FAQ's

Why use Dorset Property Shop over the high street Estate Agent?
People are fast becoming aware that they do not need to pay estate agency prices in order to buy or sell a house. People are now questioning whether the 1 2% commission which the typical estate agency asks for is really necessary. The answer is no. Here at Dorset Property Shop we have created a portal which facilitates the hunt for houses. Your ideal home may only be a few clicks away and you do not even have to leave your chair to find it! There are no access charges or subscription fees to pay, and our site is completely unrestricted. People may also advertise their properties for FREE, so that anyone and everyone may place their properties on our site. This offers the buyer with more choice and saves the seller 000s. Dorset Property Shop takes the stress out of moving house as we do all the hard work for you. Unlike the average high street estate agency, we continually search our databases to find the house or buyer that you may be looking for.

How do I search for a property?
In order to start your search for a property, click on an area of the Dorset Map which interests you. You can then refine your search by selecting a particular part of the county. If you cannot select a that particular part of the county, it is because we do not have any listings in that particular area at that particular time.

What are the costs?
Unlike the majority of online estate agencies and marketing companies, we do not charge a subscription fee and there are no hidden costs. Sellers can advertise their properties for FREE and buyers have unrestricted access to view these properties. Dorset Property Shop only charge for the upgraded advertising packages and special services, all of which have been created with you in mind. To see more about our advertising packages, go to the Advertising page on the web site.

Dorset Property Shop is registered for VAT and all of our products and services are offered fully inclusive of VAT at the standard rate.

I am already using an Estate Agent but can I still sell privately?
Yes you can still sell privately. Dorset Property Shop are a marketing company rather than an Estate Agency. If you sell your property through Dorset Property Shop you will not need to pay your Estate Agent any commission and therefore can save 000s in commission fees. However, you should check the small print of the contract which you have signed with your Estate Agent.

Legally, do I have to use an Estate Agent?
No you do not. Legally you do not have to use an Estate Agent and you are fully permitted to sell and let your house privately.

If I can advertise for free, what is the purpose of your advertising packages?
Our advertising packages are extremely successful in being able to sell properties, and will undoubtedly help to entice potential buyers to your door step. The more informed the buyer is, the fewer wasted viewings the seller has. We also have special services which enable us to help the buyer. Here at Dorset Property Shop, our goal is to make moving house as stress free as possible. Sit back and let Dorset Property Shop work for you.

How soon will my property be listed on Dorset Property Shop?
Your property will be posted on the web site for everyone to see within 24 hrs. Some of our services which will help you to sell your property more quickly include virtual tours. These will take a little longer to appear on the web site as a professional photographer will need to come to your home to take the photographs.

How long will my listing with Dorset Property Shop run?
Listings run for a 6 month period. If your property is not sold within 6 months, we will send an email asking if you require the listing to stay live. This will only be carried out with your approval and will be of no extra cost to yourself. We do ask however that you keep us informed of any developments, especially if you accept an offer.

Can I update or edit my details after they appear on the Web site?
Yes you can easily update or edit your details 24 hrs a day. You will first need to log in having already registered. Once you have logged in you can change your registry details by clicking on Edit Registry Details. If you are a buyer you can go to the Buyers section where you can edit your portfolio. If you are a seller you can edit your account information through the Sellers section ( password protected ).

How will prospective buyers contact me?
If someone is interested in your property, you will be notified by Dorset Property Shop. Prospective buyers can send you a message to ask for more information on your property or ask for a viewing. This message is not sent directly to you via email but you will have to access it by logging on to the Dorset Property Shop web site, we will keep you informed about any new messages your receive. When a prospective buyer sends you a message, Dorset Property Shop will notify you by email that a message is waiting for you on the Dorset Property Shop web site. This email will explain how to view the message.

How are home viewings arranged?
Viewings are arranged between the prospective buyer and the seller. Dorset Property Shop does not arrange viewings and is not responsible for viewings. The buyer will not have access to the sellers personal details without the seller sending it via email. Once contact has been made, a viewing can be arranged. We do advise that viewings be conducted with security in mind and that there is more than one person showing the property (a friend or a family member) as a security measure. Care should always be taken when a stranger comes to look around your property.

How do I value my property?
The value of your property is simply the amount someone is willing to pay. Search for similar properties in your area and in the local press and judge how they compare with yours.

When I register how do I know my Personal Details will not be passed on to others ?
Dorset Property Shop respect your privacy and our policy is we would never provide your details to a third party. All your details are stored in your account and are not seen by others. When someone contacts you via our email again they will not see who you are until you respond.

How do I pay for the Everyday or Premier Packages ?
Payments will be made by cash or cheque at the time of delivery or direct to the photographer when he calls.