HAVING just sold my home (subject to contract) within just a week of hitting the market, I am reasonably placed to comment on John Twyford's recent slant on local estate agents and Home Information Packs (the HIP), HIPs operation hasn't helped my house to move, Gazette, February 23.

Contrary to Twyford's portrayal, any long-standing local will tell you, many of Tiverton's agents are well-known and popular characters with years of experience in the business and respectable reputations.

I don't know anything of Devon's estate agents beyond the town, but those I've had dealings with in Tiverton in recent years have proved to be efficient and pleasant business people. Maybe it's because I have approached them as people, first and foremost, that I have enjoyed humorous and warm exchanges with all agents, and have been satisfied with the service provided – that of competently setting up exchange of my home and most valuable asset.

As for the HIP, it can cost less than the £300 John Twyford suggests and can reduce solicitors' fees for conveyance. There are probably several points to it, best known to those bodies that collect and use the information gleaned. More positively, it does give the purchaser some extra basic information about a property at an early stage in the house buying process, while serving as a blatant reminder to make carbon-cutting changes within our homes.

SARAH THELWALL Norwood Road, Tiverton