Rightmove, which this weekend has been looking into claims that a private seller is listing his home on the site, said this morning that the property appears to be advertised via one of its estate agency members.
The vendor, Chris Foster, of Dodworth, near Barnsley, Yorkshire, is due to take part in the BBC’s new programme ‘Axe the Agent’.
The series starts today at 10am and is meant to consist entirely of private vendors who deliberately cut estate agents out of their transactions, and who save money on estate agency fees.
Foster’s agent-avoiding tactics are said to include setting up a stall at Barnsley Football Stadium.
Rightmove does not accept advertisements from private sellers, but in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, Foster was said to have “managed to get his home on the property portal Rightmove which he rightly feels is crucial to marketing it – the internet he thinks has taken away much of estate agents’ importance. ‘They’ve got to evolve a bit, push themselves for their fees,’ he says. ‘They’ve just got to be seen to do a bit more for their money.’”
A footnote to the article said that Foster’s house is available on Rightmove for £187,500 “for a limited period only”.
It would appear that the property is in fact being marketed on Rightmove through a bona fide NAEA agent.
That could be a huge embarrassment for the BBC, which is specifically promoting the show as helping people sell their homes without an estate agent.
Rightmove confirmed that it does not allow properties to be directly advertised by private sellers.
Miles Shipside, commercial director of Rightmove, said this morning (Monday): “We, as a business, have had no contact with Chris Foster and he certainly is not a direct advertiser with Rightmove. We have been told that that the house he is trying to sell is on Rightmove and, if the house in question is indeed his, then we are happy to confirm that this house is advertised by one of our member estate agents.”
‘Axe the Agent’ is to be screened every weekday at 10am for the next four weeks. It is understood that a second series has already been commissioned.
Axe the Agent property 'on Rightmove' claim
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Comments
Although it may appear as a question, ie Axe the Agent? the programme does appear to be heavily biased towards encouraging private sellers to bypass the Professionals and perhaps miss out on that one keen buyer willing to pay the current market value for their property. My experience is that many private sellers sell at a lower price just to beat the agent. I would never encourage sellers to go it alone unless they have a special flair, adequate contacts and access to the top Internet Property Portals.
I think the point to note is that the programme title is 'Axe the Agent?' and not 'Axe the Agent' as the intro to this article refers to it. That is the significant difference is that it’s a question and not a statement. The programme is actually quite positive about Estate Agents and the ex-estate agent presenter regularly comments on the expertise and knowledge required by Estate Agents to sell property in today’s market. The programme actually shows how difficult it really is to market your own home - and ridiculously has some vendors riding a bike with a sign on, standing in a town centre with a clown and one handing free cakes out in a supermarket - all this with your sales leaflets and privately printed boards all at a cost. The programmes have not covered any online private sales options. All of which will have most potential vendors running to their nearest Agent!
I run a UK Property Styling to Sell company and think that Agents should look at the positives here that the programme actually points the finger of blame for lack of a sale to the poor presentation of the property - even in one instance a home that was too minimalist and looked like a show home and not homely enough. Having said that, clutter is the key problem with most of the homes shown - and that is an issue most Agents seem unable to get the vendor to take action on. My Company also offer a commission on referrals so there is a chance of faster turnover of the tired stock as well as increased revenue by referring our services. In this market I would have thought Agents would consider this option. Why don't more Agents make Home Staging and declutter services available to vendors as standard practice? I would love to know.
On air fodder to give the style and design magazine buyers a more intellectual challenge once they’ve finished thumbing through the pictures. It focuses almost entirely on house staging rather than location and potential. I could understand a program that genuinely assisted people with undertaking a private sale by offering practical advice, information and resources etc but this is really just another makeover show in disguise. To quote “your TV looks old fashioned replace it with a more contemporary one” “think about getting some designer items”.
Nothing wrong with making the best of a property and agents can and should offer sensible advice on this as part of the service but please don’t dumb down the process just to entertain for the daytime TV voyeurs!
Thare are many alternative ways to seel your house and using agents is fast becomming the last option. I have a website called Swaptogo which is where homeowners (and agents) can advertise properties where swapping is being considered. Up-sizing, down-sizing, like for like, it doesn't matter we have 1000's of properties listed all over the UK and into Europe. Many more are joining every day. AND IT IS FREE
to be honest though the standards that some agents are dropping to at the moment is shocking. I have worked in the industry for nearly 5 years so know how things should be done. I am a ftb in huddersfield and have my funds in place as well as my legals and have been on 7 viewings in the past 2 weeks as well as being registered on the majority of the local agents lists. How many calls have i had from the agents trying to get my business - none. I get sent an automated email from a number of agents but no follow up calls seeing if i am interested and when i do call them to make a viewing i have had 1 call to ask how the viewing went - you do actually need to be proactive to earn your fees! of course its everyone elses fault that there are problems and nothing to do with people becoming complacent and dropping the most important thing - customer service
Guys apologies I forgot to tell you we provide them with the deposit to buy a home and get them in the position to buy. We then send you their requirements and if they purchase through you that's where the fee comes in. We have equity in the property hence we want to work with Estate Agents that can ensure they find the right property. Wo without us there is no sale hence the fee to Estate Agents. Hopefully that clears it up... let me know guys
Truth - If I pay you in advance can I have first call on all your leads, your idea sounds brilliant....I cant believe you have buyers who will not contact the agents themselves, I need a way in to your buyers....! do you take credit card if so let me know I will send you my pin number so you can take the money as and when you feel fit! I wish I had thought of this......!
Have just watched it on Iplayer. It is totally mistitled. We have nothing to worry out. How can the BBC justify wasting budget on a prog that takes 60 mins to tell us that the houses are over priced & resemble Steptoe’s yard? One vendor had their home on originally at £500k, but would now consider £300k! The style wonkers Johnny Gonorrhea (?) & Gary McCausland who present the prog make a mountain out of a molehill. At no time did they explain that by saving the agent’s fee the vendor would probably end up accepting a lower offer.
What are you playing at truth,,estate agents actually provide a service you just sound like a dodgy match maker. Were you a failed HIP assesssor before you came up with that stupid idea.?
I always ring private boards to see if I can help them,,funny thing is I never get an answer,even the most basic service levels aren't met..
Just need one of those penny pichin gits to get mugged then they wont be so cocky when trying to cut us out.
Guys and Gals,
This is just another day time TV show that some of the public will watch.
My predicction is that a larger amount of the viewers will think stuff that and will end up calling a local agent out.
Don't panic my fellow agents, this is just a TV show.
We should all be standing tall, knowing that with our hard work and combined knowledge
we can get through this and those who choose not use us will probably never move.
The 5 Estate Agents will all refuse the offer of good quality leads simply because when you have a High Street and Rightmove presence these applicants will find you anyway. Proper Agents really have no respect for the Arthur Daley style middle men rather sadly trying to take part of our hard earned commission. I notice how you still need to call a proper Agent to get instructions. Post your name or be ignored.
"Truth", that is become we have all heard these schemes and 99% of the time, they scames. If people are serious about buying property, they will find it for themself. Thank you for wasting the time of 5 estate agents.
I hope Rightmove will extract an apology from the BBC, the Telegraph and the Sunday Times. Don't these b----y journalists check these things out before broadcasting/printing? They should be accountable for their wrong doings. Perhaps a public flogging!
Calling all Estate Agents...
It's time to start earning your money, I have just contacted 5 estate agents to say I have 3 buyers (First Time Buyers) who are looking to buy in their area. My buyers have deposits and mortgages ready and it will cost them £250 should my clients complete with them. Two of them so far have come back with, not interested... Guys you have got to be joking what do you actually do to sell peoples properties. You need to be more creative with ways that you get deals moving otherwise I agree Axe the agent.
I have seen these programs before and I have followed up on every sale they featured on them. 9 times out of 10 the sale fell through and the vendor ended up going to an estate agent. The last one from memory was a Trevor MacDonald special a year or so ago on ITV. That Vendor was using The Little House Company. The film suggesed they had found a buyer and sold. When I followed it up it had fallen through and they were now using an agent - some chap in Islington. I also seem to recall the Proepty expert they wheeled in seemed more interested in putting fresh flowers in the flat than about whether the price was right !! Hey Ho, you gota love the BBC for being so totally out of control sometimes !
Just caught the end of the programme....Strange they didn't say whether they managed to sell without the agent....Hmmm
Just look at the other BBC property show - To buy or not to buy - presented by 'experts' such as Ed Hall (ex big breakfast and The Farm host), previously Simon Rimmer (a chef on Something for the weekend), Jenny Powell (ex Childrens TV presenter and FHM pinup). What a joke! Only fools will buy this rubbish. I look forward to seeing these people negotiate and progress the sale.
Miles, is that a good post?
Guys keep it professional as this will be read by journo's and thousands of people. This is our chance to speak but make sure we look professional with professional posts.
Agree well done Nicky the person who can actually read. the article is about the BBC by the way. Why you find it as an opportunity to bad mouth Rightmove again is beyond me. Can you not read they do not allow pricate sellers or landlords? For all those that left and have seen no decrease in business (I wish i had opened an agency on Mars as well), stop telling us it doesn't bother you as it clearly does.
Nicky well done for posting your comments. Miles.
Sorry everyone. WHAT A JOKE ! ! ! !
I'm getting used to this constant abuse by the government now.
Who thought this one up ? (needs to be shot, quickly)
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Dont think that post is really necessary BahhSheep. It is quite simple, agents will use Rightmove if it works for them. If it sells your houses, its worth the fee. If the fee goes up ridiculously or they do allow private sellers, everyone will just move to the portal which acts in our favour. Said portal will then be able to afford a massive marketing campaign and they will become the number 1. And PLEEEEEASE dont anyone tune into BBC1. It will only wind you up and they don't need the additional viewing figures.
The Sheep is spot on. It is only a matter of time before RightMove partners with a national online agency like Wow, HouseSimple or BrightSale and wipes the luddite high street johnies off the map. I don't understand why RM are waiting so long - it is obvious what is going to happen. Meanwhile the hight street johnies continue to pay RM to build RM's brand with the real customers (ie vendors). At point RM will turn and, like Saturn, eat its ownchildren. Grim times await you ...
I would also like to draw attention to right move also allowing private landlords to advertise their properties on the rightmove website so this is not also affecting estate agents but letting agents too.
EA+ Sheep. On we go, make Rightmove stronger. OK, what if they accept private ads, like a newspaper, at considerably more per column inch than you pay for your property adds, that sell the paper and all the other adverts. What you going to do about it? Nothing! because you are so weak you are like sheep, “ I have to be on rightmove”. Go on then keep saying it, what’s to stop them doubling, trebling their fees, setting up a For Sale by Owner section, reselling your data, oh aren’t they doing that? Time to wake up agents, this property business is moving away from you and potentially for ever and you are paying! We are open 7 days a week, we are local, no sale no fee, we have nice colour pics “we are on rightmove”- fantastic USPs, I wonder when we will see the first Rightmove Board on a property?- surely only a matter of time. Sheep, wake up, this is not a go at rightmove, if I was a shareholder it would be, they are missing a massive opportune to harvest you lot!
Maybe someone can provide details on the captive audience available at 10am on weekdays? Most if not all my clients work! Every time the BBC broadcast a programme that takes a cheap swipe at Agents it backfires on them and the same will happen now. I won't be watching and it won't be of much interest to that captive audience. I suggest the BBC do an expose' on how they commission total rubbish in a continued dumbing down process while SKY TV takes over.
Finding a buyer when selling privately is nearly always down to luck. Keeping hold of that buyer, dealing with all the problems that the solicitors don't see and don't care about and reaching exchange is more like a miracle. That is why the majority of sellers use agents. I don't employ a full time sales co ordinator for nothing. Yes, the NAEA should be shouting louder. Left wing, audience grabbing BBC can go ............
Oh dear, This is going to be worth recording. I cant wait to see what a c*ck up this turns out to be. Are these people going to rememeber their HIP/EPC ? PIQ ? Property details that are within the mis-discription act etc... Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha what a joke.
On the other hand, i think it is discusting that the BBC can broadcast such a program about 'cutting the agent out' when they know we are all having a small nightmare and that businesses are closing left, right and center. Thanks for the help and support BBC.
Try making a program about tarting up your house to help you sell it, rather than cut the agent out ! ! ! !
Well said 'How About'. What all agents need to remember, when tuning into this show, is that the presenters present. They have scripts and all situations are rehearsed and the editors tend to use the ones best suited for viewer ratings, not the needy house seller. In essence, the 'advice' provided in this programme is from idea's dreamt up by BBC employees, so the reality of getting advice from the so called experts is hogwash! And remember, the researchers will hound local agents to death gathering all the information required and slagging us off in the process.I also know, from experience, once filming is over, the vendor will be left to handle their own sale, which we all know will probably not reach completion. Let's see if the BBC re-visit some vendors come the next series!! Keep our chins up, it's not real!
Come on NAEA, ARLA and RICS Executives- less political posturing - start banging the drum really hard, NOW, to promote the value of using your members. We pay you!
I hope that the BBC do a follow up series that shows the mess that they have gotten everybody into because they havn't got any idea what it takes to sell a house before during or after there has been a selling price agreed.