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eMoove FAQ's


eMoove - FAQ's How do I value my property?
Can eMoove be used with an Estate Agent?
Should I tell my Estate Agent that I am using eMoove?
What is the difference between eMoove and an Estate Agent?
What is the difference between eMoove and a private sale website?
How much does eMoove cost?
Why is there a monthly fee?
Where is my house advertised?
How do I arrange a viewing?
What happens when I accept an offer on my property?
Where can I get help or advice on selling my property?
What are Home Information Packs?
Does eMoove cover all areas in the UK?
Do I need a for sale sign?
How do I prepare my home for sale?
Are my personal details secure?

How do I value my property?

eMoove can provide you with an accurate estimate of the value of your home, and a comprehensive overview of the property market in your area. The report is based upon the Realtime Valuation Model™ which is the market leading online valuation service used by High Street Banks and Mortgage Lenders. It is one of the most advanced Automated Valuation Models in the world. Currently lenders representing more than 70% of the UK Mortgage Market utilise the Realtime Valuation Model™ for both mortgage origination and further advance.

However the accuracy of the valuation will vary depending on a wide range of factors; principally how similar the subject property is to properties in the surrounding area and how much turnover there has been in that area. The expected accuracy of the valuation is reflected in the Confidence Level and the corresponding value range, which you can view before you purchase the report.

You should use a variety of methods to gauge the value of your home, because it allows you to act with complete confidence in the market place. If you are using eMoove with an Estate Agent you should have an accurate valuation already, but it is always good to seek further assurance. It is not recommended to rely entirely on the online valuation report as the means to value your home, even if there is Confidence Level of the report is very high.

Here are is a list of methods you can use to value your home:
  • If you are with an Estate Agent this is the primary way you should have your home valued.
  • If you are not with an Estate Agent a surveyor is the most accurate way to have your home valued – this is likely to cost around £400 for a full valuation.
  • The eMoove valuation report can give you an accurate estimate for the valuation of your home and information about property in the surrounding area. For more information see above.
  • Viewing other properties in your local area that are similar to yours will help give you an idea of how your house should fit into the market.
  • Listen to your gut feeling! This should be combined with the last point, so that you can develop a good idea of where you house is placed in the market compared to similar properties.

Can eMoove be used with an Estate Agent?

Using eMoove with an Estate Agent is very popular. It’s a great way of ensuring that your Agent is doing everything they can to sell your property, because if you sell through eMoove first then you will save £thousands in commission! If you have an existing contract with an Estate Agent or intend to sign one, you will need to find out whether the contact is a Sole Agency or Sole Selling agreement.

Please see the differences in the contracts detailed below:
  • A "sole agency" agreement - your estate agent can claim a commission ONLY if they introduce the buyer and sell your property. Also, he can claim a commission if another estate agent is instructed during the period of sole agency and who then sells your home.

    A "sole agency" agreement does not prevent you from selling your home privately. You can use an internet based property advertising service such as eMoove. Remember we do not act as an estate agent; we are a property portal that allows you to advertise, describe and handle the sale of your property.

    The Office of Fair Trading has guidelines on internet based property services and you should be aware that eMoove complies with these. The way eMoove operates is not in conflict with a "sole agency" agreement.


  • A "sole selling" agreement - your estate agent would be the only one with the right to sell your home. If you find a buyer yourself then you will still have to pay the agents commission. This is a very restrictive contract and one that eMoove recommends no seller should enter...ever!


  • A "ready, willing and able to buy" agreement - such a clause in an agreement will allow the estate agent to charge commission in the event that they introduce someone "ready, willing and able to buy" your home. Under such an agreement the buyer does not have to complete the sale. However, the estate agent is able to claim commission even if your home is not sold or indeed if you sell to another party. Beware of this type of clause since it is often put in the agreement where you are less likely to look, for example it may be included at the end of the section detailing with when commission is payable. eMoove and The Consumers Association would strongly recommend that you do not sign any contract containing the "ready, willing and able to buy" clause or indeed wording with the same meaning.
Estate Agents Act, 1979

The Act defines "sole agency" and "sole selling" and it is from these definitions that the incidence of commission can be ascertained.


Should I tell my Estate Agent that I am using eMoove?

Yes. Firstly, it is good to keep your Estate Agent informed about all activities relating to the sale of your house as a practicality and as a matter of courtesy. Secondly, if the Estate Agent knows that you are trying to sell your house through eMoove they will be making every effort to try and sell your property, because if you sell through eMoove first then they will not receive a commission (and you will save £thousands) – a great way to keep them on their toes!


What is the difference between eMoove and an Estate Agent?

The main difference is that eMoove does not charge a commission on the sale of your property and thus is a huge amount cheaper. For a property worth £300,000 the average Estate Agent fee is around £4,500 plus VAT. eMoove is an online property portal that gives you access to everything you need to sell your home, so that you can sell your home yourself. You right the descriptive text, upload the photos, make the floor plans, decide if you would like a for sale board, choose the advertising exposure and so on. We will not visit your home like an Estate Agent does, but of course if you need assistance during this process then the eMoove support team is on standby to answer your questions and give you any advice you need.


What is the difference between eMoove and a private sale website?

The vast majority of Private Sale websites charge a set fee for a property advertisement on the internet. However the exposure is often only on websites where very few buyers look for property, therefore vastly reducing the chances of making a sale. The property advertisements can also be very basic, sellers given little or no support and arranging a viewing is a complicated process between you, the private sale company and the potential buyer.

eMoove gives you access not only to all the big UK property search websites (e.g. rightmove.co.uk, propertyfinder.com, findaproperty.com), but also to a wide range of additional advertising options. You can build a professional property profile, manage seller queries, arrange viewings using your online calendar, chat with other sellers and sell your house for a very low fee, all from the comfort of your home computer. There is also a high level of seller support, whether you need advice about your advertising coverage, feedback on your profile or general property selling advice.


How much does eMoove cost?

Becoming an eMoove member will cost you £19.95 per month. This will allow you to advertise your property, with photos and descriptive text, on one of the biggest property portals in the UK. It also gives you 24-hour access to your online account and enables you to receive support from the eMoove team who can answer any seller related queries you may have.

In addition you will have access to a wide range of other services that range from additional advertising, to advanced profile features and equipment to measure your house – these services are there to be used and tailored to suit your properties needs and the budget you have set aside.

See a full pricing list.


Why is there a monthly fee?

eMoove has a monthly fee to ensure that all properties being advertised from our site are still actively for sale. A significant problem with traditional private sale websites (that charge a one-off fee) is that once the properties are sold or withdrawn from the market, they are often still advertised on the website as there is effectively no incentive for the seller to take them down – this would devalue the eMoove brand to buyers and clog up the big internet search portals with properties that are not actually for sale. The fact that our pricing model includes a monthly fee really just means that you pay less when choosing your profile and advertising options, and that you are selling through a vendor that is highly trusted by buyers.


Where is my house advertised?

This is all down to you. eMoove provides you with a comprehensive range of advertising options ensuring your property has the best coverage available. Uniquely, eMoove also allows you to choose (on an individual basis), which advertising you would like to place, so you will not be forced to pay for a bundle package of random advertising – you will be able to hand pick the advertising that is right for your property and budget.

See a full list of our advertising partners.


How do I arrange a viewing?

Arranging a viewing with eMoove is simple. If you are selling your property you can indicate on your calendar the times that you are available to show people round, so when you receive a viewing request it is already for a time that suits you! If you are buying a property then just click on the ‘request a viewing’ button and view the sellers calendar to see what times they are available. Then simply choose a time that suits you and wait to receive the confirmation message.


What happens when I accept an offer on my property?

When you accept an offer on your property, the eMoove server will swap your solicitor details with those of the buyer. Once both parties details have been exchanged a letter will be sent to each Solicitor from eMoove detailing the offer and anything else that may need explaining.

From this point on eMoove will no longer take an active part in the selling process, much the same as an Estate Agent. We advise you contact your Solicitor regularly to check on the progress of the sale as some Solicitors like to take their time.


Where can I get help or advice on selling my property?

The members homepage has the option to ‘Ask a question’ or ‘Ask the expert’, any questions that you ask will be answered within 24 hours by a member of the eMoove team. The eMoove team is headed by a FRICS accredited Surveyor with over 30 years of property buying and selling knowledge.

When you become a Seller you will also receive a Membership Pack. This pack will include a list of home selling tips as well as leaflets and information that you should look at before taking pictures or writing descriptions.


What are Home Information Packs?

In June 2007 the Government is introducing reforms that will change the way we buy and sell our homes in England and Wales. The Home Information Pack (HIP) aims to introduce greater certainty into the home buying and selling process, by providing certain essential information at the start of the process. It will be provided to buyers (by the seller) so that they have information about the property up front, and can make a more informed purchase decision.

The HIP is likely to contain the following.
  • A sales statement (summarising terms of the sale).
  • Evidence of Title.
  • Standard searches (i.e. Local Authority enquiries and drain and water search).
  • An Energy Performance Certificate.
  • Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty.
  • Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the Commonhold Community Statement).
  • Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the Lease, information and service charges, and insurance).
  • Energy Report.
  • Energy Performance Certificate.
For more information about HIP, please see go to Seller Support.


Does eMoove cover all areas in the UK?

eMoove currently covers England and Wales, but does not cover Scotland, because of the different governing laws.


Do I need a for sale sign?

This is completely up to you. As with all eMoove’s services a ‘for sale’ sign is optional. It is a great way to display to anyone passing your property that it is for sale and how to find out further details - the local area is a very important market. However, without a for sale board you can advertise to over 70% of the buying market in the UK and take out local advertising in your area as well, so it is potentially an area where you can cut costs. If you do need any advice when making your decision then the eMoove support team will be more than happy to help.


How do I prepare my home for sale?

A list of things sellers should look to do:
  • Warm welcome:
    Always smile (Be friendly), look interested, turn on the lights, open any pulled curtains (Light gives a feeling of space), open a window or two (Unless you live on a busy / noisy street), turn up the heating and make fresh tea or coffee available (Make them feel at home, it could be theirs).
  • Pets:
    Keep the pets hidden away; some people are scared of animals, others don’t like the smell and some just don’t like them.
  • Kids Bedroom:
    Ask or pay the kids to keep their rooms tidy, make sure any computer games, CD’s or books are well stored and tidy looking. Make sure the bed is made and there aren’t any clothes on the floor.
  • Kitchen:
    Tidy the Kitchen and keep it clean(ish), remember, people want to see the house as lived in, friendly and homely.
  • Bathroom:
    Keep this room very clean. No dirty baths, sinks or dripping taps. Make sure the towels are hanging up and there aren’t any magazines or papers lying around, it doesn’t give a great impression.
  • DIY / Repairs:
    Make sure any loose tiles, broken shelves, blown light bulbs are fixed. If necessary hire a professional handyman, a few quid spent here could add thousands in the long run.
  • Space and Clutter:
    If possible put all non essential items into storage before taking the internal pictures and putting your house up for sale, the extra space will give a much better initial impression. If you cannot put your belongings into storage make sure they are kept clean and tidy.
  • Outside Space:
    Cut the grass, plant grass seeds where needed, clean up, throw away any rubbish sacks and make it look desirable. Touch up any damaged paintwork, re-shape any bushy hedges and oil that creaky gate. If necessary call a gardener and get a quote for a couple of hour’s work, again, a few quid spent here could add thousands to the value of your home.
  • Local Info + Property Info:
    Make sure you have your property info to hand, such as: Council tax, service charges, ground rents, average water, gas, heating, electricity bill etc Guarantees for work done and appliances that you intend to leave behind. Information and leaflets on the local amenities, restaurants and nightlife.
  • For Sale board:
    If you haven’t already purchased a “For Sale” board we strongly advise you buy one now. “For Sale” boards work, they have been used for years and guarantee an increase in awareness.

Are my personal details secure?

Yes. All personal details are stored in our highly secure London based data centre. All credit card transactions are encrypted and handled by Worldpay, which is owned the Royal Bank of Scotland. eMoove do not store any credit or debit card details.