Are you thinking about selling your house online?
This method of selling property has become popular in recent years.
Homeowners are keen to cut down on estate agency costs and take more control of the selling process.
If you want to know how to sell a house online – and whether this option is right for you – keep reading.
Can I sell my house online?
Yes, it is possible to sell your house online. Online estate agencies offer this service in almost all parts of the UK.
This way of selling has advantages and drawbacks (which we have explained further below).
There are websites to list your house and get viewings. Common examples include Zoopla and Rightmove. You will sometimes see houses listed on Facebook Marketplace and social media, too.
Although you can advertise your house online, potential buyers usually want to visit it in-person. The funds will also need to be transferred in the traditional way, with the support of a solicitor.
What is an online estate agency?
As the name suggests, an online estate agency operates online.
They may charge a fixed rate for their services, rather than a commission for the sale, and they often won’t have an in-person office.
You will still be able to meet members of their team in-person though, and ask them to host viewings, or meet you in-person for a chat.
Online estate agencies can tailor the package you receive based on your budget, and your preferences. You might, for example, want to take all the photography yourself.
How quickly can online estate agencies sell houses?
Selling your house the traditional way can take a long time. Online estate agencies are a good for selling your house quicker.
The best online estate agencies complete sales on average 38 days faster than a high street estate agent.
They often have a list of pre-qualified buyers they can contact straight away. Many companies have a cash buying facility for you to take advantage of, too.
How common is selling a house online?
There are several ways to sell your home.
Platforms such as Rightmove and Zoopla are more popular than ever.
Online tools have already become invaluable in the house-selling process.
In a recent calendar year, online estate agents’ market share was estimated to be 6.8%.
There is strong evidence that this figure is increasing all the time, though, as people discover the benefits of online selling.
How does selling a house online work?
The first step is to find an online estate agency that can work with you. A quick online search should provide results in your area.
Asking friends for recommendations or looking through directories is a good idea too. You should research any company before you work with them.
You then need to agree on a valuation. The online estate agent will send someone round to view your property. They will then give you feedback on what the house should be listed for.
If this company also has a cash buying facility, then they may provide a separate quote on what a cash offer from them would look like. If not, you should be able to find a cash buyer quite easily.
Marketing your property
It’s then time to start marketing your property. Online platforms such as Zoopla and Rightmove are crucial. Your estate agent should have pre-qualified buyers they can contact right away.
They may list your house as ‘For Sale’ on their website and social media, and advertise in publications.
Viewings will be carried out on any enquiries you receive. You can host these viewings yourself or ask your estate agent to do it.
You should gather feedback from all your visitors. You can then make improvements.
And, if you are in a position to, considering what time of year you sell your house and the condition it’s in are also important.
Considering offers
Once you receive your offer, it is time to negotiate. You may suggest that you have another buyer who’s also interested. Or you could include perks such as furniture or fittings as part of the sale.
Market conditions should be considered when deciding whether to accept an offer.
Even if you had an ‘ideal’ selling price in your head, external factors might make this impractical. Get independent advice if you are unsure.
If you decide to accept an offer, then it is now time to manage the chain.
This could be simple or complex, depending on the length of the chain and how communicative everyone involved is. Your online estate agent should be able to help, depending on the terms of your contract.
Can I trust online estate agents?
You need to be careful before selling your house with an online estate agent.
Don’t sign any restrictive contracts, and ensure there aren’t any hidden costs. You should be free to walk away from the deal if you choose. Your payment should only be due upon completion.
It will often make you feel much better if you have met a representative of the company in-person.
They should have an in-depth website explaining their services. There should also be plenty of online reviews from customers.
If possible, you could ask to speak to one of their satisfied customers to reassure you that the service is legitimate.
The more research you do into the company, and the closer you examine any contracts they ask you to sign, the better. Get a conveyancer to support you if you feel unsure.
Is it cheaper to sell a house online?
Selling your home can cost a lot of money.
It can often be less expensive to sell a house online, depending on the company.
Lots of online estate agencies charge a flat rate, which ends up being much less than a regular commission on the selling price.
If you choose to do everything yourself online, then it can be even more affordable still.
Ask an online estate agency for the rate they charge, and compare this to a regular estate agency’s commission on your selling price.
This simple calculation should state which will be more affordable.
Sell your property fast with We Buy Any Home
At We Buy Any Home, we are chain-free cash property buyers who can purchase your property up front and quickly, without hassle or stress.
We can buy your house quickly and smoothly.
Fill in our enquiry form below if you want a cash offer for your house.
Sell your property fast with We Buy Any Home
At We Buy Any Home, we are chain-free cash property buyers who can purchase your property up front and quickly, without hassle or stress.
We can buy your house off you quickly and smoothly.
Fill in our enquiry form below if you want a cash offer for your house.
