An agency is rebranding after 25 years to emphasise how a personal touch and the look and feel of a branch office can be an advantage over new online agencies.
The Hexham-based agency formerly known as Northumbria and Cumbria estate agents is now being renamed Andrew Coulson, after the firm's founder.
Andrew Coulson says he has been spurred to undertake the rebrand to combat what he calls the proliferation of online agencies.
We're based in a two-storey building in a primary pedestrian flow, so are clearly visible to passers-by. We wanted to opt for a new look and feel giving the impression of a living room so it felt warm and inviting. At the same time, we wanted to change the name to Andrew Coulson, to give it a more personal feel and reflect our bespoke service he says.
Inside the office it's really relaxed. Our comfy sofas and open fire means people come in and sit down and they seem to love it. The great thing is, we also have the upstairs office for those who would like to discuss their details in a more confidential setting he explains.
Suzie Pattison of Ravensworth, the design firm masterminding the rebrand, says some agents miss out on ways to improve the effectiveness of their displays - increasingly important when combatting online agencies.
We knew [the office space] would benefit from backlit displays due to its prominent position on the street. Many agents make the investment to install backlit displays then fail to maximise impact by printing window cards in-house which is a false economy. We print them on a transparent material made for backlit display systems she says.
Comments
Office location and branding is important, however what is most important is what you actually do with it. You can have the fanciest displays in the world, but without decent staff and management you may as well throw your money down the toilet. People aren't going to buy a house because they like your office or your flashy business cards, these are nice luxury's to have of course, but as far as selling houses is concerned they aren't too important, anyone who tells you different is talking out their arse or possibly trying to sell you something...
How do you pay for this grandiose luxury The high fees you charge to your Client's of course. Potted plants, sofa's, pictures, blue tooth hands free reception phones, branded BMWs and Minis, water fountains, free coffee, commission orientated staff these are all in the past get rid of them and drop your fees accordingly. No wonder online agents are taking over.