A new property platform has launched in Doncaster, offering homeowners and landlords the option to market properties without using an estate agent.
HownIt allows users to advertise homes for sale or rent, arrange viewings and communicate directly with prospective buyers and tenants.
The business was established by Andrea Booth and her children, Katie and Chad, following the family’s experiences of buying and selling property.
Unlike a traditional estate agency, HownIt provides an advertising platform rather than a managed sales or lettings service.
Users must create their own listings, upload photographs and write property descriptions.
They are also responsible for handling enquiries, arranging viewings and negotiating directly with interested parties.
HownIt does not manage negotiations, conduct viewings or handle the legal aspects of property transactions.
Estate agency fees prompted launch
Andrea Booth said the idea emerged while selling her own home.
“When I was selling my house, I just kept thinking, why does it have to cost so much?”
She questioned the level of commission charged by estate agents, particularly where sellers felt comfortable managing parts of the process themselves.
“The more we talked, the more we thought, why can’t we create something that gives people another option?”
The family subsequently developed HownIt as an alternative for sellers and landlords willing to take on more responsibility.
Initial launch limited to Doncaster area
The platform is initially available across the DN postcode area, covering Doncaster and surrounding locations.
To attract its first users, HownIt is offering six months of free advertising for the first 30 property listings.
The promotion is limited to one free listing per person.
However, the company has not disclosed its standard advertising charges or any plans for expansion beyond the initial launch area.
The launch adds another option to the growing range of online property advertising services.
Unlike full-service estate agencies, such platforms leave sellers and landlords responsible for much of the work normally undertaken by agents.
That includes managing enquiries, arranging viewings and progressing transactions.
For landlords, using an advertising-only service does not remove their legal responsibilities when letting a property.
