Home owners will be able to ask virtual assistant Alexa how much their property is worth.
Hunters, a largely franchised group with 200 outlets, has announced the launch of an Amazon Alexa property valuation tool.
It is claimed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
Powered using voice recognition, home owners and landlords can now ask Alexa how much their property is worth by answering a few basic questions before being presented with an estimated valuation of their home.
The announcement follows the appointment of Dan Rafferty as chief operating officer last month, joining after a 14-year spell at Foxtons as its chief information officer.
Rafferty said: “Technological services will continue to play a crucial role in the industry going forward and Hunters has established itself as one of the innovators in that field.
“The launch of the Hunters Alexa application is further evidence of that, and we expect it to be well received not only by existing customers but also people who may choose to engage with it out of intrigue.”
He went on: “The inception of virtual assistance in the property market is transforming the way people interact with their homes and, in this case, with the initial selling or letting process.
“We’re really excited to be an industry first and are looking forward to creating a bit of a buzz around this creative new tool.”
The Alexa skill has been developed by Hunters in collaboration with Leeds-based Webanywhere. Valuation data is provided using Zoopla’s valuation estimate tool powered by Hometrack.
Comments (20)
Hi, you’re through to Alexa, I’m sorry I’m not here just now, in fact I’m not really here ever …..however please leave your message and even although I don’t actually exist …….I’ll get back to you.
( What next? ……April Fool Estate Agents, how may I help You? )
As always, even sh@te publicity is publicity.
Alexa?
Yes……
I’m Hal
…………….
…………………….
……sound of footsteps as Alexa makes a run for it!
So you need to download an app, to ask alexa how much the house it worth? – Surely easier to find one of the random number generators online or actually call a professional in the first place. #Gimmick
Hi Alexa,
I’ve got a Grade II star listed building with subsidence and an enforcement order on it in a Conservation Area. What’s it worth please?
Probably the best way to crash her!
one seventy five! If you know, you know 😉
OK a novel way to add something to your business model. Now what do you do when the valuer goes out and give them the bad news, we got the valuation wrong! Oh so many reasons why this will cause arguments with vendors and if the Alexa valuation comes back under vendor expectations … well we know who they won’t be calling out to market the property!!! Who is or more importantly who should be in control on giving an accurate and confident valuation at the first hurdle?
Funny thing round our way, Alexa still recommends Reeds Rains.
Now I feel sorry for the staff don’t get me wrong… but seriously… Does Alexa like Reeds Rains because they closed? or because they are still paying her? Doh.
Alexa, how much is our house worth?
Sorry I don’t understand the question…..Playing – Our House by Madness
Taking contractual responsibility for any AVM generated valuation has quite onerous duty of care and skill considerations.
Your house is worth 500,000,000 and purple bricks will sell it for 3.50 !
the weather today will be …….
Is this what we call ‘innovation’ now or is it still ‘disruption’? Maybe they can give a free Alexa away with every valuation then just turn up to the property, plug it in and ask for the value..
You really can’t make this stuff up any more.
“Alexa, it’s the biggest one on the estate. The developer built it for himself, it’s got the biggest plot. We don’t even notice the dual carriageway, we’re too busy marvelling at our new kitchen we got 8 years ago.”
This.
Hilarious..
You really should have published this one yesterday!
Alexa, what is my house worth?
‘Approximately £25,000 less than you think it is worth.’
Sorry. I’m having trouble connecting to the internet. Take a look at the help section in your Alexa app.
“Hi Alexa, how much is my house worth”
Ok, lets go through a few questions….”Describe your property to me”
“Well most importantly Alexa my house is the biggest in the road as the builder built it for himself when building the estate, it has the biggest garden in the road, and has a much nicer than the house that sold a few doors away last year”
………
………
“Alexa are you still there”…..
Haha… **Ric spits coffee over keyboard** (Well Costa Mocha actually! We had a decent exchange month)
Brilliant ArthurHouse02… I think I went to that house yesterday.
I’ve just asked Alexa, “What’s the best way to shoot yourself in the foot and end your business plan”
She said – “Ask Hunters, not me”
Dan Rafferty will be replaced by iDan iRafferty soon if he doesn’t figure it out. Honestly…
Gets a “noes” from me.
Still April Fool’s Day?