Franchising firm RE/MAX has lured two agents from its network rival Keller Williams. Both franchise firms are UK arms of global giants headquartered in the US.
Husband and wife agency team Michael and Lucy Joerin, who run Stowhill Estates, have left Keller Williams for RE/MAX, citing its systems and business support.
A statement from the Oxfordshire and Berkshire-based agency said: “Keller Williams offered us fantastic training to get our business launched and we admire the fact that they are undoubtedly disruptors in the industry, bringing US levels of customer service and excellent agent training to the UK.
“However, as our business took off we realised that the systems, models and business support offered by RE/MAX would enable us to take our business to the next level. Not only do RE/MAX have the tried and tested global systems and support in place to help us grow, they also share our vision to expand quickly into Oxfordshire and our collaboration feels like a real partnership, with their ongoing support helping us to achieve our business goals in 2018 and beyond.”
Michael added: “Our decision to join RE/MAX was based on the fact that we want to be disruptors in our market and do things differently from what people expect from estate agents based on their past experiences.
“Between Lucy and I, we have bought and sold numerous properties over the years but were often underwhelmed by the level of service we received from disinterested, distant and sometimes even counterproductive estate agents. With our combined years of sales, public relations and marketing experience, we knew that we could provide a far better service and do it our own way.”
In their first year in operation up to March 2018, Stowhill Estates listed 36 homes for sale worth a combined total of £29.7m.
Michael said: “We don’t operate like other estate agents – we provide a far more in-depth service.
“We haven’t forgotten that at its core, property consultancy is a service driven industry. As property consultants we are committed to guiding our clients through the process of either buying or selling a home from beginning to end, and beyond. The people we assist become a part of our wider family.”
Comments (47)
Thank you, your pompous response has given me great amusement.
For the record one of your very first posts in which you resort to name calling the subject of the articke (“fuckwits” I believe it was- though hastily deleted but not before it was seen) already ruined your credibility
Pleased to think I amused you. Pity however that you can’t distinguish sincerity from pomposity.
Still – not everyone can see what’s in front of them through the multitudinous issues of their own.
“For the record one of your very first posts in which you resort to name calling the subject of the articke (“f***wits” amended I believe it was- though hastily deleted but not before it was seen) already ruined your credibility ”
Actually, jessmess7180, I didn’t refer to ANYONE using the terminology that you post.
I referred to the act of *********** (credit: Jonnie). BIG difference.
For the record – it wasn’t me who deleted part of that sentence. I still stand by every word I posted.
“Um well you slightly contradict yourself again here by citing examples of experts in their fields ! ”
“Um well…”?? Is that your offering of reasoned debate at its’ pinnacle, jessmess7180?
And you’ve got the neck to question the content of my posts!
For the avooidance of doubt – although it seems that only you are in doubt… I’m not citing examples of “experts” at all. I’m citing examples of people who are far from “beyond reproach or criticism” as you put it, and intimate that they are the only people who can or should comment on a particular issue and expect to be paid attention to.
Pity – you’ve been doing so well up to that point.
“I think the point is that it is important for those receiving (um let’s call it) “feedback” to know that it is coming from a reliable source.”
There’s that “um” b0110cks again. Are you eleven years old by any chance?
WHY does the (um let’s call it) “feedback” have to come from what you describe as “a reliable source”?
IF the feedback is valid – then it is relevant and should be taken on board. IF it is b011ocks – then shove it to the side and forget about it. If it IS b0110cks then everyone reading it will know – and the only loser is the one offering the feedback… innit?
So – what’s the problem? If you are right than I’ve ruined any credibility I might have gained in a decade or so of posting on Frau Renshaw’s platforms. I only post under the name I use – so I will obviously need to disappear and never show my sorry-@$$ face again.
Win:win for those that would dearly love that to happen. And when respected Industry professionals tell me it’s time to hang up my boots I’ll do exactly that…
…and for the record, our Dear Landlady would be the first I would take notice of in that respect.
“I dunno I’m not sure why I’m bothering as I know I won’t win this one!”
We both agree on something, at least…
“your comments are not intended to be constructive and that your are merely trolling for fun as the glee in your tone suggests!”
Believe what you will. But once again for the record – whether you think it’s b0110cks or not (I couldn’t give a fuppenny either way…) – I take my industry and what happens within it very, VERY seriously indeed.
Remember this.
5h!t doesn’t stick easily – but truth hurts.
If Mr & Mrs Joerin wish to view my comments as 5h!t then they have every right to do so. But if ANY of it hurts – they need to look at why.
And how to take away the hurt.
I bid you good evening and a great weekend!
PeeBee
“No – it doesn’t. Or shouldn’t. Why should criticising someone imply that the critic is Peter/Paula Perfect?
The best person to advise on security is a burglar.
The FBI used Frank W Abagnale, Jnr. to detect fraudulent activity.
The best Gamekeepers were once poachers – and vice versa.”
Um well you slightly contradict yourself again here by citing examples of experts in their fields ! I think the point is that it is important for those receiving (um let’s call it) “feedback” to know that it is coming from a reliable source. I dunno I’m not sure why I’m bothering as I know I won’t win this one!
“I’m finding it slightly difficult to understand why people in the “Publishing” and “PR and Promotion” industries can’t get their heads round other people passing comment on an open article”
I don’t understand you here – is it only people in “publishing” and “pr” (why are we using these “” ?) that comment ?
You yourself use the terms “pot shot” and “it hit the mark” which only suggests that your comments are not intended to be constructive and that your are merely trolling for fun as the glee in your tone suggests!
I’ll probably regret this! But realize I didn’t respond to your previous message.
“I didn’t ask you which person you would feel more important. I asked which person’s post you would pay most attention to, and your reasoning for that decision. BIG difference.”
The point of my answer was that it doesn’t make a difference to me who it is, if someone is expressing a negative opinion of my business (not in this case obviously) it only matters that the negative opinion exists. I meant that I don’t have shades of who to ignore if that makes sense.
“But the point is that both you and Mr Joerin (and others over the years) seem to imply that there is a need to know who you’re ‘talking’ to. I always wonder why that is.”
I think that is because you are expressing negativity towards their business and it certain implies that you are knowledgeable and also that your own background is above reproach or criticism. If that is not the case why not post openly so readers can take your opinions from the standpoint of coming from a person who knows what they’re talking about and has an unblemished record. In addition I believe the Joerin’s and the head of Remax provided you with their contact information on this public forum but in turn they are defending themselves against an anonymous poster.
“So let’s leave the international real estate debate for now”
Fine by me – just as a reminder – it was you that brought it up to cast shadow on what a great proportion of we UK Agents are doing… which is a great job for our clients.” The international angle came about because Remax and KW are North American and my point was that they are bringing a different style to the uk.
In your follow up you seem suspicious about my interest! I’m just responding to you mostly nothing suspicious or underhand and you mentioned yourself that most posters don’t return for more !!
jessmess7180
Keep this up and you’ll become a regular contributor!
“I think that is because you are expressing negativity towards their business and it certain implies that you are knowledgeable and also that your own background is above reproach or criticism.”
No – it doesn’t. Or shouldn’t. Why should criticising someone imply that the critic is Peter/Paula Perfect?
The best person to advise on security is a burglar.
The FBI used Frank W Abagnale, Jnr. to detect fraudulent activity.
The best Gamekeepers were once poachers – and vice versa.
I’m finding it slightly difficult to understand why people in the “Publishing” and “PR and Promotion” industries can’t get their heads round other people passing comment on an open article on a website specifically designed to attract exactly that type of interaction, debate and exchange of opinion. One generally finds that if someone pokes their head above the parapet then they expect someone to take a pot-shot at the exposed extremity. And that’s certainly not just a ‘British’ thing.
It is also generally found, funnily enough, that whenever someone (usually me…) takes said pot-shot at said exposed extremity, a host of ‘new members’ dive in to the fray in defence of the injured party with little else to say than ‘it’s not right’… ‘you’re no better’ – or whatever.
Here’s the thing. I don’t need to be any better. I didn’t seek the attention via a Press Release. I haven’t claimed anything – that I do this- or that- better or differently to anyone else; that MY Hovis tasted better than the rest.
They did. I simply responded.
And it seems my response hit the spot.
Pleasure as always debating with you.
Look forward to the next time… on the next article…
…now that you know where we are!
;o)
jessmess7180
I think we need to get something absolutely clear and out in the open here – and that is why we are having our discussions.
I’ll open:
MY interest in this is that I am a UK-based Estate Agent, reading a UK-based PROPERTY INDUSTRY website that I have been a Member of since the day it launched four years ago.
Could you please advise of YOUR interest – being, as you are, a Canada-based PR/Marketing worker who would have to search REALLY REALLY hard to find this site and specific article in order to post for the first time?
Thank you in advance for your honest response.
PeeBee
Hello again. Short reply though I don’t see why I should need to justify my interest.
1) PUBLISHING not PR / marketing
2) google alerts
have a wonderful day
Thank you.
And I am. I always do.
“…whose post would you pay more attention to – and why?” I try not to rate people’s importance by their title or seniority and try to treat everyone with the same respect they show to me. Why? What is the correct answer to your riddle?
i can’t really explain how things work over here more than I have done. It’s completely different and I don’t think you care to know anyway as it doesn’t really have any bearing on your life rightly so! So let’s leave the international real estate debate for now
sure im not here using my real name I don’t want to link my business brand to an online squabble if I’m honest but you appear to be a prolific and opinionated poster so why not stand by your opinions ?
“I try not to rate people’s importance by their title or seniority”
I didn’t ask you which person you would feel more important. I asked which person’s post you would pay most attention to, and your reasoning for that decision. BIG difference.
“What is the correct answer to your riddle?”
Not sure that there is a “correct” answer – but there are many possibles – any of which put forward will provoke further discussions on the subject.
But the point is that both you and Mr Joerin (and others over the years) seem to imply that there is a need to know who you’re ‘talking’ to. I always wonder why that is.
“So let’s leave the international real estate debate for now”
Fine by me – just as a reminder – it was you that brought it up to cast shadow on what a great proportion of we UK Agents are doing… which is a great job for our clients.
“sure im not here using my real name I don’t want to link my business brand to an online squabble…”
…yet you expect others to. #Funny_that.
“…but you appear to be a prolific and opinionated poster…”
I am.
“…so why not stand by your opinions ?”
I do.
Seven days a week; 52 weeks of the year, pretty much.
You’ll always find me here…
…as PeeBee.
“proceed to try and explain to me how the market in canada works. Hmm!”
Nope – I haven’t. I am simply pointing out that IF, as you stated, properties in Canada are “sold and closed in 30-90 days. Usually way above list price with often a bidding war between buyers.”, then ‘someone’ doesn’t know what the actual value is of what they are supposed to be marketing in what you are making out to be a better and more professional manner.
You also state that buying agents will be negotiating for the purchase. Clearly their heads are all over the place as well to be chucking these crazy overinflated offers around like confetti.. I suggest you need to get them all to speak with our Mr Pryor – who never offers any more than sevenpence for a property priced at ten mill and clips a canny fee out of the difference.
Butthurt? Me? Not in the slightest.
Like I said in my response to Mrs Joerin, we are several counties apart. They are not my competition – so I have no self-fulfilling axe to grind with their offering.
And IF they are, as they proclaim, the new ‘Hovis’ – then I shall a) eat my words and b) learn from the new Masters.
But sadly I’m not getting that warm fuzzy feeling that they want their words of wonderment to fill me with. But I have (perhaps a tad too directly for their liking) already laid out my stall on the matter.
But this is a PROPERTY INDUSTRY NEWS FORUM. The Joerins are THIS WEEKS story. Last week there were several others – and the archives of EYE, EAT, The Neg and any other industry news site is littered with claims to be that new, tasty-as loaf.
Next week, more of the same, no doubt.
I sniff out… and gnaw at… ankles. That’s my raison d’etre.
“Lastly… I am curious as to why you hide behind an anonymous username?”
Well, ‘jessmess7180’ – it sure looks like someone else missed school on the day they covered irony!
I asked Mr Joerin the following question above. As of yet he hasn’t answered (I’m pretty sure I’m off his Christmas card list…) – but I’d also like to know of your response before I answer yours:
IF you receive one comment from a Junior Negotiator;
Another from an Independent Agency Branch Manager;
A third from a Regional Executive Director of a Corporate Agency;
And a fourth, from the Global Director of the RICS…
…whose post would you pay more attention to – and why?
Thank you
PeeBee
Hi again,
Now I’ve finished working I thought I’d reply again to address some of your points, I didn’t have time earlier as am focussed on running a business you see.
Firstly – you contradict yourself when you say on one hand that “(I am) currently living six hours away by 757… in a very different environment and culture” but then proceed to try and explain to me how the market in canada works. Hmm!
Secondly , to your point “So what you’re saying is that folk over the Pond regularly pay more than a property is actually worth – yes? Sorry to drop this on you – but IF people pay MORE than the “list price” – then the MARKET VALUE is what they actually pay.”
Sorry but no. I’m not sure if you follow any news about international markets but most of canada is currently in a real estate bubble- and it’s a sellers market. This means that for every property selling there could be 10 or more interested buyers, some of whom are getting desperate to find a home.
Over here offers are usually all taken on one set date and they are anonymous. So, as a buyer you know how many other offers are on the table but not what they are offering. Consequently this creates a situation where people are panicking and bidding way over list price (and therefore market value!) just to try and win the bid.
This is far from an ideal scenario obviously and means prices are hugely inflated and inaccessible to many buyers.
this was not at all what the original point of these comments were about, however I felt obligated to educate you on that point.
As I mentioned I run a publishing company and we specialize in the real estate and mortgage markets globally so I’m not ignorant.
My ORIGINAL point was that it is unclear why you come across as so butthurt* about an ambitious young couple trying to raise the standard of customer service in the uk which isn’t expected by Brits in any industry but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be offered.
Perhaps you are not in this group but I stand by the comment that estate agents in the uk have a poor reputation and more experienced agents such as yourself should be cheering on the next generation who are trying hard to change that, rather than sitting on the sidelines grumbling.
Lastly as it sounds like you’re very experienced in the industry and also knowledgeable I am curious as to why you hide behind an anonymous username?
*”butthurt”(comparative more butthurt, superlative most butthurt) (slang, derogatory) Overly annoyed or bothered by a perceived insult; needlessly offended.
I don’t have time to write a lengthy reply but wanted to address a couple of points.
im British and grew up and lived a lot of my adult life in the UK.
”You mean the Agent undervalues or lists at BMV in most cases to attract more interest/offers.”
No that is not typically how it works.
you may not be comfortable embracing new ways of doing things but some people are thankfully -vive la difference
jessmess7180
Well… you’ve already posted once more than the average ‘article-centric newby’! Thank you for your response.
Sorry to hear you don’t have time for a lengthy reply – it’s a thread I would very much like to spend some quality time on.
Hopefully you will find time, and come back to me again.
“im British and grew up and lived a lot of my adult life in the UK.”
All well and good – but you’re currently living six hours away by 757… in a very different environment and culture… surrounded by people who were born into that environment and culture. You ain’t gonna change them.
“No that is not typically how it works.”
So what you’re saying is that folk over the Pond regularly pay more than a property is actually worth – yes? Sorry to drop this on you – but IF people pay MORE than the “list price” – then the MARKET VALUE is what they actually pay.
Because that’s what it has sold for. Therefore – it was advertised at “BMV”.
“you may not be comfortable embracing new ways of doing things but some people are thankfully”
I happily lap up anything that is “new” – as long as it is an improvement on the original. Otherwise I don’t set out to fix what ain’t broke.
Let the “disrupters” blow their own brains out over that particular barrel of a gun they like looking down into.
“-vive la difference”
I would go even further than that frankly archaic notion.
Let’s push out those boundaries… comfortably embrace new ways of doing things… grasp the nettle – and say
le singe est dans l’arbre!
I read this article and the comments with interest and felt compelled to reply.
If this is an industry you say you love then I’m surprised that your comments are not supporting a new up and coming team seeking to be a part of raising the reputation and standard of your industry- certainly not single handedly (which they don’t claim) but a bit at a time. Instead I see nothing but negativity and “let’s sit back and watch them fail” glee! Perhaps they don’t know it all (nor do they claim too) and perhaps that’s where the old dogs should come in to show the ropes and pass the baton rather than engaging in the tall poppy syndrome of wishing ill to someone working hard and trying to build a business (btw that lack of support is a uniquely British trait )
For context I am in Canada where both KW and Remax are absolutely huge however agents under their umbrella work independently as brokerages.
I also work in a large media firm focussed on the real estate and mortgage industries.
The market in canada works extremely differently to the UK so I applaud the KWs and Remax of the world trying to branch out and make a go of it in a new market. My personal experience of (successful) realtors here in canada is vastly different to what one would typically expect in the UK. Firstly over here, one would also use a buying agent who more often than not does the majority of their work during evenings and weekends to take their clients around viewing houses on the market. They also make and negotiate offers on your behalf whenever the seller sets the time and date (again often evenings and weekends). As a seller, realtors here go hard on marketing, stage your home using professional staging companies, spend their weekends (again) to host open houses which they also market to ensure people show up etc etc.
As a seller you could reasonably expect to have your house on the market for 2-4 weeks, host 2 open house weekends and have it sold and closed in 30-90 days. Usually way above list price with often a bidding war between buyers.
I personally think a bit of that personal service from a professional you have tasked to help you with possibly the largest investment of your life should be expected. I wouldn’t expect my listing agent to just take a few photos and dump the listing on the website, expect me to show potential buyers around myself and negotiate my own deal (which appears to be the norm in the uk).
So new agents daring to suggest that maybe they will try to do things a little differently and inject a bit of “North American flair” into the industry seems to have ruffled a few feathers and the “that’s how it’s always been done” brigade are out in force.
Estate agents in the uk have long been viewed with little more respect than a second hand car salesman – I’m sorry but it’s true – and that’s due to bad eggs and the “snake oil salesmen” giving you all, however good you are, a blanket bad rep. So surely it is a good thing for up and comers to be passionate about changing that perception? Here in canada realtors are well respected professionals.
Good luck Lucy and Mike I’ll be watching your progress with interest over here in canada
‘jessmess7180’
Let’s start with a point we agree on. EVERYONE should agree on.
“I personally think a bit of that personal service from a professional you have tasked to help you with possibly the largest investment of your life should be expected.”
Amen to that. Case closed. Done and dusted.
“I wouldn’t expect my listing agent to just take a few photos and dump the listing on the website, expect me to show potential buyers around myself and negotiate my own deal (which appears to be the norm in the uk).”
Neither would the vast proportion of Estate Agents in the UK, despite your apparent belief.
Looking, as you seemingly are, into the UK property industry from 3300 or more miles distant and telling us what is wrong is vaguely akin to your diagnosing the cause of a limp carried by a runner you catch a microsecond glance of on your TV, hurpling along in the middle of the pack of London Marathon entrants being filmed from 2500 feet on helicam.
We are on different Continents. Our tectonic plates are slowly moving apart, not closer together. Our cultures and lifestyles are, in the main, alien to each other. SOME ‘Stateside’ things were chucked at the UK fan and stuck – we greedily embraced your burger and fried chicken chains… but not the “Have a nice day” that was sent over with them. Customer service in UK establishments such as Maccy Ds, BK etc is chuffing awful and getting worse – and the UK arms of those companies don’t give a fuppenny*.
“As a <Canadian> seller you could reasonably expect to have your house on the market for 2-4 weeks, host 2 open house weekends and have it sold and closed in 30-90 days. Usually way above list price with often a bidding war between buyers.”
You mean the Agent undervalues or lists at BMV in most cases to attract more interest/offers.
We have chancers like that here, too. Problem with that form of “marketing strategy” is that the Vendor never knows if they actually realised the true worth of their property that way – and in many instances it can be argued that appears not to be the case.
“So surely it is a good thing for up and comers to be passionate about changing that perception?”
Surely it is – without a shadow of doubt. IF the “Passion” is real – which, I am afraid to say, is seldom the case.
You rarely find “up and comers” entering the industry when it’s on the downward slope of the curve – they all jump on the wave and ride it as it is rising. You rarely find these same wave-huggers still riding it when it’s crashing down onto the rocks.
And when you consider that the great majority of established, career Agents have been toiling for years… decades, even… to ‘change that perception’, I don’t think that yours is an argument that will win you a kewpie doll.
But it’s nice to get the opinion of others. Thanks – and keep posting regularly. It’s a sad fact that whenever these articles appear, newbies step up, chuck their lit fireworks into the room then run away chuckling, never to be seen again. Hopefully you, ‘polycom’, ‘timtim’ and others will stick with us and we won’t then think that they are all put-up jobs.
Regards
PeeBee
* ‘fuppenny’ – nearest ‘sort-of’ equivalent that will cross the Pond without losing height would be “a rat’s @$$”.
I’d like the opportunity to respond, if I may, to PeeBee’s comments.
Michael and I value and appreciate all feedback and comments. Positive or negative, all feedback helps us to grow and improve and we take it all on board, we appreciate we are new to this business and do not think for one second we ‘know it all’.
PeeBee, you are perfectly entitled to share your opinion of our lack of industry experience, to comment on the look and feel of our website, (your opinion of our website font is duly noted), our lack of stock (we are a boutique husband and wife team and do not seek to be a volume agency), and our decision to leave Keller Williams after they ‘held our hands’ and taught us the basics (which we paid handsomely for by the way – KW are not a charity!). You are also, of course, perfectly entitled to speculate as to our future in this business.
However, what I find hard to accept are your very personal and untrue comments relating to our integrity as a business and as individuals, and your thinly disguised character assassinations. At the end of the day, this is just a story about us leaving one company and joining another – I just don’t see why or how that justifies an unprovoked attack on our fledgling business? And I’m baffled why you even care so much?
You say: “I think their own site hides a multitude of cr@pness behind some arty f@rty imagery” – can you tell me exactly where the multitude of cr@pness is hiding on our website or what evidence you have gathered to conclude that our business is cr@p? You know absolutely nothing about us or our business. To save the other dear readers of this site from reading endless commentary I’ll give you my mobile number and email so we can discuss it directly.
You also say: “I seriously doubt (or should I say ‘hope’) that anyone is taken in by their f**kwittery” Do you really think this is called for? We are an honest, decent and hardworking couple trying to make a living by providing people with a real alternative to the big names or the online only options. To imply that we are some kind of snake-oil salespeople is deeply offensive, unprofessional and in my opinion completely unnecessary.
Finally, I’d like to respond to your suggestion that, “We all know they will slap it on t’interweb and wait for buyers to come.” Actually this is the exact OPPOSITE of what we do, and the whole reason why we set up Stowhill Estates. We work incredibly hard for our clients and invest a great deal of money upfront into marketing their homes. We offer a multi-layered and proactive marketing strategy which includes a 20 page ‘lifestyle’ brochure (I know you hate ‘lifestyle’ but our clients don’t), a 360 virtual tour, drone photography, catered open house events, social media marketing and print advertising, included within our fee which is very competitive. We do a lot more than just ‘sticking it on the web’ – we wouldn’t survive very long if that’s all we did. I’d be more than happy to discuss and share with you (or anyone) our marketing strategy if it would be of interest.
We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here, we just provide a better service than we ourselves have been used to. The fact remains that in our geographical area, there is a distinct lack of really good agents and we think there is a gap in the market for a business such as ours. The really good agents in our area are not afraid of a bit of healthy competition either, which is great – it only serves to improve standards, service and reputation.
PeeBee, if you’d like to address your comments and criticisms to us directly you can reach me on my mobile any time on 07789 485 372, Michael on 07775 864 245 email me at lucy@stowhillestates.com I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your opinions further.
Best wishes
Lucy & Michael Joerin
Mrs Joerin
Firstly, I don’t believe I have made any reference to your lack of stock. That particular finger needs to be pointed in another direction. You can list and sell one property per decade as far as I’m concerned – as long as it pays your bills (for your sake) and the vendor gets the best job done (for the sake of your client, and for the industry).
I think I stated my issues with your website quite clearly. Perhaps a little too clearly – but I note that it has been ‘down’ for the majority of the day so I will only assume that you are righting some of what I highlighted as ‘cr@pness’. It’s always a pleasure and never a chore to offer advice – even if the delivery isn’t prettied up the way people like it.
You state “We are an honest, decent and hardworking couple trying to make a living by providing people with a real alternative to the big names or the online only options.” I’m genuinely delighted to hear that. But when you also state that you are not trying to reinvent the wheel, your husband’s comment in the article in relation to “…disinterested, distant and sometimes even counterproductive estate agents” is clearly poking a stick into its’ spokes and hoping that you unsaddle all the other riders. We could all do that – many do – which simply cheapens the industry you have settled upon to disrupt.
I am also conscious of your continuing the line of dumbing down the industry – “The fact remains that in our geographical area, there is a distinct lack of really good agents…” – another cheeky stick in the spokes there… yet in the next sentence you go on to state that “The really good agents in our area are not afraid of a bit of healthy competition either, which is great”
There doesn’t have to be many “really good agents” – does there? Surely the less the better for you?
I ain’t your competition. We are several counties apart, so hopefully you can feel reassured that I’m not trying to dumb down your business for my own gain.
Maybe your story has caught me on a bad day… a bad week – hey – maybe I’m having a bad year, with all the negative cr@p being chucked at the fan that is the industry I have inhabited for almost forty years.
For what it’s worth, you’ve earned some kudos for responding in the way you have.
Do the best job – the right job – and you’ll have the support and admiration of your peers, me at front of queue, ready and willing to eat my words.
But aim to “disrupt”, for the sake of it, in the same way that we see seven days a week from the other ‘disrupters’ – what you will be dealt by the industry will make my comments today will seem like glowing accolades.
I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen, and wish you well with your business. Once more – for the sake of the industry and the public who we serve.
PeeBee
I am an agent of RE/MAX and a lot of my referral sales come from other RE/MAX agents from other countries therefore, I am unsure why you make those comments. I am happy that RE/MAX allows me to build my business while retaining the highest fee for my hard work and efforts.
Hi PeeBee (btw weird name – just saying)
I just stumbled upon this article. My question to you is why do you start attacking people and their work/business behind a computer instead of being upfront and showing your face/name to them whom you are attacking.
Me reading your comments make me feel being in kindergarten all over again – please start growing up and handle your anger (which you seem to have) like a grown up.
Well since you think the website is not good enough for you – let’s see your website !
“why do you start attacking people and their work/business behind a computer instead of being upfront and showing your face/name to them whom you are attacking.”
You obviously missed school on the day they covered irony, “TimTim13”.
(just saying)
PeeBee you get people’s comments removed so you can carry on act like a donkey!
Come at me bro!!!!
Don’t see any comments being removed here – do you?
(and I’m proper sorry to disappoint – but as I said above, I’m really not your ‘bro’)
Stowhill Estates are passionate about what they do and are providing a different level of service from what people have become accustomed to in the UK. The property industry in this country needs estate agents who put their customers first – Stowhill Estates does that.
Hello, new contributor; first post – today of all days.
That’s a cracking endorsement.
And you know this how, precisely…?
Going out on a limb here PeeBee but taking a stab they very well may be associated with said firm.
Also hilarious to think that other estate agents do not put their clients first.
You always know when somebody does not have a clue how to market their estate agency when they use the “Service was lacking” line. – Text book boring line i think every new agent uses.
Still with only 7 properties for sale they have plenty of time to spend with their “Clients”
Nope, Agent 007770 is nothing to do with us, but thank you for all your helpful comments and feedback on our business, marketing strategies and our website.
It’s nice that you took time out of your busy days to leave all your comments and we appreciate it. Mike & Lucy
I guess a well meaning member of the public, one of the dozen or so properties you have sold just happened to read this article and give the ringing endorsement 😉
Actually, it would be nice to know who it was but everyone seems to hide behind anonymity on here, which is a shame, but then looking at some of the comments, perhaps not. All the best. Michael.
“…it would be nice to know who it was but everyone seems to hide behind anonymity on here, which is a shame”
I would suggest that names are irrelevant, Mr Joerin. I’d be genuinely interested in your response to this:
IF you receive one comment from a Junior Negotiator;
Another from an Independent Agency Branch Manager;
A third from a Regional Executive Director of a Corporate Agency;
And a fourth, from the Global Director of the RICS…
…whose post would you pay more attention to – and why?
Basically Re/max offered a more favourable franchise fee.
Given nobody in the UK has every heard or either KW or Remax – It will make no difference to their business.
Given they only have 7 available properties for sale a doubt KW care much.
Still for what its worth Ben Taylor is one of the very best estate agents / M.D’s around. If he cannot make KW work nobody will and certainly not much hope at remax
Hi Smile Please,
Thanks for your comments. I would love to have the opportunity to meet with you for a coffee or speak to you over the phone anytime to understand your views on how we could provide a better service for our agents and other agents in our industry. I am always keen to learn new ideas of being able to empower agents to provide better value in our industry so your views would be highly appreciated. I am reachable at Peggy.su@remax.co.uk or on my direct mobile number at 07976009976.
In addition, if Ben is open to meet with me, I would be glad to meet him to explore collaborations between our companies. Have a great day!
There’s that word again…’disruptors’ Please…you’ve signed up to a franchise!
When you look at how their stock appears on the Re Max site compared to their own Stowhill Estates, they’ve devalued their identity. Their site, whilst light on stock and a bit clunky, is image rich and well presented including all their lifestyle imagery. That is probably down to Mrs J’s input as she has a background in marketing and PR. Don’t underestimate an agency motivated by the poor experience they have had with their own personal moves. If they believe it and remember it, it will make them effective, as estate agency is a people business after all…the properties don’t ring you up to become a client!!
Now they have to do the hard miles and that will be their test and if they are truly independent souls, they won’t like the monster who they are paymaster to. Re Max is still not ta major force in the UK, just slick marketing of its name to lure those who think big is best.
P-Daddy
Not so sure that I agree with some of your comments – and that doesn’t happen very often! My initial thoughts are as follows…
1 – I think their own site hides a multitude of **** behind some arty imagery. “Lifestyle” is pretty much dead and buried (thank goodness – Rightmove had more lilies than homes at one point); half of the site has been updated with ReMax chuffery, the other half still spouts the brilliantishness of KellerWilliams – and as said it has been produced in an archaic font which, I understand from a reliable source, is incredibly difficult for some to process.
2 – I seriously doubt (or should I say hope…) that anyone will be taken in by the “underwhelmed” ) the claim of years of selling and buying through those that are no doubt now their direct competition. OF COURSE they want people to think that they will ‘do’ things ‘better’… ‘differently’… and disrupt the world – but we all know that they will slap it on t’interweb and wait for buyers in the same way that any other non High-Street based player plays their particular game. It’s the only claim they can make to potentially win an instruction.
3 – There is no test necessary of their “independent souls”. They rode in on the back of one company that helped their birth; they’ve shifted saddles to another for reasons known only to them and their previous mount – now we need to see whether they will fall or refuse at the first hurdle…
…or whether they will be an EweMove franchise. Or Hunters. Or someone else…
I am all for comments but this is getting too personal. I used to like you Peebee but wow, the childish comments on your posts just went too far. These are clearly business people trying to do their best, don’t hate on people focusing on client services. Credit to the couple for their graceful reaction.
Riverwide2184
Thanks for the comment – which is duly noted – but for the record, I don’t post to be ‘liked’.
Hello PeeBee finally came back after running away and getting my comments removed. Quick question… If you worked for say a company like KW and they knew you were posting this and it’s hurting their brand what would they do?
I have an answer maybe sting you up from ye wee baw bag and play piñata with ye head
Sorry –
“finally came back after running away”? I’ve never been away. And, for the record, I don’t run.
“getting my commentts removed”? When? Where? How many? Are you the Russian guy/tart who posts links to dodgy websites all over The Arena?
If ‘yes’ – then guilty as charged, m’Lud. It was me. And I’ll continue to do it – some of what you were posting links to was proper rude stuff.
If ‘no’ – then I reiterate that you have me badly mistaken for someone else.
Oh.
Hang on…
…I have asked for several comments to be removed recently.
All of them mine.
Are you me?
That would sort of explain the ‘BRO‘ b0110cks… in a completely FUBAR twin-in-one-mind kinda way…
“With our combined years of sales, public relations and marketing experience, we knew that we could provide a far better service and do it our own way.”
So instead they are doing it the Re-Max way – having already spent a year doing it the KW way – and their own website is written in Times New Roman!
You couldn’t make it up.
Oh, wait…
Hello from the other sideeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
I must have called a thousand times ye bawwwww baggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!
To tell you i’m not sorry for everything I’ve done!!!!!!!!!!!!
But when I call you never seem to be at work!!!!!
You’re just a little TROLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
Your Comments are mainstream!!!!!!!!
Dunno who you’re ‘calling’ – but I’m pretty sure it ain’t me.
UNLESS… are you the PPI caller?
They’ve probably rang a thousand times.
I don’t answer them.
It seems that Mr & Mrs Joerin had no Agency experience between them whatsoever before setting up their business in early 2017.
They now jump ships, after KW held their hand and taught them the basics. One sniff of potentially greener grass… we’ve all seen it before.
ReMax will be expecting big things from the second they sign the Agreement. The wetness behind their ears might be… problematical in that respect.
Time will tell… maybe EYE will run a follow-up in 18 months…
…’twill be interesting to see which banner they will be flying under then!
I love how the trolls were able to get my replies taken off! so I am back to give these M@angled Fuds a taste of their own medicine, we officially have BEEF… So come at me BRO!
Sorry – I don’t have any BEEF – and I don’t have a “BRO”.
You seem to have me confused with another ‘PeeBee’.
Or – you are the confused one.
I’m sure the EYE readership will figure out the answer.
Good evening.
Hi PeeBee,
We are extremely pleased that Michael and Lucy Joerin are with RE/MAX. They bring incredible value through their integrity, personal service, genuine care and a natural drive to service their local community by providing an excellent customer experience to their home sellers and buyers.
They are genuinely nice people focused on doing their very best in this industry.
We are thankful that Michael and Lucy have chosen us and we look forward to that great journey together!
Best regards,
Peggy Su
Regional Owner of RE/MAX London
Thank you for that, Peggy Su.
No doubt your company – being, as it is, a multi-national operation – employs a rigorous due diligence process for the selection of suitable Agents to fly your flag, and can therefore confidently endorse the incorporation of this business into the Re/Max ‘family’.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy a long and mutually beneficial partnership – and that the industry and public benefit from it equally.
Regards.
PeeBee