Ed Mead, one of the most high profile estate agents in the industry, is leaving Douglas and Gordon to run Viewber, a radical new support service for the high street and online estate agency sector.
Viewber matches estate agents with viewing agents (Viewbers) and local property experts.
Started in April this year, it is already operating ” across the UK.
He remains a shareholder of D&G and will become a non-executive board member.
A leading London agent for 37 years, 21 of which have been spent at the south west London agency where he is currently executive director, Mead specialised in Chelsea property before latterly setting up Douglas and Gordon’s New Homes department.
Mead said: “I’ve loved being an agent and part of D&G’s transformation from a small company with five offices to a major player with 16. In my time I’ve seen so much change in the industry but the last few years, in particular, have been especially intriguing.”
“What began as a couple of fledgling ‘back of a fag packet’ digital ideas to help service the estate agency sector – Viewber and another for making chains more visible – have now evolved into something more serious with great potential.
“I can’t simply leave a sector I love, so will be continuing to consult, commentate and put deals together in my spare time – once an agent always an agent.”
Michael Hodgson, chairman of Douglas & Gordon, said: “Ed has been an integral part of building the Douglas & Gordon brand in central London and I have enjoyed working with him over many years.
“Though an estate agent right through to his fingertips, he also has wider perspectives on all aspects of the UK housing market and on how the estate agency market is developing in the internet age.
“With his media profile and vast experience, Ed is uniquely placed to branch out into activities complementary to our industry. I am delighted that he will remain on our board and wish him every success with his new venture.”
Comments (14)
Am I right in thinking that since the story broke yesterday the company website has changed – and now doesn’t appear anywhere near as ‘online-centric’ as it was?
Or has my Head Gone?
Nope – it hasn’t. The site WAS different yesterday. VERY different.
Ros – screenshots coming your way.
I agree with you Pee Bee.
This new site has nothing to do with YOPA now then!
Even though this model is ideally suited to the on line only model, particularly YOPA, all is well as this recent model will not in any way contravene the principles or ethics of the OTM board or their members….. apparently!
‘Simples’
It is apparently now more cost effective to pay someone you know nothing about to represent your business than someone who works for/or with you and whom you know personally!
It would have to be a very long way from your office to justify such additional expense on the odd occasion that a traditional, local, branch based agency warrants such additional expense without any concern that you may not even know the viewing agent concerned!
How about offering a fee discount if the seller does their own viewing for these few potential instructions?
When a current OTM board member advocates such a plainly on line only beneficial ‘service’ I despair as to the future of a sector that I am so passionate about!
Do you?
Sorry haven’t responded before now.
I, like you, am frankly at a loss.
As I have said elsewhere, the lunatics are taking over the asylum.
One entire floor at a time.
Not sure I would want someone I don’t know to represent my company?
Guys – why do you think this is just to help online guys?
This can just as easily help you increase your own business. One of the biggest issues agents have is getting all the (often geographically diverse) viewings done – especially in rural areas. Imagine being able to take on more properties further away and NEVER missing a viewing – 24/7, you’ve got the brands, this can give you the opportunity to increase your range without the need for additional offices or staff.
Simples?
So if Ed is helping to fuel the no branch on line mob I take it he has resigned as an OTM/AM board member?
I think I get it.
Let’s say I get a call from Mr & Mrs Purchaser who are moving 50 miles and have a property to sell that isn’t on the market yet.
They view my property and make an offer. I say (without flouting the law of course) “Why don’t you give me your property to sell – after all, your local agents are only going to list it on Rightmove (which I do) and I actually have a Local Property Expert who works nearby”
I agree it’s a stretch, but I’ve done something similar 3 times over the last 12 months – without the LPE.
If the LPE is cheap enough, why wouldn’t I?
BTW I’m just a regular high street agent who’s a bit cheeky/ aggressive (your choice… ;-))
I can see the point, but it’s going to take some time to get up and running.
After all, we’re all still advertising in local newspapers, so it shows how reluctant the industry is to embrace change!
An elaborate (and very late in the year) April Fool’s joke?
Local property experts?! Is he getting into bed with the Purple mob?
I do not get it! It makes no sense. What is it? If I don’t understand it, I’m sure the public won’t either!
Good luck though.
It is to outsource your viewings to a ‘professional’ when your busy. Purplrbricks will pay them to do viewings..i looked at this …model a tuff one
Margin after paid a ‘ professional’ has shown someone round a house after paying them and petrol be slim.
Plus flexible staff are quite tricky to find,,and in reality , who wants to show people round a house asking stupid questions all day…
student job at best or old person who will keep locking keys in the house after.
good luck though
Correct BlessYou.
I never have understood why so many agents entrust accompanied viewings to a junior/unqualified/part-time member of staff. A properly structured viewing can lead to all sorts of benefits if handled professionally, not least enhancing the applicant qualification process, finding out more of what the applicant really needs, gaining an instruction opportunity, nailing financial and legal leads etc. Yet some agents treat it as a chore.