Open-market referral: when an estate agent is the better choice, we’ll say so.
A direct sale isn’t right for everyone. If your property would sell well on the open market and you’re not under time pressure, you’ll usually get more by selling through an estate agent. We’ll tell you plainly, and can introduce a partner agent if you’d like one.
When the open market usually wins
- The property is in good condition and would appeal to mortgage buyers.
- It’s freehold, or has a long lease with reasonable charges.
- You have no firm deadline, and can manage the ongoing costs while it sells.
- The difference between full market value and a direct offer matters more to you than certainty.
How the referral works
- We value the property and explain why we think the open market will serve you better.
- If you’d like an introduction, and only then, we pass your details to a partner estate agent.
- The agent sets out its own terms and fees for you to accept or decline. You’re under no obligation to use them.
Fees on this route
This is the one route where fees apply to you: the estate agent charges its own fee, as with any agency sale. Where we buy directly, or introduce an investor buyer, there’s no fee to you. The partner agent may pay us a referral fee; it doesn’t increase what you pay.
Understand the open-market risks
An agency sale in England and Wales isn’t binding until exchange of contracts. Buyers can still withdraw, renegotiate after a survey, or lose their mortgage. If that happens, you can come back to us at any stage. See sale fell through.
Common questions
Why would a house-buying company send me to an estate agent?
Because sometimes it’s genuinely the better outcome for you, and pretending otherwise would cost you money. If your property would sell well to a mortgage buyer and you have time, a direct sale could leave you tens of thousands of pounds worse off.
Do I pay you anything for the introduction?
No. The partner agent may pay us a referral fee. You pay the agent’s own fees, which they’ll set out in their terms before you sign anything. You’re free to choose any agent you like instead.
If the open-market sale falls through, can I come back to you?
Yes. There’s no penalty and no hard feelings. We can look at a direct purchase again at that point.
Thinking about selling your property?
Let’s have a straightforward conversation about your options. Free valuation, no obligation, and no pressure to accept. If a different route would suit you better, we’ll say so.
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