DIY Property Journey vs. Expert Estate Agent: What’s Best for You?
DIY Property Journey vs. Expert Estate Agent: What’s Best for You?
Have you ever wondered why we rely so heavily on estate and letting agents when it comes to property? Why not just do it ourselves? After all, it’s more than just sticking a ‘for sale’ or ‘to let’ sign outside, right? There’s a lot more to consider, from anti-money laundering protocols to ID checks, verifying funds, managing legal documents, and keeping the chain intact. But is that really all necessary? Could we be doing this ourselves?
Could DIY be the answer?
It’s certainly possible to sell or let a property without an agent. There’s no law against ‘going it alone.’ DIY property sales and lettings have been around for years. But as moving home has become more regulated and reliant on digital technology, most people seem to prefer leaving it to the professionals. So, why is it that we still rely on agents? Is it because of the complex paperwork and legalities, or is there something else at play here?
One of the biggest barriers to selling or letting without an agent is getting attention. After all, more than 90% of property sales begin online. And most of that traffic is directed to portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket. But here’s the catch: only agents can list properties on these big portals. Does that make it impossible for individuals to compete? Or is there a way around it?
Are the costs really worth it?
Portals are essential, but they’re also expensive. To access them, estate or letting agents need to have paid memberships. For individuals going the DIY route, this can be a significant hurdle. But could there be another way? What if you could bypass these costs?
Enter Hello Neighbour, a self-service platform that’s changing the game. They allow landlords to upload rental properties to the same major portals, all without an agent and at a much lower cost—just £29 per rental property. Could this be the solution for landlords who are already managing their properties independently? Could this low-cost service be the first step toward a 100% DIY lettings model?
Is DIY the future?
Hello Neighbour isn’t the only company offering a more self-managed approach. Emoov, a pioneer in the online property space, lets sellers choose the level of service they want, from basic listings to premium services like virtual tours or enhanced photos. But, with this flexibility, are we sacrificing some of the convenience and security that comes with using an experienced agent? Are we willing to take on the extra responsibilities, like managing viewings or putting up our own ‘for sale’ sign?
On the flip side, services like Viewber are helping bridge the gap for DIY-ers. They can assist with everything from property viewings to taking marketing photos, carrying out energy assessments, and even conducting fire risk checks. Is this the kind of support that makes DIY property sales and lettings manageable? Could this help those who want to skip the agent but still need some professional support?
What’s the real cost of doing it yourself?
With DIY approaches, you’re essentially paying only for what you need, rather than a full-service agent fee. But is it really a more cost-effective solution? Or does the need to juggle everything yourself end up being more of a hassle than it’s worth? Could you end up spending more in the long run, especially if things go wrong?
As property technology evolves, it seems like DIY models are gaining traction. But is this the future of property sales and lettings, or are we simply testing the waters? We’d love to hear your opinion. Are you willing to give the DIY route a shot, or do you prefer to leave it to the professionals? What’s your take on the balance between cost-saving and convenience in the property market?
Hello Neighbour is part of a growing framework of companies that are giving buyers, sellers, tenants and investors more control over how they manage their next property move. Emoov was an early front runner. It allows sellers to bypass High Street agents’ set fees and cherry pick the level of service that suits them best.
Its ‘essentials’ pack offers a no-frills, value for money approach to sales. The very basics are covered but you have to pay extra for some elements including a virtual tour, upgraded photos and premium listings on the portals. Even a ‘for sale’ board is an add-on. For £120, Emoov will send you a sign but you have to put it up yourself. You’re also expected to schedule and manage your own viewings – a common theme among some modern online-only agents.
The art of delegation
Viewber sits comfortably within the self-service property environment, especially when buyers and landlords are expected to handle their own viewings, or when an agent doesn’t have local staff able to accompany home movers.
Our service is based on conducting property visits ‘on your behalf’, with our Viewbers carrying out a variety of tasks that a DIY approach may require. The Viewber network is available seven days a week on a nationwide basis, with daytime, evening and Bank Holiday availability for ultimate flexibility.
A Viewber can:
- Perform an energy assessment resulting in a valid EPC
- Accompany a tenant or buyer on a viewing
- View a property on a tenants’ or buyers’ behalf, filing a follow-up report
- ‘Let in’ inventory clerks and ‘lock up’ after
- Complete condition checks & examine repairs
- Take marketing photographs and videos
- Create 360° virtual tours and create floorplans
- ‘Sit and wait’ for deliveries
- Hand keys over to a tenant or buyer
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Produce a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment (PCFRA)
- Undertake fire door checks
Viewber is also part of the drive to provide budget-friendly, low fixed-fee services. Our ‘pay only for what you use’ business model means there’s never a wasted penny. And there’s no minimum order or contract either, making us accessible for everyone in the property market.
If you’re taking the self-service or a more DIY approach to property sales and lettings, get in touch for our assistance.
