We know that buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created a clear, easy to read FAQ section to guide you through each step.
On this page, you’ll find simple answers to common questions about how we work, what makes us different, and how we support you.
At the bottom of the page are drop down menus for questions specific to either Selling or Buying.
Why should I choose Naomi Spencer Estates?
We’re more than a traditional agency—we are people-focused. We offer professional guidance tailored with your needs in mind and a strong emphasis on transparency, accessibility, and trust.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
What areas do you cover?
We work across all TQ postcodes, covering Torbay, Teignbridge and Totnes areas.
If you’re unsure whether your property or interest falls within our area, just ask—we’re always happy to clarify.
Do I have to use your mortgage advisor, solicitors, survey or EPC services?
Not at all.
You are free to choose any provider.
We can offer recommendations if required, but there is no obligation to use any of our recommended services.
We’re also happy to work with any professionals you’re already using.
Where do you advertise?
Here are Naomi Spencer Estates we advertise exclusively on Rightmove and our website, we are also able to offer advertising on social media platforms if requested.
We have chosen to do this based on the latest viewing figures: (Correct as of July 2025)
| Platform | Estimated Daily Views | Source Link |
| Rightmove | Over 40 Million | https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-data/rightmoves-property-data/ |
| Zoopla | 20-30 Million | https://www.similarweb.com/website/zoopla.co.uk/#traffic |
I have a contact preference, can you work with this?
Of course, Whether you prefer phone calls, texts, emails, video chats, or alternative communication styles, we’re happy to adapt.
If you have specific needs—like visual aids, simplified language, or scheduled check-ins—just let us know.
Our goal is to keep you comfortable and informed.
There are some automated sections of the selling process where verbal updates may not be fully available, in these instances we will work with you to find a method which works best for you.
What is your fees/fee structure?
Our fees vary depending on the service you require. Sales fees are agreed in advance and usually charged as a percentage of the sale price; we can offer fixed fees if this is your preference.
We try to keep everything clear, with no hidden costs.
We’ll explain everything before we begin—and we offer bespoke packages too.
Do you do rentals or just sales?
Currently we only offer a residential sale service.
Do you do videos as well as photos?
We don’t at the moment, but it’s something we are looking at offering in the future.
Can you help with mortgages, conveyancing and surveys?
Unlike other agents, we are not on a commission structure with any specific solicitors, mortgage advisors or surveyors. As such we can provide opinion on your choice, should you want it but will not force/expect you to use ‘our’ recommendation/in-house services.
‘You should never be pressured into seeing in-house services by estate agents, on the basis that you can’t view/offer/move forwards until you do. This is against the law and is classed as ‘conditional selling’ under The Estate Agents Act 1979.
If any agent is doing this, you can report them to the Property Ombudsman and/or The Property Redress scheme depending on who they are registered with.
What is the local area like?
We offer local knowledge on everything from shops and schools to transport links and what the community is like.
If you’d prefer this in a visual or summary format (e.g. map, bullet list), we’re happy to tailor the info for you.
How do I find out if there is planning permission in the area?
You can search your local council’s planning portal by postcode.
| Torbay | https://www.torbay.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/find-planning-applications/ |
| Newton Abbot & Surrounding | https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/ |
| Totnes | https://www.southhams.gov.uk/planning |
Selling FAQs: Click the HERE to learn about preparing your property, legal steps, and how we help you stay compliant and confident.
How long does a sale take?
There is no set timeframe. On average in the UK, a sale might take 17–34 weeks from listing to completion according to the latest data from Zoopla (Source Jan 2025)
It depends on things like the type of property, the chain involved, and your buyer’s readiness.
We’ll guide you through each step to keep things clear and timely.
What should I expect from a valuation?
When you speak to our team they will take some basic details about your property; typically, this would be the address, the type of property, bedrooms, bathrooms and overall condition.
They will then arrange a suitable date and time to attend the property to meet you and have a look around, beforehand they will have investigated the area, what other properties have sold/are actively on the market and the previous sales records (if available) for your home.
During the valuation we will also aim to give you an estimate valuation onsite, if the property has something more unique, they may need to come away and research more before providing a figure. We will also aim to give you a realistic estimate on price, we understand in most cases you will be looking for the highest price, but we aim to be honest over giving you the highest price in hope you choose to work with us.
Should I get multiple Valuations?
It’s generally wise to get 3 estimates from 3 different agents if you can/feel comfortable doing so. Most of the time you will end up with 3 slightly different prices, but beyond this it’s gives you chance to meet and hear about the variety of services offered in your area.
What if I change my mind after the valuation?
It depends on how far you’ve got, but remember you still have rights.
If you haven’t signed any paperwork with any agency and change your mind, then you simply need to let the estate agents know that you don’t intend to move forwards. This is usually best done via email.
-You should never be put under pressure to sign any contracts-
If you have signed a contract with either us or another agent them it depends on what you’ve signed.
Under UK law, estate agency contracts are subject to a 14-day cooling-off period, allowing sellers to cancel the agreement without penalty if the contract was signed at a location other than the agent’s premises. This right is established by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. The 14-day period begins from the date the contract is signed.
If the agent has not informed the seller of this right, the seller may be able to cancel even later.
Some contracts will have a clause that you can sign to for marketing to start sooner – This doesn’t change your 14-day cooling period right BUT it may mean that if you do, you may be eligible to pay for any costs incurred for marketing during this time. These fees are usually set out in the contract beforehand.
We do have this clause in our contract, which you can tick or wait the 14 days. We will NEVER put any pressure for you to sign any contracts/take up any add on services.
Our marketing costs for cancelling after marketing has begun but within the 14-days cooling period is £500 inclusive of VAT.
If you wish to cancel, please email (if possible) to confirm this.
Can I choose the photos?
Before any marketing goes live you will receive a draft copy for approval, if you would like any amendments made or photos changed, we can do this.
If there is a particular reason for the use/non-use of a photo, we will explain the reasoning for this.
What should I expect from a viewing?
Potential buyers will visit your property, accompanied by a team member who will guide them around answering any questions and highlighting your properties best assets.
You can choose to be present or not, and we’ll always respect your space, routine, and communication needs.
We will always try to give as much notice possible and where possible will only be conducted during sunlight hours.
Do I need to be in/out for viewings?
It’s entirely up to you.
For the most part industry standard recommends you to be out for viewings. This helps to encourage potential purchaser to feel more comfortable and be able to more honest about their opinions on your property.
But if you feel more comfortable staying in or need to be present for support reasons, we’ll happily accommodate that.
We’ll always schedule viewings at times that suit your routine.
Do you need a key to my house?
It depends; we will typically request a key so we can easily conduct viewings whilst you are out however if you prefer to be in for all viewings then this will not be necessary.
Through the sale process it’s common place for the keys to be given to the estate agents by the vendors on completion so they can be collected in a mutual space by the new purchasers.
Will I get feedback from viewings?
Yes, we will provide you with feedback from every viewing which takes place. We will always aim to focus on what potential purchasers like and what could help improve the marketing potential of the property.
If you prefer written summaries, bullet points, or verbal updates, just tell us your preference.
I’ve changed my mind and want to withdraw from the sale, what do I do?
It’s okay, things change.
All we ask is that you contact us as soon as you’ve decided.
We’ll let the purchaser know respectfully and guide you on next steps. There’s no judgment, and we’ll support you whether you want to pause or explore other options.
Please be aware that depending on how far along in the process you are, there may be charges from us and/or solicitors.
What should I expect from conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal side of buying or selling.
It covers things like title checks, land searches, contracts, and transferring ownership.
They will provide a quote based on a variety of things like; type of property (freehold or leasehold) & method of purchase (Cash, mortgage, auction etc.)
It can feel complex, but many conveyancers walk you through the process with step-by-step guides.
As part of our service, we also proactively keep in touch with your conveyancing team to provide you with updates and keep the sale/purchase moving forwards.
Do I have to have a sale board?
No. Boards are useful for local visibility, but if you prefer privacy or have accessibility needs, we’ll respect that.
There’s no requirement—just let us know your preference.
I don’t want public advertising; how can I sell my property?
We can offer a variety of marketing options; limited online visibility, pre-approved buyer lists, and private negotiations. If you prefer to avoid public listings entirely, we’ll tailor a strategy to keep things confidential.
We will talk through the benefits and drawbacks of each method with you beforehand so you can make an informed decision.
What are the common pitfalls of selling?
Selling property is one of the most stressful things we can do in current times.
The biggest challenges often come from unrealistic pricing, slow communication, or poor presentation.
We’ll guide you on strategy, help prepare your home for viewings, and keep you informed to avoid stress and delays.
Buying FAQs: Click the HERE for guidance on what to expect when viewing, making offers, and completing your purchase.
How long does a purchase take?
There is no set timeframe. On average in the UK, a purchase might take 17–34 weeks from offer to completion.
The length of time can vary based on the seller, your mortgage timeline, and legal stages.
We’ll explain what’s next at every point and adjust our communication style to suit you.
What should I expect from a viewing?
You will meet a member of the team at the property at an agree date and time. They will Potential guide you around answering any questions and highlighting the properties best assets.
Vendors can be present and where possible we will make you aware of this beforehand.
We will always try to book in viewings at the most suitable time for both you and the vendor.
Where possible will only be conducted during sunlight hours.
We expect a maximum of 2 adults at each viewing. If there are likely to be more than 2 adults in attendance, please let us know.
I want to offer, what do I do?
Just let us know!
You can make an offer in person, over the phone, via email or through your solicitor.
You will be asked for feedback at the end of each viewing and will be contacted the next day for further feedback if necessary.
All Estate agents are required by law to put forward any offer made, here at Naomi Spencer Estates we always aim to get any offer over to the seller within 24 hours.
You will receive a confirmation letter of the offer within 48 hours.
I’ve changed my mind and want to withdraw from the purchase, what do I do?
It’s okay, things change.
All we ask if that you contact us as soon as you’ve decided.
We’ll let the vendor know respectfully and guide you on next steps. There’s no judgment, and we’ll support you whether you want to pause or explore other options.
Please be aware that depending on how far along in the process you are, there may be charges from solicitors, mortgage providers etc.
I’ve offered and want to go back to see it again?
No problem at all, this is called a purchaser review appointment. It’s common and encouraged, especially during the latter stages of the purchaser where people typically use this time to measure for curtains, flooring etc.
Please get in touch to arrange an appointment, we will typically book these in for 1 hour, if you don’t think you will need 1 hour please let us know and we will schedule accordingly.
My offer has been rejected, now what?
You still have options. You can revise your offer, consider other properties or wait to see if circumstances change.
We are here to keep you informed and guide you forwards.
My offer has been accepted, now what?
Congratulations!
Your offer will be confirmed in writing. We will then need to conduct a Anti Money Laundering check on anyone who is purchasing the property. This is an upfront cost of £20 per person.
We will also need to see your proof of funds:
- If you are purchasing with cash this would be a bank statement;
- If you are purchasing with a mortgage, it would be proof of deposit and mortgage in principle agreement
- If you are purchasing with the proceeds of a sale from another property, we will need the details of the estate agent who is dealing with this.
Once we have this information, we will send out confirmation to your solicitors with a letter called a memorandum of sale along with a brief timeline of key next steps.
When can I get the keys?
Throughout the buying/selling process, your solicitor (conveyancing) will talk to you about exchange and completion dates, depending on how you are buying these may be separate.
Once you have exchanged and completed the keys can be handed over, the way this is done will be agreed beforehand. In many cases it will be agreed that the vendor will leave the keys in the house and the purchaser will collect the estate agents key after completion has been confirmed.
What should I consider before offering?
We would always advise that you take you time with the decision and speak to the professionals.
Mortgage advisors are there to assist you with knowing your affordability and can help you figure out if you may be overstretching your finances.
It’s also a good idea to do your own research on the location, long-term suitability, and how the home fits your lifestyle or accessibility needs.
We can talk through questions like parking, layout, and community if they matter to you.
The previous owners have left stuff/rubbish, what do I do?
Let you us and your solicitors know straight away. If it breaches the terms of sale, your solicitor should be able to step in to help resolve it.
What are the common pitfalls of buying?
Unexpected costs, unclear legal information, or emotional decisions can affect buyers.
We’ll help you navigate things like budgeting, surveys, and timelines with honest, jargon-free guidance.
What do I need to consider when buying a new home?
Think long-term: location, access needs, schools, layout, local amenities, and your future plans.
Why is the vendor selling?
There are many reasons people choose to sell their homes: Moving closer to family, Downsizing, Relocating for work.
If we’re able to share their reason, we will. Transparency helps you understand timelines and expectations.
If you have any other questions that haven’t been answered here, get in touch!