience. The best way to understand what we mean is to take a look at our YouTube channel! These days if you are taking photos on a phone camera and not including a high quality video, it will almost definitely put you at a disadvantage when you consider the competition.
Selling your house can be stressful. A good agent lifts the burden, allowing you to focus on moving. For most people, the initial savings don’t outweigh the hassle of marketing, negotiations, and legal complexities. An experienced estate agent can help you achieve a faster sale and potentially a higher price. If you’re in Cardiff and would like to learn more or have any questions, feel free to email sales@cpshomes.co.uk.
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
