A Sky TV advert by an online agent contrasts the experiences of a seller who used a high street agent and one who used eMoov.
One agent said the advert was an example of high-street agent bashing, and said it was an issue for the two bit portals – both of whom feature strongly in the advert.
He said it took the portal debate “to the next level”.
In the commercial, shown on Sky, both the sellers are seen to have apparently identical services. Both had pictures and floorplans, had their properties on Rightmove and Zoopla, and both sold their homes.
However, says the advert, Fred paid £3,500 to his local high street agent and Ted paid eMoov £474.
“Sorry, Fred,” the advert ends.
With Rightmove being mentioned in the advert and the Zoopla and PrimeLocation logos flashed up, we asked both Zoopla and Rightmove if they would like to comment.
Rightmove declined, saying it never commented on individual members’ marketing strategies.
The advert was circulated yesterday to Agents’ Mutual members, with chief executive Ian Springett saying: “Agents’ Mutual is committed to strengthening the competitive collective position of full-service, office-based estate and letting agents.
“That’s why we won’t be accepting membership from online-only agents who depend almost entirely on the Rightmove / Zoopla duopoly to deliver their part-service, low-budget services.”
He went on: “Online agents currently operate at the fringes of the broader market.
“The fact remains that over 90% of vendors and landlords rely on the professionalism and local knowledge of traditional firms to achieve the highest price and therefore to provide the best overall value.”
You can see the ad here:
Comments (88)
Sorry to hear of George Daws, I heard he got taken down by a hit squad from Arbon House over a mis-filed CPD return. As for Jonnie, word is he was reliving his finest moment; the bathroom scene from the Shining, successfully hacked through a Sapelle veneer door in his Surrey mansion, stuck his head through a bit too far, his ears flipped out like a one of those fancy heavy duty wall plugs for plasterboard and that was it, game over. A neg from Knight, White & co found him a week later. Poor grassy divot died dangling from his lugholes. The up side was the neg tracked down a replacement door on Ebay and had a deal in the bag within the week.
Portal marketing is a key part of any agents offer be they online or shop based – no difference just in this case emoov as a national agency can say it on tv as opposed to a shop window thats the only difference
Do you think BA complains to the Sun newspaper when easyjet compares its prices to BAs – nope – price competition is a fact of life,consumers will usually weigh up alternatives in terms of what value I am getting for the service or product a supplier is giving me. Look no further than the no frills airlines of easyjet and Ryanair did to the so called high price high service national carriers,or what Aldi and Lidl are doing to the mighty Tescos, low cost operators can and will disrupt and take share in markets where incumbants have high overheads and inefficent models. What the property market is missing is a serious player with a nationally trusted brand offering low prices and service……watch this space
What are you talking about? BA and Easyjet??? FFS get real. Easy Jet have landing slots at the regional and internaional airports, they offer the same service as BA—- the ability to land at the destination. You boys are claiming that but as Emoov proved they can not operate remotely.
To compete and be taken seriously they need staff to cover the activity centres, without it you are simply cheap PI's
Jury ran off as soon as Robert May asked for a demonstration. How about you fly the flag for your service or clear off and stop posting in riddles that make sense only in your head.
Benay – your post made me think of something Frankie Boyle said on Mock the Week, one late night when I had no Star Trek to watch:
"I boarded my flight to Malaga at Heathrow… and it flew us to Gatwick!" 😉
easyproperty.com
I have read both of your posts. And re-read them to confirm my findings prior to posting the following recommendation.
May I suggest that, posting as you are as the representative of your company, and this is a public forum, you at least check your spelling, diction and grammar before clicking "Post Comment".
'Consumers' (and maybe they would prefer you also to address them differently in that respect…), in making their choice of which Agent will be handling the sale or rental of their biggest asset DO take account of little things – such as whether the Agent has a basic command of the written language, for instance…
If, like one of our regular posters, you suffer from a condition such as dyslexia please note that the above post is NOT intended as an insult or to rubbish your argument.
It IS, however, common sense – and is posted for that reason and none other.
You are most welcome Trevor. A few poster on here need to learn to treat you with the respect you deserve. Those that have taken the trouble to read and in many cases decipher your fat fingers on a smart phone (?) posts will acknowledge a debt of gratitude owed by the entire Industry. Saving them from the threat of Tescos via your lobbying of government departments for fairness and equity is something I will respect you for.
Norfolk was a test of INEA, it works. Concentrate on that and except it is not for everyone and I am sure you will do well. Rather than consider INEA/Multilisting a threat to my business model I would welcome you and your members on board when we are ready to offer you an industry changing service. I look forward to that day.
Peebee will be disappointed, possibly relieved that I have to break off from daily attention of PIE but I will be keeping a check as time allows. I can't add any more hours to my working day so have to sacrifice some of the pleasures of my job; engaging with the PIE audience.
I am not running away and will engage with any discussion that needs my input.
Hi Robert. Thanks for the mention. Yes you wanted a real agent and I referred you to a good one not a budget Mickey Mouse one.
emoove, purple *ricks can't sub out in the interest of consumers as they dont have enough in the pot.
The agent I recommended has over 27 years experience behind him. As I understand the propery was subbed out v fast to gain extra exposure through other proper agents. Something budget boy agents can't do as they cant negotiate real fees.
MANY AGENTS OFTEN MEANS MANY MORE APPLICANTS THROUGH THE DOOR = Often selling faster or gaining £1,000s more for the seller.
Budget agents will grow. But they'll be going bust in 3 years.
In the last week 2 budget agents wanted to join INEA as we could give both over 100 listings on their arras. INSTEAD WE TOLD THEM TO BUG OFF.
Sorry budget agents. Proper agents don't want you where proper agents list.
Russ may enjoy being the star of his own show but wow, sure has got us prisoner to his moment. Can someone please tell me the safe word…
Cheaper yes but comparable… guess you’ll have to pull my finger for that one. The guy has a licence to annoy but ‘wilko’ seems to be the only one on point, I hear you buddy because right hand to God, the rest is just horse sh*t.
We need to get invested because all we ever do is react. I’d rather couples shop in Ikea on a Sunday than look to ARLA so quit reading affiliation t&c’s because they aint coming and lets be honest – Amen to that. I’m all in with AM, but seriously guys, how about a press release.
Come on AM, throw me a bone because the only place to clarify that prejudicial piece of garbage is here and that’s just crazy. First your insular brand awareness has led to agency arbitrage and now we’re getting dry humped on national TV so what gives? A brotherhood so splendid… or splintered?
We can keep b*tching and I can keep drinking but AM cant afford to keep quiet. Online agency may look like they have all the sweets but that’s just a one-way ticket to a windowless van. I don’t know people, maybe my meds are wearing off or maybe AM needs to get in front of this because sitting back and playing defence aint working.
I'm just surprised that after 10 hours of discussion no ones yet to call the portal police 😉
Nice to see you back Tuf Luv
I could not agree with you more and have made the point on numerous occasions on PIE and with AM directly. Saying that they are not starting their marketing machinery until October (the lead in to the quietest sales and instruction period of the year!) really is missing a trick in my view. Maybe if a few more agents bang the drum they will listen. They need to make the most of the free advertising rightzoop have exploited so successfully for so long…windows, websites, press ads, email footers, property particulars…the list goes on.
In regards to the rest of this trail today, I have to say that whilst we can all have an opinion regarding on-line agency, it is, in my view here to say. Maybe not for me, but can I see my kids using them…? The key for me and to our "high street" model is service. That will be the differentiator and the new on line firms will do well to remember that. Cheap is great but the customer will be demanding…and that will include the younger, iPad generation who are used to the best of the best when it comes to the customer experience.
Well he can hardly be considered a threat can he? Said he was going to do some work and failed to follow up a lead laid at his door. Perhaps he is driving down here with his ranging poles, chains and Theodolite.
I posted the details of a property to value and just wanted to see if Mr Jury has the ability to do what he and his advert says .
Traditional Academicals 1- Online windunpuffery Nil
The message coming loud and clear from Zoopla is…..WHOS YOUR DADDY…….
The laughter from this post has calmed me before the match tonight….been a bit on edge today.
When I've used so many words today…..this comment is a great sum-up.
Well there's got to be some humour in amongst all this doom and gloom being brought upon us by the duopoly….and now off to the pub to see a mighty England victory.
I'll meet you in "The Optimist" at about half 7.
My evenings all mapped out Wilko…First round in "the optimist" second half drinks at "the nervous wreck Inn" followed by an after match celebratory pint at "the happy dancer"
😉
So why shouldn't we ALL be referring to these portals as our "Partners", then?
The acid test is if they object…
Maybe because they are not?
Not WHAT, exactly, wilko?
Our partners.
True… in exactly the same way that companies don't provide "Solutions" for anything but their names and "Mission Statements" always imply that they do.
NOW look what you've done – made me use smart@$$-speak!
Thanks a bunch. I can't stand it with a passion.
A lot of moaning of ****'s figures and claims along with their "agreement" with RM and Z (rightly so I think).
Although we can (and should) moan about this the fact remains that the public have been dealt a real dilemma over online or high street agent due to advertising. So you could say the advert worked!
My question is are AM going to run advertising on TV and other media platforms to increase the importance of a high street agent (much like what ********* and ***** move are doing for online agents) or are they just providing a listing portal?
Yes, of course their advert worked…people will feel comforted that Zoopla And RM were mentioned/shown whilst saying traditional, professional agents are a waste of money.
I had hoped we could keep AM apart from this story but ;
"My question is are AM going to run advertising on TV and other media platforms to increase the importance of a high street agent (much like what ******* and ***** move are doing for online agents) or are they just providing a listing portal"…..Is a valid question. I think they are going to have to go along the "separatist" route.
My worry is that there are still some good, professional agents that want to continue to pay Zoopla ,after this advert, whilst they "partner" themselves with online companies like eemoov in their attempt to portray us as a waste of money. Those agents that still bleat on about how Zoopla is a tried and tested site that their clients must be on against AM not yet being a credible proposition will just merrily carry on funding a company that is assisting in their downfall. FACT.
Agree, There will always be a number be it 1 or 10,000 that will advertise with a portal Zoopla or whoever else as they feel it gives them an edge. And yes is contributing towards downfall!
Well here's one less. We ended our contract with Zoopla this morning.
smile please
Why AM? They don't represent ALL High Street Agents – only the chosen few (that sign up to their Ts&Cs…).
Their ad would be no less biased than any other with an agenda and 'Members' to protect/promote…
Why AM Peebee?
The reason I mention AM is I feel High Street agents need to fight back and explain on a national basis why there is more value to a high street agent as opposed to an online agent.
Given that AM have rounded up a number of agents already. who have agreed to part with £'s and have said that online agents are not welcome. They will be running a marketing campaign to increase the awareness of AM – seems an ideal opportunity to also sell the benefits of a high street agent.
This opportunity may not come around again………
smile please
I accept what you say – HOWEVER, AM would then be fighting the corner also for NON-Members, would they not?
And, as the ads would be being funded by MEMBERS, I doubt that would sit comfortably with them.
Hey – let them, as far as I'm concerned – as often as they like.
MY benefit at NO COST to me. 😉
Pee Bee….
"Their ad would be no less biased than any other with an agenda and 'Members' to protect/promote"
So you agree that a portal should protect its members(I assume all members), yet you seem happy with Zoopla/dpg logos being used by an online company,on a national tv ad campaign, whilst actively saying YOUR agency model is a complete waste of money. How is that protecting YOUR interests as a paying member of RM / Zoopla??
"So you agree that a portal should protect its members(I assume all members)…"
WHERE and WHEN the chuff did I say that, wilko?
Matey – a 'portal' is a bleedin' shop window – nothing more.
It may – will, in most cases – provide 'benefits' for its' "Members" – but first and foremost it simply advertises their wares, surely?
Is it not one of its' "Members" that is potentially abusing the situation here, not the portal itself? (remember – I ain't seen it yet…)
And, like everything else – it is the PUBLIC who are going to have to buy the lie for it to affect the rest of us.
I still think the most ridiculous and deliciously ironic part of this is that a business that believes it can survive and thrive in an online world need to get the message out ON TELEVISION!
Whatever next? – newspaper ads… or how's about Messrs Quirk, Jury and even that hilarious double act, Caan & Butt, going out door-knocking in their patch?
LOVE IT!
Poor Mr Butt doesn't even get his name mentioned.
See?
BeeYouuTeeTee
There – that's better.
The likes of RM and Z are allowing E***E to call them 'partners' rather than just the places where they advertise.
That is misleading in the extreme.
Saving money based on an average fee of 1.6%. Nice figure, where did that come from?
That is misleading.
They say they can get 3% higher price than an average agent. How exactly?
Misleading
18% more likely to complete.
Misleading and complete c**p
If anyone from E***E would like to explain any of the above misleading statements and where you get your numbers from, (and that's just the home page) I will gladly shoot you down in flames.
Here's some of my own for you.
63% of my sales result from an online enquiry and that includes the sales made where someone has called for one property but we actually sold them another.
So that leaves 37% of sales that are made as a direct result from having my high street office with negotiators sitting in it.
If the onlinies would like a war of words, here's mine.
AN ONLINE AGENT CAN ONLY SELL TO 63% OF THE MARKET
wardy – WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, mon ami?? 😉
You've been a miss. Reasoned debate re-enters the room.
Still looking and learning PeeBee
Still there with you, bud.
Nice to have you back, though. Now that I no longer have 'ampersat' as my comedy partner I look forward to our banter.
Pity that the rest of the 'old guard' don't look like they've made the transition though…
I miss Japan Dave. 😉
Hiya! you're unlikely to recognise Benay from LAT and occasionally EAT but let's say I've been Observing this Industry for a while (Winky thing)
I saw everyone desert the old ship, it was only a heavy sched that stopped me joining earlier.
Have to say- seems most of the faces are here… but where are Jonnie, George and Ray Evans they always managed to get right to the heart of a subject.?
Wayyyy too much AM on here if I am honest but that will pass.
Good to be be here and having time to post.
Benay – welcome to THE place for Industry news!
Jonnie is yet to materialise – goodness knows why. Similarly, Ray Evans wants to get his finger out and start posting – he's forever on the moan about 'that other' site. And George – my old mucker – unfortunately came to a sticky end whilst pruning his begonias. Found, would you believe, a WWII landmine whilst on his kneeling pad. Stayed still as a statue for three days – then the urge to pass wind finally overcame him and WHABANG!
Oh – and the mine went off as well. Took his fingers straight off so he can't type any more. 😉
Looking forward to your posts, if the first few are anything to go by. Anyone who Observes the Industry is welcome – especially if, from their external vantage point, they can help steer it away from the flotsam that you see.
Soz Pheebs been watching the chat you were having with Robert and thought I would add another name to his list I'm no Industry Observer.
This could be fun!!! Have a great weekend.
I have been wondering about Stonehenge, never mind how they got the stones there, how long did it take to set it to the correct date? Happy Equinox everyone, the nights start drawing in on Sunday!
"The likes of RM and Z are allowing E***E to call them 'partners' rather than just the places where they advertise.
That is misleading in the extreme." Quite Right
……And totally detrimental to the rest of us that advertise on the portals.
Have you reported them to the ASA? Fairly likely to get upheld if they can't back things up.
Out of interest how do you manage your attribution of sales to online/offline? We do 13,000+ sales a year and it's a real struggle!
Come on, SteveP – does ANYONE EVER report misleading or plain dishonest advertising to the relevant authority??
The accuser usually gets the rough end of the stick as a result.
Who else would like to value 37 Yelland Road, EX31 3DS and give me an idea of fees and value?
This is no different to the challenge I set Trevor Mealham a week ago to test the INEA system, one of his agents has bagged a commission deal worth over £4k as a result.
Hello Mr Jury, if I give you an address and postcode are you able to provide me with a valuation and idea of the savings I can make over a traditional agency model?
I don't agree with the agents mutual stance on parasites and need to demonstrate why they need to change their thinking, you or some like you can help me do that.
Let's say I am a typical FSBO, I have an idea of value and want to save myself about £9,000 in fees from a traditional agent, I think the best way to demonstrate to agencies what they are up against is a live demonstration showing how the internet levels the playing field.
Rather than you trade words with Peebee all day and into his Sci fi night (he was posting at 2 am this morning) how about a killer blow that no-one can argue with?
"…he was posting at 2 am this morning…"
Was I?? Jeez – I need a life.
Anyone got a spare one they don't need…? 😉
The only bloke t'up north with a garge full of X5 sharky steamers and the full set of Insanity 60 day workout vids.
Not to mention all the K-tel and Ronco stuff I amassed 'back in the day', matey! 😉
How sad is this – I thought 'X5 sharky steamer' was some weird Cockerknee slang for BMW's Cheslea Tractor!
I was proper put out at that – as was my 10-year old Volvo! 😉
Enough of this I am waiting for Mr Jury to ronseal emoov. Mine is just the sort of enquiry he can expect. I am disappointed that his level of customer service isn't all he claims, an hour is up an all I have had is a petulant 'I'm out of here'.
You ain't holding your breath or anything are you, Robert?
I'd hate to imagine the colour of your face if you were… 😉
Isn't it interesting that when people have the opportunity to demonstrate their product, service or offering they run a mile? What more compelling demonstration of the fantasticness of Emoov would there have been than showing all these sceptical agents that he can value from a distance and offer a service on a par with a traditional Agency at a fraction of the price?
People like Mr Jury can paint what picture they like of their service but the reality is; without the internet to provide them with other agents' comparable data they simply offer a low value, passive intermediary internet listing service. Mr Jury failed at the first hurdle and as a result any Agent can point to this thread and demonstrate he isn't up to the job. All the money spent on his advertising is simply wasted.
Well, Robert – I was tempted to be THE Agent to give you that elusive "valuation" on 37 Yelland Road, EX31 3DS.
There are, of course, a MAHOOSIVE list of reasons why I wouldn't even attempt it without personally inspecting the premises and compiling all necessary research in order to give my potential client best advice.
Unless, of course, you simply want me to give you the Zoopla figure + 'x%' for good measure…
By the way – exactly WHAT IS the "'x%' for good measure", these days… 😉
before anyone else chimes in I think it only fair to let Mr Jury have a fair chance to demonstrate his service in spite of everything that is being said or has been said.
Can we all come out to play again, Robert?
Mr Jury burst his own ball and now he's gone running away.
PLEEEEAAAASSSSE! 😉
Wardy is her and all of a sudden the post count hits 70! where is Jonnie!
Not one for trading words all day or seeing this as a battle, I have work to do 🙂
And pass up the opportunity to prove the point you have made?
Pee bee….you haven't commented with regard to zoopla and rightmove endorsing this advert which clearly is intended to make the public see other fee paying portal members ,like us, as a waste of money.
"…you haven't commented with regard to zoopla and rightmove endorsing this advert…"
Have they? Not according to the body text of the article.
I'll watch the advert and pass comment as to its' content.
If it's anything like Mr Jury's woefully inept attempts here to justify a single word he types, I'll get a good belly laugh out of it no doubt.
Pushing $h!t up a hill, wilko – nothing more. YOU know that – why expect savvy vendors to look at it any differently.
When you watch the advert imagine you are a a normal punter watching your programmes on Sky….I personally think that Zoopla allowed their logo to be shown , whilst Rightmove only allwed them to say the name and not use their logo. Both of them shouldn't, in my view, have appeared to endorse what e moov are saying …which is "use us….not the expensive traditional agent as you would be wasting loads of money" We are Zoopla and RM members……we are paying these firms as members and they should NOT allign themselves with ANY of the companies or business models they serve…especially when it is massively detrimental to the vast majority of its paying customers.
WHOAAAAA! there, wilko – you're seeing aliens and zombies here, aren't you?
Question. If you're sitting in your office how many RM or Z logos can you see?
The doorsign… the calendar… the window vinyls… the A4s in your displays… not to mention the mugs and the pens sitting on your desk!
By your reckoning, therefore, those companies are likewise endorsing 'wilko & Co'.
AND all of your competition.
YOU run a TV ad. YOU stick their logos up there – you want a level playing field – go play in emoov's field.
Give them SOME credit – they are taking their marketing OFFline – so they obviously accept that ONline isn't the be-all and end-all!
I'd call that points scored to us High Street dinosaur Agents – don't you? 😉
It doesn't surprise me that you wouldn't want to make a distinction between logos in offices and television ads.
Big difference is that a tv ad campaign hits significantly more people than our little office windows in a very different way to to a poster or logo……no, wait hear me out…..
Displaying logos and such is very one dimensional and there is no movement or rhetoric that moves alongside them.
Like I have said I have no issue with e moov saying that they advertise online, like other agents, and I don't blame them for using Zooplas' logo and trying to use Rightmove (they would not allow the use of their logo-only their name to be mentioned) to promote their business model.
My issue with this is with the major portals allowing one type of agency model to use their logos whilst actively stating that other agencies that advertise on their portals are a waste of money-a much harder thing to get across in one door sign, you'll agree.
I remember the comments here about the companies/agents that had started to "sell" Rightmove listings on Ebay…..Rightmove were quick to stop this as it was totally detrimental to their other paying customers. Lastly, I would NOT expect Rightmove or Zoopla to allow ME to use their logos if I did a national TV advertising campaign that said emoov were a waste of money as it would be unfair to Mr Quirk and his organisation and the other online agencies that are paying members of rm and zoopla.
Now then, wilko…
THAT'S more like it, matey! You're back on form with the above. Take back all I said about you having a 'Ratner' moment… 😉
Doesn't mean I'm not going to give it a 'PeeBeeing', though…
"Big difference is that a tv ad campaign hits significantly more people than our little office windows …"
Very true. But at the end of the day, we are subjected to DOZENS of TV ads every day.
But we don't go dashing out as a result and fill our cupboards with bleach, beans and panty liners – do we?
If emoov were sponsoring the 3 'L's, and Phil and Kirstie were wearing their name on the backs of T-shirts….
…sorry – thinking of Kirstie in a T-shirt sent me off to another place altogether…
…now THAT just might make me think of them if and when I was looking to sell my home – but it wouldn't make me go running to them zombie-like with the single intention of signing their Agreement.
I would also consult a LOCAL AGENT. Or two.
And then – let the best company win.
You know my old mantra to the Day's; the Quirk's; the Stelios' of this world, wilko – and I mean it as much now as ever:
Bring.
It.
On.
😉
"To be clear, eMoov.co.uk achieve 99% of asking price for properties listed in comparison to the national average of 96% (*source: Hometrack March 2013: Average national property achieves 96% of the asking price in comparison to 99% from eMoov.co.uk. eMoov.vo.uk statistic based on properties listed from April 2014 and sold before June 2014. )"
So, then, the statistics you quote are so unrelated that they render your claim invalid.
More's to the point, YET another serving of the usual complete, utter, unadulterated MDT from emoov.
Morning all,
Interesting article this one.
To be clear, eMoov.co.uk achieve 99% of asking price for properties listed in comparison to the national average of 96% (*source: Hometrack March 2013: Average national property achieves 96% of the asking price in comparison to 99% from eMoov.co.uk. eMoov.vo.uk statistic based on properties listed from April 2014 and sold before June 2014. )
Also, our customer service ranking is impeccable (worth looking on AllAgents), so again I'm not sure there is much of an argument on this one.
On the local topic, what buyer or seller doesn't research the area online these days (the local section in Zoopla is fantastic). Just because your retail unit is located in a community, doesn't necessary make you or your colleagues experts if you travel to the area for work. Surely the person that lives there day and night is the real expert?
I do find the AM quote about why they will not list online agents rather strange. Surely everyone can see past this and just understand that AM is just a punt by the larger traditional agents to reduce their portal fees.
Stephen Jury from eMoov.co.uk
Mr Jury. You are an Estate Agent I take it? You will therefore, simply by walking in the moccasins, have kept abreast on a day-in, day-out basis of the market since way prior to March 2013 and are aware of the sea-change since?
You will have no doubt read the press – we are in a different market today to that of almost a year-and-a-half ago. But, again, you being an experienced Agent, you will know that from living in the field.
But you're ignoring all of the above. Something that NO-ONE who actually knows ANYTHING about the subject would be foolish enough to do when trying to push $h!t up a hill the way you are.
I'd better ask again – YOU ARE an Estate Agent Mr Jury, aren't you?
Strangely enough I have a portal background, albeit from the automotive (see http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/1298174/). Emoov team is now more than just Estate Agents, tho our heritage is still as an agent with Russell as the leader.
I REST MY CASE, m'lud.
You keep pushing that $h!t up that hill, Mr Jury. The small amount we don't make you swallow won't be enough to make emoov's garden rosy – and that's a promise.
You seek to prove credibility via Allagents? Don't make me laugh.
I was willing to let that one go unchallenged, MF.
He's giving it his best shot – let him have some rope.
He'll eventually hang himself high. Most likely to be sooner rather than later, I have no doubt whatsoever. 😉
Quite so, PeeBee.
But…. Allagents??? The review site where agents can (and do) write their own reviews….. probably THE most controversial review site in the world…. If that's the best they can do in terms of credibility then I despair.
One of our clients went off to "go-it-alone" with one of the "online only" agents last year. No other reason than to save on letting agent fees. Two and a half months later he came back to us with his tail between his legs.
A couple of weeks after the new tenant we introduced moved in. At £1250 per month rental, that experience cost him circa £3000.
I have emailed RM and Z account managers to ask them for their best package they can offer me to determine which portal I should come of I plan to play them off against each other in an effort to reduce my portal costs I have also informed them I have signed up with AM lets see where I get if you dont ask you don't get
That's what I did and it worked a treat…..their prices tumbled down. I decided to stay with Rightmove for 1 year but, especially after this ad, I plan to come off both by the start of 2016. Good luck.
What is interesting is eMoov claim to offer an "identical" service as the traditional agents however if you ask an online agent to answer questions about the local area, what are the good schools, where is the local supermarket and in cases of new build developments, what are the service charges and what do they cover… All questions that a buyer will want to know – I can guarantee none of them will have a clue.
None will offer accompanied viewings as their low fees can't support the cost – "The vendor is the best person to sell the house" they say.. There are vendors out there who will have the ability to be able to sell their house and the local area however there are a lot more out there that won't and in most cases are more likely to put potential buyers off.
There's no doubt that some agency fees out there are crazy… 2.5% – 3% in a lot cases and these are the astronomical fees that don't warrant the service they provide however there are also many independents or "traditional" estate agents as it's put that will offer a great service at a great fee.
At the end of the day using an online agent is a punt, especially for more expensive houses – to claim that they offer an "identical" service as a traditional agent is farcical.
I am appalled that RM and Z are prepared to list properties from these e-"agents" which demonstrates as clearly as anything that they are willing to open their portals to anyone and everyone prepared to pay their price. In a way I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if the costs were lower for everyone because high street agents still have a huge advantage over on-line operators and most home owners will recognise this. The only reason estate agency commission in this country is perceived to be excessive is because under the no-sale no-fee system, the successful sellers who price their properties realistically are subsidising the advertising and administration of the unsuccessful sellers whose properties are overpriced / poorly presented etc etc. If all house sales involved an up-front payment of a marketing fee to cover the costs of RM and Z advertising, charged again every four weeks, then this would deter the 'speculative' and unrealistic vendors from entering the market and would allow the commission on successful sales to be much lower. I'd like to see how many vendors would be happy to have their property on both portals for week after week at their own cost, while they try to acheive a record price for their home….
as amazon is to books, as expedia is to travel online is here to stay and provide healthy competition in a market that badly needs it. Are there still book shops after amazon yes, high travel agents after expedia yes,but far less of them. Competition is good for an industry, cries of discounting and not providing what a high street agent can ring hollow and can sound anti-competitve. At the end of the day only 1 vote will count and thats the consumer. Manage your traditional agencies well ,provide outstanding service and you will survive and perhaps thrive, don't and we will eat your lunch Well done emoov for helping grow the online space, we can't wait to join you…
I think you are missing the point. I have no problem with online agencies and this is NOT about who is better or best….as you say, the consumer will decide that. This is about Rightmove and Zoopla being used in a tv ad actively supporting a company who are recommending that they don't use other companies that advertise on their portals. Its a bit like an autotrader TV ad saying "At autotrader we recommend you sell your car direct with us rather than using traditional car dealers…its just the same and you can save £1000's" Or, using your amazon analogy ….imagine if Amazon said on a TV ad "We recommend books sold by publisher a , but don't suggest you buy from publisher b, because there more expensive"….even if publisher b is paying amazon to sell their books. Utterly ridiculous. I wouldn't mind if the ad said "we advertise your property online" but for the main portals to allow themselves and their logos to be featured it's favouring one section of their market against another….and that ISNT fair competition.
It's nothing like autotrader, they are are portal not a car dealer and never could be. The big difference automotive vs property is the dealer owns the stock.
"The big difference automotive vs property is the dealer owns the stock."
Your point being WHAT, exactly…?
You too are missing the point…autotrader supports car dealers and individual sellers…i have never seen it endorse one or the other,as both are fee paying customers.with rightmove and zoopla clearly endorsing one type of agency model it is totally detrimental. To other models who pay to advertise on their sites.this cant be right?
wilko – you referring to ME here, or Mr Jury?
As to RM/Z "…clearly endorsing one type of agency model…" – sorry, I've obviously missed that – where is it?
No, sorry, meant for stephenjury.
Pee Bee…you will see when you watch the advert that Zoopla and Rightmove have been made to appear to endorse e moov product.
Thanks for clarifying that, wilko
HOWEVER, clearing the point has dispelled it completely.
In one post you claim that 'the duopoly' CLEARLY ENDORSE – in the clarification post you state that they "…have been made to appear to endorse"
And, matey, for someone whose debating skills are usually top notch – that's not like you.
That's almost a Ratner moment in the wilko camp.
I might be consistently BAD – but at the end of it, I'm consistent. 😉
I watched this yesterday and thought that this really does take the portal situation to a new level . Right move and zoopla have finally allowed a discount online only company to use them and their logos for a tv ad push to try and put the professionals out of business. You have to urge others to watch this and act how they see fit. They are Not the same as high street agents. Advertising standards should also investigate. Also let zoopla and rm know what you think.
"Advertising standards should also investigate."
I agree completely – based upon the emoov-spokesperson's clarification given below as to how they have come up with their statistics they are clearly feeding misleading information to the public.
Gosh not just a budget serice that can COST vendors £1,000's by not achieving higher stc prices that traditional agents can achieve. But that the ad itself looked cheap with a cheaper annoying lingo.
Well done to emoov and purple xricks for showing that if rightmove and zoopla allow budget agents in that they are no longer the portals proper agents should be on.
Any budget agent who's USP is cheap fees are highlighting they struggle to achieve better. Low fee agents in my experience cost vendors £millions each year as most fail to have negotiation skills to achieve more.