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Estate Agents

Started by Raven, September 14, 2007, 09:14:42 PM

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Raven

Man, you must have had some bad experiences with estate agents. I mean, a 15 point list on why to not trust them, thats creative.
Well I am an estate agent, and proud of it too. I mean I really love my work. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than handing over the keys to a new owner. Nine times out of ten I'll get a present of some sort given  to me too (normally a bottle of wine).And yes of course there is the money too. After all I do have a family to feed. There are some bad agents out there, I wont deny that. I was taught the wrong way and went against the corporate grain.When I decided to open my own business I wanted it to be decent and honest. That old saying about good reputation going far, and a bad one going even further always stays in my mind.
Truth is I employ Mature staff too cos I know what you mean about the slick haired cheap suit wearing wanna be's
When you feel you want to experience The alternative agency, contact me.  :)

propertyfag

#1
Hey Raven,

A friend of mine is an estate agent, and he always tells me the inside details of what goes on. Some of it is shocking. Obviously I don't think all estate agents are corrupt.

Where abouts are you located? So, do you own an estate agent?

Raven

Ive got an agency in Chigwell, Essex.  I will be the first to admit there are some bad ones out there, but thats no different to plumbers, mechanics, or even politicians. Human greed is something which affects eveybody at some time. I have had endless amounts of people try to bribe me in order to give them the "pot of gold deal" and I have never, ever accepted. In fact  I'd love for one of those undercover TV programs come to test me out. They'd have a shock.  But then again they'd never make a program about Honest estate agents. That just wouldnt have the same impact as catching out the odd dodgey one. Anyway the time is getting nearer for all agents to be regulated. As it is now, we have all got to be members of some sort of redress scheme (OEA Ect)
We have got a tough market ahead of us, and its going to be a rocky road. It will be interesting to see whats going to happen to all these new agencys that  keep popping up.

propertyfag

Hey Raven,

Do you have a website? I'd be interested to see more details about properties in Chigwell, especially since it's not too far from me.

Raven

I do have a web site but its that bad that I dont bother with it. I inhereted it from the previous owner of the business and never bothered to change it. I find that Rightmove is sufficient enough when trying to sell properties. Also you can type in a postcode and search for local agents and look up the stock of specific agents. (in my case IG7 then look for Raven). Not much on at the moment its become dead as a rusty doornail.

propertyfag

I've seen a lot of "for sale" signs up recently. I thought a lot of people were selling right now...

You should have a decent website :)

vwilson

Agree re: website - a non-existent website isn't an issue if you're using Rightmove, although e-mail is very useful. A current up-to-date website that mirrors the information in Rightmove suggests you're on the ball, and can provide more detail about your organisation than Rightmove does (although if its just a property list that doesn't add much value, you're right).

But an out of date website is bad, baaaad news. I would almost always avoid a company that had put a website online but not bothered to maintain it. Its like posting an ad with your number out of date.

Easy way around it for minimum effort? Just stick up a flat page with your contact details (try and make it so they won't change!) and no property details - add a link to Rightmove. that way its never out of date.

Raven

I appreciate the comments. Absolutley spot on. A non updated website can reflect badly on a company. Silly thing is, it hadnt really occured to me until now that you have both mentioned it. Its something I'll have to look into. in the near future. I've just  laid out over £2000 for new software due to arrive this week, so I'm a little strapped up for now.

propertyfag

More and more people are searching for products online, hence why rightmove is so popular, along with autotrader online.

You should definately keep an up to date website; i'm sure it will make an impact to your business :)

simhar

Rightmove etc is very popular because people dont have to leave their chair and like wasting loads of time on their PC !

cheers

simhar
email: simhar@talk21.com
web: Properite Landlord Software: http://www.properite.co.uk

propertyfag

I agree. Rightmove is extremely useful. Not just for buying homes, but for getting a good idea of what the local housing market is like!