TV property presenter unveils private sales site

TV property presenter Sarah Beeny has now launched a beta version of her website, Tepilo, which makes it clear that it is a free service for private sellers.

She is currently inviting people to upload their property details. The site says it charges no commission.

She describes Tepilo as a “platform that allows you to take independent control of buying and selling your home”.

She goes on: “Don’t you think it’s odd that you should put the fate of your biggest asset in the hands of a total stranger? Surely you should control the purchase or sale of your house in the same way as you do your income? The only reason most of us don’t is because the whole process is dressed up as something strangely complicated. No longer!

“We’re here to make it clearer for any of you who feel like controlling the whole deal yourselves – and of course to save you many thousands of pounds at the same time.”

Although she advises users of her site that they can use estate agents, she tells them to be careful of contracts. She advises: “Make sure you are squeaky clean contractually. Otherwise you may technically be liable to pay multiple agency fees or have to pay the agent if you sell through the site.”
 
She also advises users on safety guidelines and how to conduct viewings.

It is not – yet – quite clear how negotiation will be carried out or whether the site will be just a listing medium or an online agent. Beeny says: “The negotiation process is carried out through the site, which helps to depersonalise the process and so take the emotion out of it.

“Users are completely in control of how much you want to offer or accept on a home, but it does give you more opportunity to get a good deal or hold out for the price you want.”

What is also not clear is how the site will make its money, as there are no advertising slots on it.

Beeny’s last online venture was about completing chains. Launched last autumn, there was criticism that it was complicated and hard to understand. Beeny has also launched an online dating site.