Frequently Asked Questions
According to The Estate Agency (the magazine of the National Association of Estate Agents) turtlehomes.co.uk are one of the most successful online estate agents in the UK. This section answers many questions relating to the service that we offer. If you are unable to find an answer why not give us a call.
What is the difference between using an online estate agency and a traditional estate agent in the UK?
Online estate agents by their nature are able to successfully market property effectively across the whole of the UK. The service offered generally only differs slightly from a high street, with you setting your own price and accompanying all viewings. We will, however, provide you with an best price guide containing comparable properties to assist with the online valuation. As with any other estate agent we will still produce colour photographs, floorplans, property brochures, a for sale board, extensive internet coverage, arrange viewing and provide feedback and sales progression.
Like most traditional estate agents we are also members of the Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme which means that we are governed by the Office of Fair Trading Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents. This ensures that you will receive the best possible estate agency service.
How can an online estate agency have such a low fee?
As we are an online estate agency we are able to keep our costs down by using the latest technology and operating out of a single call centre rather than having a network of local offices. We don’t have expensive overheads such as high rents, rates and running a fleet of company cars. These cost savings are then passed onto you, yet still providing a professional service. According to a recent report by consumer body Which? choosing an online estate agent instead of a traditional high street agent could save you on average more than £3000 in fees.
How will you attract potential purchasers without a high street office?
84% of active UK home movers start their search for property online and this figure is increasing all of the time. 90% of these buyers will look at more than one property website to find a home so turtlehomes.co.uk strive to provide the maximum online exposure possible. Traditional estate agents tend to focus their marketing on the local area and quite often ignore some of the major online sources of enquiry.
As at the 11th February 2013 we have partnership agreements with the following property websites in the UK. We also embrace social networking sites such as twitter, facebook and YouTube to ensure that your property can not be missed!
As long as your property is well priced and properly presented, there is a good chance that it will sell quickly.
Turtlehomes.co.uk also run a daily mailing service offering your property to waiting potential buyers; actively selling your property online.
Do I need to be online to use turtlehomes.co.uk?
Ideally, yes. All of our correspondence is by email also you will want to logon to turtlehomes.co.uk to view instant marketing statistics. turtlehomes.co.uk, however, do pride ourselves on our customer service and can be contacted by telephone on 0845 073 6633 or 01452 726421.
Can I actually speak to somebody on the telephone?
Of course! We have fully trained and experienced estate agents at the end of the telephone (01452 726421) to answer any questions that you may have. We promise that you won’t have to muddle through an automated switchboard to contact us. Our phone lines are also open on Saturday and Sunday between 10:00am and 5:00pm.
Will you value my property for me?
A valuation is an approximate figure that you can expect to achieve for you property. Ultimately the property is worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. Turtlehomes.co.uk are able to provide you with an accurate valuation guide based upon what other properties are being marketed for and have achieved in your locality. We will provide you with a series of reports to help you decide your asking price.
What if I have already instructed with another estate agency?
If you are already on the market with another estate agency in the UK you will probably have agreed a sole agency and/or sole selling rights contract. The terms of that contract must be considered to avoid the possibility of paying two sets of fees.
Please note that turtlehomes.co.uk do not specify a minimum contract term and only ask for two weeks notice to terminate your contract with us.
How do I sell my property online with turtlehomes.co.uk?
You can either call turtlehomes.co.uk on 01452 726421 or book an online valuation report on our website. You will also need to read our Terms and Conditions, pay the marketing fee using our secure online payment centre and them complete the valuation form. We will then arrange with you a convenient date and time to book a home visit.
Is there a time limit for marketing with turtlehomes.co.uk?
You can list your property on turtlehomes.co.uk as long as you like - there are no time limits!
What will happen at the home visit?
During the visit to your property we will take details for a general description, room measurements, floor plan photographs and all of the data required for an Energy Performance Certificate
And after the home visit?
Within 48 hours we will notify you that your online property details are ready for approval, it’s a simple case of logging into your online account and checking the information is accurate. Once you are satisfied (bearing in mind that we must comply with the Property Misdescriptions Act) you must send us your approval by email. We shall then arrange for the property to become live across our entire network of property portals within 24 hours.
How do I conduct viewings?
Your personal account manager will handle all matters on your behalf and agree mutually convenient day and time for the viewing.
The only task that we ask you to perform is showing the viewer around your property - we handle everything else for you. After all you are the best qualified person to sell you home having lived in it and the surrounding area. Please read the turtlehomes online guide for viewings.
What happens if I receive an offer?
Once you have accepted an offer we will obtain solicitor and any chain details from the buyer. We will write to all concerned parties with conformation of the sale, subject to contract. We will then progress the sale through to completion.
