Using an online estate agent to sell your property can be a low cost alternative to the high street chains. Complete is a respected national estate agency who can help your home reach the widest possible audience online. Here, their Stevenage-based sales negotiator Jack Carder explains how it works.

The Comet: Nowadays many people find the home they want to buy online rather than in a shop window.Nowadays many people find the home they want to buy online rather than in a shop window. (Image: Rawpixel Ltd)

What are online estate agents?

These days, it’s very rare for buyers to walk into a shop without having first seen the property they like online beforehand. Online estate agents’ marketing tools can differ, but for us it is all about using social media to your advantage when advertising your property, as well as websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location. Modern day marketing eliminates the need for a shop when buying and selling your home, and you can save on estate agent fees.

Why use an online letting and estate agent?

Like every other business decision it’s about using the right company, or in this case the right agent. Our clients don’t see the point in paying a traditional high street agent fee when they can have greater flexibility in communication and excellent value for money from a good online agent such as Complete. Because we have fewer overheads than high street chains we can pass these savings on to our customers with lower fees.

Having just been shortlisted for Best Hybrid Agency at the Negotiator Awards 2018, we know that we are driving our business in the right direction. Not just for us and our clients, but for the industry as a whole too.

Are they trustworthy?

The Comet: Complete will market your home online through social media and property websites to reach a wide audience of potential buyers.Complete will market your home online through social media and property websites to reach a wide audience of potential buyers. (Image: Archant)

Of course, as with any industry there are some ‘bad eggs’ out there, but if you search and find the right agent it can make your move hassle free – while also saving you money! At Complete, customer service is the forefront of our business model, and as an online estate agent we survive through our clients’ reviews. It’s our clients who give us our reputation, and our reputation is what supports our growth. We pride ourselves on our five star reviews.

How successful are online estate agents?

The achievements of nationwide online agents have proven that it is a successful and sustainable business model. At Complete, we’re aiming to build on that and innovate by being local, with the experience, knowledge and expertise that brings. We value our property experts’ reputation in the local area. We know we can provide a great service in the fastest growing sector in the industry.

How does Complete work?

As a hybrid agent we offer a choice between an upfront cost or a no sale no fee option. The fact that we do not have a shop like a traditional agent means that we are not restricted to the usual opening hours of 9am to 6pm, and so the customer benefits from greater flexibility. We will speak to both buyers and our sellers out of traditional business hours. This enhances our relationship with both parties as we’re answering queries and negotiating offers in a smooth and timely manner.

Do you conduct viewings?

At Complete our client is always in control. If they want us to conduct viewings then we certainly can, because we recognise that there are many advantages to it. We charge a set additional fee for conducting viewings, and the overall cost of using Complete still represents great value for money.

What documents do I need to sell my house in the UK?

Selling your house can be complex, and at times may seem overwhelming. At Complete we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible, and will work with you from start to finish. Some of the documents you will need to provide us with to do that include proof of identification, and your solicitor will require your shared freehold/leasehold documents and property title deeds once you have sold your home. You’ll also need to show an Energy Performance Certificate when marketing your home, which we can provide at an extra cost.

How much will selling my house online cost?

At Complete we have either a single upfront cost of £799, or £949 – which includes the full viewing package -- with no hidden extras. However, we are so confident in our ability to sell your property that we are offering a limited number of instructions a superb No Sale/No Fee deal of just £849 (including viewings), payable on completion.

We know moving is one of the most important purchases you will make but we are confident it is a good time to sell your property. We are finding that once sold there are excellent deals and opportunities to be gained when moving on to your next home or investment.

For more information about how Complete online estate agency can help sell your property quickly, or to book a free valuation, visit their website, email jack@completeestateagents.com or call 01438 553355.