Quick sale of house - loss made?

[FoxyCoxy]

Does anyone know roughly how much these companies who buy your house from you immediately offer you for your house in comparison to market value? We rang Decision Homes and they wanted to charge �500 for someone to come and do a valuation, which obviously would be dead money if they offered us significantly less than market value, as we wouldn't be interested! We have seen a house that we want at a bargain price but if seller doesnt sell by next week he's going to auction, but we still have ours to sell.......

[rabbitygirl]

Having seen one such company investigated on tv, it's my understanding that they make most of their money on the non refundable valuation charge.

Few people go ahead and sell because they offer ridiculously low valuations. Can't remember what the percentage drop was but it was significant. The tv couldn't find anyone who did sell, only those shocked at the values and their lost fee.

To be avoided.

[buildersmate]

They will offer you about 80% of the perceived market value

[888sally888]

Dont go there!!

Get your house decluttered and spruced up and then ask the agent for viewers who are at least already on the market.

Confirm this with the agent for every viewing and then you wont get time wasters.

Keep the house immaculate and fresh and tidy and I am sure you can sell it quickly!

[Jenga]

I saw a T.V programme not too long ago and they were offering ridululous prices for example if the house is worth �200,000 they were offering around �140,000.

It was unbelievable how people were falling for it.

Moving house is a stressful business and I had two time wasters before I finally got a genuine buyer who had the mortgage offer but once you get through it it is worth it in the end.

[carolenw]

My son did this, paid the non refundable fee, �350 I think, and was then offered about 50% of the market value which, surprise surprise, just happened to be the exact amount of his outstanding mortgage. I don't think it was a coincidence either.

To be avoided at all costs I'd say.