Trusted Agent profile · Worthing
★★★★★
342 reviews across 2 platforms
1 Liverpool Gardens Worthing, BN11 1TF
Homewise's office in Worthing, at 1 Liverpool Gardens Worthing, is rated 4.3 out of 5 across 342 reviews on two platforms, including 157 Google reviews rated 4.2.
Tell us what you need and we'll put you in touch. Homewise hasn't joined The Trusted Agent yet, so we'll pass your enquiry to them or to up to three other top-rated agents near Worthing.
Every review we hold for the Worthing office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
5/5
GoogleWe are first time customers of Homewise,and consider ourselves extremely lucky to have Rhonda Wilkins as our account manager.Everything is explained fully to us in an open,honest and sometimes frank way,which makes our purchasing a nice easy experience.Rhonda is a true professional,and an absolute credit to Homewise.💯%👍😊 …
4/5
TrustpilotFriendly Company
Friendly Staff, Explained the process clearly. Available to speak to easily.
4/5
TrustpilotStill looking… but very helpful
5/5
GoogleFrom the very first call I made every one as been so helpful and pleasant to speak to especially Sam who as been very patient and explained everything clearly I would certainly recommend Homewise to anyone.
1/5
TrustpilotListed my property without my knowledge
Listed my property without my knowledge at far below market price. I don't care if this is part of their "scheme" I've never heard of them nor given them permission to do so and the multiple adverts with different values created confusion about my propert and may have affected interest. I will be exploring legal action and I can see I'm not the only one.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to learn of your experience.We would like to take this opportunity to explain why you saw the advert; we have partnerships with trusted Estate Agents across the country and they can then offer their vendors (you) a free, optional, second listing on property portals such as Rightmove. This Homewise listing is detailed in the vendor agreement you have with your agent and is called ‘Market Plus’. Market Plus can be opted out of at any time by reaching out to your estate agent or us (Homewise).We have found that an additional listing can increase exposure for the properties listed under Market Plus and generate greater interest from prospective buyers. The advertised Homewise guide price is an indication of what a Home for Life Plan could cost for a Homewise customer to live there. You won’t receive any less for your property if one of our customers chose it. Homewise would purchase the property from you like any other buyer and our customer would pay the lesser amount to us for the Home for Life Plan. If you have further questions about the Homewise service or are aged 60+ and would like to know more about Homewise as a customer, please do get in touch directly at any time. Best regards, Raye (on behalf of Homewise)
5/5
GoogleTheir lifetime Lease helped my Mum buy her home. She wouldn't have been able to do this without the team at Homewise - really supportive team and big thanks to Hannah in particularPositiveProfessionalism
Hi Ben, thanks so much for your feedback. We're so happy to have been able to help your mum. Every customer is like family to us and it's great to hear from the loved ones of our customers too. I'll be sure to pass on the message to Hannah as well. Best regards, Danielle
5/5
TrustpilotKayleigh was friendly and very clear in…
Kayleigh was friendly and very clear in her explanation of how Homewise works. I didn’t feel any pressure at this stage to sign anything or pay anything. I am left feeling more confident in the possibility of working with Homewise.m
5/5
TrustpilotAt last
Katie was very helpful giving us all the information we needed to help us decide that homewise was the right route for us to go
5/5
TrustpilotAdviser knew what she was talking…
Adviser knew what she was talking about. Nice, polite and answered my questions and pointed me in the right direction for further advice.
5/5
TrustpilotFriendly no pressure consultation
I was referred by a partner estate agent through to Homewise and had an excellent phone consultation with Kiera. She was very thorough,and was friendly and approachable throughout. I didn't feel under any pressure. After taking all the relevant details and explaining the plan, she emailed my personal illustration straight through along with a selection of properties that may be suitable for me. I have since emailed a couple of extra questions through which have been replied to promptly.
3/5
TrustpilotIts an option for some.
I contacted Homewise, having read various reviews and they are all over Rightmove. My partner and I wish to down size our house, we live in the London area and expect to have £900,000 left after sales. A budget of £600,000 to spend on a new house. So £300,000 to invest in us. Aged 60, Homewise would give us £60,000 of the £600,000 for a 50% share in the new house. We would maintain and cover various costs and upon both deaths or care home, Homewise would sell the property. So our estate would receive 50% of the sale price. As property doubles on average every 20 years, its a very interesting option. Our present house has trebled in 17yrs.I spoke to my IFA, who had one question before we got too excited. Homewise talk about up to 59%, how do you get the 59% investment? Simple, your older than 60.Homewise and I had already exchanged a few emails and I had explained our needs. They arranged a phone call with an advisor. A very quick Q&A they estimated that at aged 60. They would offer £60,000 on a £600,000 purchase subject to T&C.The Homewise offer was not substantial enough to be worth while to us. I understand why the offer was low, if we live another 25yrs. Homewise have a long wait for any substantial return and the rules on CGT may have changed. Its not a simple investment to either party.As an option to buy a property, its very interesting and I would recommend looking at. Everyone’s situation is different.I have read some of the 1 star reviews and feel some didn't understand the product fully. A home is a big and often complex investment, so please ask questions.
5/5
TrustpilotAccount Manager updates
Our account manager Rhonda has been fantastic keeping us updated with any changes that need to be address while we have been out if country
5/5
TrustpilotVery helpful and patient and explain…
Very helpful and patient and explain everything that you need to know.I spoke to a lady called Gemma who was very informative with what you needed to know.
5/5
TrustpilotExcellent help and advice
Although I have not used their services, I was very impressed with the quality of help and assistance that was provided to me.
1/5
TrustpilotCommunication diplorable
The communication between them, solicitors and estate agents is absolutely disgusting. Every single time without fail every single company/person is waiting on Homewise. They seemingly move 1 piece of paper around 1 day at a time. Homewise have no communication skills whatsoever and are unable to think outside the box. Morally they are awful and just shrug their shoulders every single time and blame everyone else.
5/5
GoogleCan we just say, Homewise have been fantastic in our search for our dream home. Starting from the very beginning with Kayleigh, who took our initial call, all the way through the team. We have had contact with a young man called Conner, and one other, whose name we didnt quite catch. Finally, we have Rhonda! Huge praise goes to this wonderful lady! She has been there for us all the way through, supporting, explaining things more than once if we didn't quite get it the first time (old brains etc!) She is knowledgeable, helpful, supportive, kind and friendly, whilst always remaining professional! Thank you! S & J D
5/5
TrustpilotVery knowledgeable and helpful easy to…
Very knowledgeable and helpful easy to understand answered all my questions
1/5
GoogleAs a 60 year old couple with no inheritance concerns we thought this an ideal way to release capital for our retirement. However, being 'young' meant we were only entitled to the lowest equity release rate. Only after much questioning did we find out that for a measly £39,000 Homewise would end up with a house purchased for £300,000 not taking into account any rises in the property market! A £260,000 present for them!!NegativeValue
Thank you for your feedback Mr Taylor, although I am sorry to see you were unhappy with the estimate. There may have been a misunderstanding about the Home for Life Plan, so I wanted to reply personally. Through Homewise you can purchase a Lifetime Lease on pretty much any property on the open market, it’s not equity release and can only be used when moving home. With a Lifetime Lease, people aged 60+ can boost their budget and pay a one-off amount (that's always less than the market value) to live rent-free and mortgage-free in a property of their choice. We help many people in different situations, but we understand it may not be the right solution for everyone. For many a boost of £39,000 can mean the difference between a flat or a house, the ideal location or a compromise, a garden, and the extra bedroom they desire, and we’re really proud to help our customers achieve whatever goals they are hoping for. It may not have been discussed when you talked to our team, but did you know you can also create extra savings and do not necessarily have to use all of your current budget to fund your move, if a boost could help you secure the right property? A Lifetime Lease can benefit your current situation but is primarily an option for future security, knowing you could live in the perfect property for 30+ years free from financial burdens. We know it isn’t the perfect choice for everyone and if you’re able to achieve your goals within your current affordability then that is of course the best option for you. I hope this goes some way to explain a little more about how we help people Mr Taylor, and please do contact us directly should you have any questions about how we may be able to help you. Best regards, Jessie
4/5
TrustpilotFeedback
Was great to have someone who is willing to answer questions and supply answers but also bring consistency
5/5
TrustpilotExcellent service throughout
The whole Team from the start have been very professional, polite and friendly.
5/5
TrustpilotGreat, professional service
I was extremely happy that my question were answered professionally and without bias. As a person over 60, looking to buy my own home for the first time, I was treated with respect and dignity and no question was brushed aside. I think the service that is being provided to communities is quite remarkable and should be commended for helping so many people who otherwise may not be treated fairly. It was a pleasure to discuss my particular needs and feel that the company will work to try and get me my dream home.
1/5
GoogleThis company is a massive scam and you should shop around for a better deal. They are causing serious issues in the housing market, which is due to their blood lust for money. Thanks for response to the above. What you're basically telling me is that you've been caught out on this scan before and now have an FAQ as to why you're legitimate. This doesn't wash with me. Go, be proud and continue what you're doing. You have to live with yourselves. You also stated that you're a family run business. That obviously means you're not running a scam.
Hi Helly I just wanted to reply personally as I think there's been a misunderstanding about who we are and what we do. We're a family-run business who help people move home in their retirement. We've been helping and supporting people aged 60+ for more than 40 years and pride ourselves on the care we offer our customers. Our Home for Life Plan helps people live in the property of their choice securely (and without any rent, mortgage or interest) for their lifetime. We know it's not the perfect option for everyone, but for those we do help it really changes their lives and we're proud of the work we do to help them retire happy. There's an article about myths to do with Homewise here: https://goo.gl/JANgMf which might help explain a little more about us, but do please contact us if you have any questions at any time. Best regards, Danielle
1/5
GoogleAvoid like the plague. This company is truly unethical. They exploit the vulnerable by offering a very unattractive deal to people who don't know what signing up to them means. My mother thought she was signing up to a home for life when she contributed £225, 000 towards a £275,000 property and is now only entitled to 30% of the value and has been converted into a life tenant whilst her freehold was sold to an investor. Beyond disgusting when she lacks capacity and had the money to fully pay for the property. We are trying hard to extricate ourselves from an onerous, extortionate contract. Stay away if you value your estate.
Hi Lynette, I believe you have been speaking with our Customer Care Team in recent weeks, to gather all the information you require regarding your mother’s Home for Life Plan. I understand you were previously unaware of your mother’s decision to use the plan, when leaving rented accommodation to her current home some years ago. To add further reassurance to you, and others who may be reading this post; we are a family-run business, and our values, ethos, and Code of Practice are at the very core of everything we do. As such, we go to great lengths to ensure that our customer’s interests are protected, which is why many customers choose Homewise. We always encourage anyone considering the Home for Life Plan to involve family throughout the process, so everyone involved is fully informed and happy with the plan, which many do. But of course, we cannot enforce this on those who do not wish to. Also, we do insist that all customers seek independent legal advice. We cannot, and will not, proceed without an independent solicitor who is acting on behalf of the customer, signing a certificate to confirm all parties fully understand the agreement. I understand that at the time, your mother was very clear on the fact that she did not want to use her fund as it was her wish that this was to be left for inheritance, and that staying in the current area was imperative, conducting the search and negotiations on her chosen property herself. The FCA, who we have liaised with transparently and closely, advised that we don’t fall under regulation as a Home for Life Plan is not a financial product (like a loan or other form of lending). We have been helping people aged over 60 move to a property of their choice for almost 50 years, enabling them to live rent and mortgage free. The Home for Life Plan can be set up in many ways to suit the customer as to how they would like to plan for inheritance, either by creating an early inheritance, or by safeguarding up to 50% of the property’s future value. When the property is sold, this percentage equivalent amount of the proceeds of sale are rightfully issued to the customer’s estate as they specified. Of course, this percentage is the decision of each customer, depending on how much importance they place on inheritance. As with any product, there are pros and cons to the plan and of course it’s not for everyone, but for those who we are able to help, it can make a big difference to their living situation and happiness in retirement. I have spoken with the Customer Care Team to ensure they are aware of your feedback here. I know you’re in regular contact looking at the options for your mother’s current and/or future needs, and as always, our Customer Care team are here to help with anything you need. Best regards, Danielle On behalf of Homewise
5/5
GoogleI feel drawn to write a review about Homewise because I have read reviews from people who clearly have not had the experience of dealing with this Family run company. I have and I have nothing but praise for them. I had a traumatic time trying to sell my property in Spain and with the little capital I had left I knew I could never afford a lovely home of my own in the UK. Then I found Homewise - what relief - these wonderful people - the whole team were professional and caring, making my return to the UK and to my new lovely home of my own, stress free. I don’t have the worry of renting and I feel so secure knowing I have my home for life - wonderful. Many thanks to Homewise.
Lovely to hear from you again Estella, thank you for sharing your story. There are so many people in a similar situation that we help, wanting to move back to the UK but struggling to afford the current market. We were so pleased when you found the perfect home and great to know you're still happy there. All the best for the year ahead, from all at Homewise
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Tell us what you need and we'll put you in touch. Homewise hasn't joined The Trusted Agent yet, so we'll pass your enquiry to them or to up to three other top-rated agents near Worthing.
