National Homebuyers, leaders in the home buying market want to warn vendors of dubious imitations that are littering the fast purchase property industry.

As leaders in the field, National Homebuyers is increasingly doubtful of some company tactics that are being utilised to maximise profit. The company is now calling for action with the national press and media to call for the industry to be regulated.

As the first consumer facing company to have the financial resources to purchase any property whatever the situation of the vendor or condition and location of the property, National Homebuyers has researched competitor strategies to see exactly what is being promised to customers…and what the hidden faults really are.

When vendors wish to sell their home to a fast purchase property company they should be made aware that the offer given will be below the market value. National Homebuyers recommend only using companies that employ RICS Chartered Surveyors. Any other 'valuer' is on the payroll of the purchasing company and therefore biased and unlikely to be certified or qualified.

Vendors should also be very wary of companies that guarantee a firm indication of a percentage they will offer, as this is impossible to know prior to a professional valuation, therefore National Homebuyers considers statements such as these as misleading.

National Homebuyers are concerned over companies that use the internet as their main or only marketing and sales tool. The internet is a cheap way of making a business look larger and more successful than it actually is. One internet company that operates mainly inside the M25 corridor was recently exposed by an employee as having a catalogue of practises to hoodwink people into selling their home for a fraction of its market value.

The employee, who wanted to remain nameless, said he knocked prices lower by telling sellers their property needed expensive renovations. Such tactics can earn the company up to £60,000 on a single transaction.

He says, “We are trained to get into peoples heads, we expect people who have called us to be in some kind of trouble. They usually have no choice but to accept less money. They just don't realise at that point how much less it'll be.

We keep them on the phone for as long as possible, asking them very personal questions to find out how desperate they are.

“We ask the people to tell us how much they think their home is worth, and then we wipe off £5000 straight away plus 20%. You start to feel very guilty about how you are treating people.”

David Harber, National Homebuyers Communications Director says, “ National Homebuyers' marketing, advertising, literature, correspondence and telephone conversations clearly state that offers will be below market value in order to achieve a quick, hassle free sale.

We don't target people in financial strife as we realise our customers wish to sell for various reason. We also offer a confidential service. We don't ask personal questions and just try to give the customer exactly what they want. There is no need for home buying companies to intrude into peoples lives.”

National Homebuyers also warns vendors to be cautious of companies offering unlikely completion dates. “Our legal departments have been made aware of companies offering to complete 'today' or 'within 7 days'.” Says Mr Harber “This statement is unlikely to be genuine. National Homebuyers has the financial and legal resources to complete on the same day, as we are able to work to your timescale. However as we accept not all parties involved, including solicitors will be able to work to such a short timescale. We are very conscious to not misguide the customer by making any similar superfluous advertising statements.”

When the statement 'no valuation fee' is used this means the probability of 'incurred charges' being bought up later in the sales process is very high which may add up to a disproportionate amount of money. After the initial valuation fee to assess the property, National Homebuyers legal terms and conditions guarantee that no further charges will be made.

After investigation National Homebuyers came across many companies that fail to stipulate that they are unable (or unwilling) to purchase properties in certain locations or certain conditions i.e., Housing Association, ex-council, where there is no right of access, where there are outstanding building regulation or planning permission requirements, sheltered accommodation (where age is restricted) or where there are restrictive covenants. Unlike many other companies, National Homebuyers guarantees to offer on every property surveyed regardless of its condition or location.

Julian King, Director of National Homebuyers says, “The success of the company has been built on a strong foundation of helping people and solving peoples problems. Every call and every customer receives a personal service, tailored to meet their requirements.”

“Now the UK's leading consumer-facing fast purchasing company with the advertising message "We Will Buy Your Home", National Homebuyers' animated advertisements featuring "Homebuyer Man" have been seen by millions and National Homebuyers continues to help and solve many hundreds of peoples' property problems every year. We know this service isn't for everyone but we can guarantee an honest, straightforward experience, where vendors don't feel the pressure they would when selling their home on the open market.”

National Homebuyers will make one courtesy call to you after you make an initial enquiry, but we believe the decision and reason for your decision should be left to you.”

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For further information please contact:

Sophie O'Kelly

Tel: 01444 257111

Email: sophie.okelly@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk.