CJ, by e-mail
There are more than 30 property websites specialising in UK property alone. Their advantage to vendors is the potential audience reach compared to a shop window. Buyers like being able to search on price and location, and get a fair first impression from the picture without talking to an agent or making needless journeys. However, remember that websites marketing properties privately are also exempt from the Estate Agents Act 1991, so are not subject to the rules of description in the same way that estate agents are. Also, research has shown that fewer than 30% of house sales start on the web, so it follows that you will be missing at least 70% of prospective buyers before you even start if this is your only marketing tool.
In my opinion, your best bet is to sell your home through an estate agent which covers all areas of marketing, from printed media advertising (now bringing in anywhere from 10%-20% of buyers), internet (about 30%), boards (20%-30%) and a well-located office/shopfront (about 50%). View the agent’s website to check for ease of use, and check that the agent also puts your property on one of the three main UK portals: www.primelocation.com, www.rightmove.co.uk or www.assertahome.co.uk.
At a time when viewings are back up to last year’s levels (even if offers aren’t), it is imperative to remember that presentation is everything. Many buyers are offering on more than one property at the moment, so be realistic about the price and ensure your solicitor has a package of documents, including the title deeds, ready to go out the moment you agree an offer.
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Ed Mead is a director of central London estate agent, Douglas & Gordon