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Terence's  Personal Profile View my company profile

Terence Dicks
Terence Dicks
Sales Consultant
9303  Profile Views

About Me

Married. Living and working in Birmingham. Love rugby. Soon to be moving back Essex way.

my expertise in the industry

Worked for Halifax Property Services, Spicer McColl, Angel Estates and Tower Property Services. Completed a 3 year stint selling property in Dubai and around 5 years selling Timeshare in Malta, Cyprus, Spain and associated islands.

Terence's Recent Activity

Terence Dicks
I agree Simon. The Agents Mutual and OTM have caused their own damage to the London market. Never would I have seen KFH fail to sell a propertry in my area, but it now happens. They will certainly get no sympathy from me.

From: Terence Dicks 29 November 2017 06:03 AM

Terence Dicks
Nothing PB does is fantastic. They are allowed to advertise without making it clear that the "fee" is paid regardless of whether they sell or not. Their so-called Local Property Experts have no need to sell the properties they list as they are paid an immediate fee from the initial listing. All they do is to list said properties on portals. It is also not made clear to prospective clients that should their property be sold, and they do not use PBs own conveyancing firm, the "fee" is increased by £300 and the whole fee is immediately payable upfront. Their own conveyancing firm is, by the way, a complete and utter shambles and cost considerably more than a decent conveyancing firm. If they were not so underhanded in everything they do, I would indeed applaud them, but show me the profit they have made, or any other "online agent". The model they use is clearly unsustainable without crowdfunding or diluting share issues. I do not apologise for any views I air on this site, but have the right to do so. I have worked in this industry for over 30 years, and ANY agent either online or high street who acts like PB and House Simples earn the disdain of any decent agent.

From: Terence Dicks 07 March 2017 11:55 AM

Terence Dicks
Of course they are having a good start to the year!! Why not when they are still conning people to list with them?? When will the toothless dog that is the ASA force them to state on their "Commisery" adverts that their clients will pay regardless of whether they sell or not, and if they do not use their garbage conveyancers it will cost them a further £300.00 and the whole fee is payable upfront??

From: Terence Dicks 31 January 2017 16:16 PM

Terence Dicks
It is difficult to take advantage of anything when their collective heads are in such a dark place.

From: Terence Dicks 26 January 2017 09:29 AM

Terence Dicks
Of course she/he does.

From: Terence Dicks 26 January 2017 09:26 AM

Terence Dicks
Absolutely Rob. Stay away from Moore Stephens if you want good advice.

From: Terence Dicks 25 January 2017 08:54 AM

Terence Dicks
And has lured Mark Palmer to talk about sandwiches??

From: Terence Dicks 18 January 2017 15:06 PM

Terence Dicks
Do you actually work for them Jon?? Do you actually work in our industry?? You seem rather vehement in your defence of them and against how we do business. Whilst PB are permanently slagging off the traditional agents in their advertisements, no-one does the same to them except for on this forum. If you do not like what you read, don't come on here. Contributors here are (mainly) working within this industry, and only we see it. We post opinions and it is not your right to dismiss what they are saying because it does not fit in with what you believe.

From: Terence Dicks 17 January 2017 11:33 AM

Terence Dicks
What housing bubble?? Until the house builders actually build houses the prices will continue to rise. When they DO build and sell them they are are overpriced. The market is hardening due to less property coming to the market. Mortgages are difficult to obtain, and lending is apparently more "responsible". Blaming my generation for you and others maybe having difficulty purchasing property in the current climate is irresponsible and ill-thought out. Neither you or anyone else pays for my lifestyle but me Brit Sixteen Sixty Four, and I have worked in this industry most of my working life to do so, and will continue to do so until I retire.

From: Terence Dicks 11 January 2017 06:38 AM

Terence Dicks
You must admit, Michael Bruce has more neck than a giraffe. His LPEs are in the main charlatans, like him and his brother. They all promise the earth and deliver nothing.

From: Terence Dicks 09 January 2017 20:47 PM

Terence Dicks
Mr Jeffries is somewhat outspoken about our industry, and how we are getting it wrong but the onliners are getting it right. Smacks a bit of market manipulation methinks. I am still waiting (although NOT with bated breath) for one of them to actually make a profit without begging. All comments gratefully received, and a Happy New year one and all!!

From: Terence Dicks 03 January 2017 12:58 PM

Terence Dicks
We will see just how much like us they are as the market continues to harden.

From: Terence Dicks 06 December 2016 08:35 AM

Terence Dicks
Maybe Alison and her crew will end up working in a shop and be truly retail.

From: Terence Dicks 02 December 2016 08:45 AM

Terence Dicks
And you believe that PB do not manipulate Trust Pilot?? Grow up Martin.

From: Terence Dicks 22 November 2016 17:43 PM

Terence Dicks
Predictably hostile response to estate agents. You are certainly quick off the mark to insult agents at every opportunity Jon Tarrey. Has one or more upset you at any time?? Would you like to talk about it??

From: Terence Dicks 22 November 2016 17:38 PM

Terence Dicks
Daring to be different?? You must mean by being nowhere near making a profit.

From: Terence Dicks 18 November 2016 16:37 PM

Terence Dicks
Turnover for vanity, profit for sanity.

From: Terence Dicks 18 November 2016 16:34 PM

Terence Dicks
Of course they will not do a “full bottom-up review” of supply issues, as all the major builders are more interested in selling their Land Banks to each other rather than the expensive building of properties (which they would then over-price to put people in negative equity for at least 10 years). The whole issue of over-pricing new-builds, including retirement properties needs to be looked at as does the amount of maintenance charges levied on apartment blocks, and the cost of Lease Packs etc. Rotten to the core.

From: Terence Dicks 15 November 2016 08:37 AM

Terence Dicks
Yet another pointless and factless survey.

From: Terence Dicks 15 November 2016 08:30 AM

Terence Dicks
Funnily enough Jon, I did read the article, and it is not anecdotal evidence, it is fact. Personally, I do not care what you are inclined to believe, I know our fees have not increased for quite a long time and for you to disbelieve that is indeed your right. That is not debate however, but you choosing to believe what you read without researching further to find out the accuracy of the claims. Debate is discussion from opposite viewpoints, not blindly accepting claims without basis.

From: Terence Dicks 08 November 2016 13:57 PM

Terence Dicks
I get used to reading garbage on this site, but this just takes the biscuit!! Our "average fee" is less than a third of that. Morons.

From: Terence Dicks 07 November 2016 13:03 PM

Terence Dicks
I think this one is about the shonky agents who delist a property and relist it again for no valid reason just to gain a new listing.

From: Terence Dicks 04 November 2016 13:05 PM

Terence Dicks
Neither JLL, Savills or anyone else is able to see the future accurately so I reckon I will carry on doing what I am doing now, selling and letting available property and being as well-prepared as possible to meet the real future as it arrives.

From: Terence Dicks 04 November 2016 12:51 PM

Terence Dicks
A sample from the Open House website. "Unlike most high street estate agencies, our dedicated local Estate Agents work under revolutionary new industry concepts providing a greater personalised service at a fraction of the cost." I need to learn these "revolutionary new industry concepts" immediately. I wonder what they are??

From: Terence Dicks 28 October 2016 09:40 AM

Terence Dicks
Akshay Ruparella is an idiot if he believes that decent agents will work for the peanuts they can earn with his company. When will crowdfunding investors open their eyes to these con artists??

From: Terence Dicks 28 October 2016 09:33 AM

Terence Dicks
What this says to me is that it is absolutely NOTHING to do with the housing market continuing to shows signs of underlying weakness, but the Lenders continuing to make it more and more difficult for buyers to obtain a mortgage. The Financial Services industry in this country needs a complete shake-up. We all know the Banks and Building love to lend an umbrella when it is sunny, but want it back when it rains.

From: Terence Dicks 28 October 2016 06:45 AM

Terence Dicks
Do exactly what Purple Bricks do and manipulate the rating site so the bad reviews are swamped by the good reviews (which are solicited of course even though the reviewers have only just listed, not sold). Until rating companies do the the job correctly, none of you are worth reading. You do nothing to ensure the reviews are true or accurate, so why do people believe them. Because you all let them think they ARE accurate and true. Con artist tools for con artist companies.

From: Terence Dicks 23 October 2016 12:06 PM

Terence Dicks
I must admit to being rather annoyed that the online "agents" are given so much space on EAT to spout their drivel, but it does raise some interesting responses whih I DO enjoy reading. Owner Sellers eh?? About as much thought went into that name as went into their article. There is NO average house price in the UK. £216, 750 is WAY above the average price for a property in the area of Birmingham that I work in, as is the so-called average fee of £2,218.00 plus VAT. I suppose this company is another who rely on handouts to survive, as their business model is fatally flawed. Are they mostly started by failed high street agents who think they can make a quick buck?? Would be mildly interesting to know.

From: Terence Dicks 12 October 2016 06:27 AM

Terence Dicks
Fed up with hearing about it really.

From: Terence Dicks 10 October 2016 09:09 AM

Terence Dicks
Good morning Russell!! Glad you are spouting again.

From: Terence Dicks 10 October 2016 09:07 AM

Terence Dicks
Not, of course, that Aston Mead have any personal Interest in this.

From: Terence Dicks 28 September 2016 05:29 AM

Terence Dicks
I can only think that the West Midlands is no longer a part of the UK, because we have seen absolutely no drop in demand OR increase in supply of property.

From: Terence Dicks 28 September 2016 05:25 AM

Terence Dicks
Ahh!! Lying politicians from the House of Abuse. Why is this news??

From: Terence Dicks 28 September 2016 05:19 AM

Terence Dicks
1009 adults. Nationally representative. NOT.

From: Terence Dicks 28 September 2016 05:16 AM

Terence Dicks
I expect the shareholders are extremely pleased at having 2/3 wiped off their investment. A cautionary tale methinks.

From: Terence Dicks 28 September 2016 05:14 AM

Terence Dicks
"[Tyrer] will be working closely with Phil to protect what is unique about London whilst exploring where there is the opportunity to drive synergies," said a spokesperson for Countrywide. Does anyone have a clue what that means??

From: Terence Dicks 26 September 2016 15:43 PM

Terence Dicks
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I do believe we may have heard it all before. Still waiting for an online agent to earn enough without crowdfunding to prove it works.

From: Terence Dicks 23 September 2016 06:46 AM

Terence Dicks
Good.

From: Terence Dicks 23 September 2016 06:44 AM

Terence Dicks
Good luck with that one.

From: Terence Dicks 22 September 2016 06:33 AM

Terence Dicks
"Find your happy". Really??

From: Terence Dicks 21 September 2016 06:48 AM

Terence Dicks
Exactly WHEN are they going to begin handing out fines?? Seems a bit like a toothless dog at the moment.

From: Terence Dicks 21 September 2016 06:44 AM

Terence Dicks
I can only imagine how delighted the Countrywide staff are being told they are working over a full weekend doing something so totallt useless. I wonder when the mass exodus will begin??

From: Terence Dicks 20 September 2016 08:21 AM

Terence Dicks
Hmmmm....and this supposedly trustworthy "research" is from a banking group that cannot even run itself without taxpayers money??

From: Terence Dicks 20 September 2016 08:16 AM

Terence Dicks
Hmmm.....

From: Terence Dicks 15 September 2016 06:37 AM

Terence Dicks
Nice to know that Mr Quirk still lives firmly inside his own head. Rather a damning statement from Bob Scarff about Alison Platt's vision though.

From: Terence Dicks 15 September 2016 06:34 AM

Terence Dicks
So now Savills are running an ad promoting Yopa telling everyone that traditional estate agents are charging too much, and also an ad promoting themselves as a traditional estate that charges too much. Go figure.

From: Terence Dicks 12 September 2016 08:53 AM

Terence Dicks
Why have you got it firmly entrenched in your head that high street agents are not only scared of online agents, but they are not ready to ride out the next five to ten years Simon Duce?? Your article is condescending and ill informed.The cheap fees asked for by most online agents are not cheap when the level of service offered is non-existent. I reckon we could make money from our high street office by charging £700.00 to sell our clients property without doing anything to earn it (and take their money regardless of whether we sell the property or not). We would have one problem though, and that is that we would not need to keep begging for money from poorly advised investors to keep a completely unworkable business model afloat. It is slightly galling that you rate online agents so highly when they cannot make their business model work. I would be pleased if there is just ONE online agent who is able to make their business model work and turn a profit. You know, actually generate enough income to run their business. It will be interesting to see how the online agents cope as the market hardens, and trust me, it will. As for delivering on promises, how about promises made to the people who keep investing in something that is NOT making a profit, or is that not the same?? Eventually, I suppose investors will get fed up with empty promises and fudged figures in place of financial returns, and where will the online agents be then??

From: Terence Dicks 10 September 2016 15:41 PM

Terence Dicks
You must admit that Russell is always good for a laugh though....

From: Terence Dicks 09 September 2016 11:19 AM

Terence Dicks
How do you know that EweMove offer more than us high street agents?? If that IS the case, why do they not have more of a market share??

From: Terence Dicks 07 September 2016 15:07 PM

Terence Dicks
I expect the shareholders are getting just a little bit twitchy....

From: Terence Dicks 05 September 2016 09:44 AM

Terence Dicks
Nice to have a bit of light entertainment on a drizzly Monday morning.

From: Terence Dicks 05 September 2016 09:43 AM

Terence Dicks
Confidence has slumped in EAT for continually publishing this spurious rubbish about loss of confidence in the UK housing market. 1000 people from the whole of the UK?? How the hell is that meant to be a true representation of what the millions of UK houseowners think??

From: Terence Dicks 02 September 2016 06:42 AM

Terence Dicks
Surprise??

From: Terence Dicks 01 September 2016 08:47 AM

Terence Dicks
Completely agree. 56% of what?? Without the figures completed it means 0%.

From: Terence Dicks 31 August 2016 13:06 PM

Terence Dicks
Completely agree Daniel. They sometimes go on the attack with poorly prepared "statements".

From: Terence Dicks 26 August 2016 09:59 AM

Terence Dicks
We respond to e-mails as soon as they hit our inbox, and I cannot believe that ANY branch of ANY agent would take so long to do so. If they come in overnight, we respond before 0900 hrs the next day.

From: Terence Dicks 26 August 2016 09:56 AM

Terence Dicks
OOPS!!

From: Terence Dicks 26 August 2016 09:51 AM

Terence Dicks
Compare the Agent .com eh?? I reckon I may just set up a business that negotiates with the companies that negotiate with the Negotiators and get people to pay for that. I wonder how long he has been in our industry, which London agent he worked for and how he comes up with his figures. 45% of how many Sellers choose the wrong agent, and where from?? This idea is wrong on so many levels, and may even be open to an occasional back-hander??

From: Terence Dicks 25 August 2016 06:58 AM

Terence Dicks
Agreed, Open House puts undue pressure on the prospective buyer and the agent unfortunate enough to be given the task. There can be no communication between the agent and buyer when people are just milling about the place. Tyre-kickers like them though.

From: Terence Dicks 22 August 2016 09:19 AM

Terence Dicks
Maybe I should ask Countrywide’s chief economist Fionnuala Earley for the Lottery numbers and retire on the proceeds of the winning ticket.

From: Terence Dicks 22 August 2016 09:00 AM

Terence Dicks
Ahh!! The old crystal ball method!!

From: Terence Dicks 22 August 2016 08:57 AM

Terence Dicks
Yep.

From: Terence Dicks 13 August 2016 10:48 AM

Terence Dicks
I do not believe we have a housing bubble. The inflated prices we see are caused by agents overpricing to get the business (as usual), because there are so few properties available. Every two weeks after, the vendor will be asked to drop the price as there is "no interest at the moment" (again as usual) until the property is at the price it should have been marketed in the first place. If a property is priced correctly to begin with the market moves along nicely, as we are still seeing in Birmingham. Our sales are steady, and apart from the occasional fall-through, we are making money.

From: Terence Dicks 12 August 2016 09:26 AM

Terence Dicks
IF this really happens it can only be good for our industry.

From: Terence Dicks 12 August 2016 06:29 AM

Terence Dicks
Allegedly.

From: Terence Dicks 28 July 2016 17:11 PM

Terence Dicks
Interested to see the 2nd half figures....

From: Terence Dicks 28 July 2016 17:08 PM

Terence Dicks
Dear John (I have always wanted to write that), Apart from being extremely patronising, you appear to have problems understanding even the blindingly obvious. I am not against Hybrid/online agents who do their job correctly. What I am against is companies who charge upfront for a service that does not get delivered, who basically rip people off. I am not against using technology to increase the service we offer to our vendors and buyers, in fact I embrace it. As you are having a problem understanding what "No sale, no fee" means, let me give you a simple breakdown. If we do not sell a property, the vendor does not pay us. We do not then increase our fees to the vendor of a property that does sell to cover our costs on a property that does not sell because that would be bad business. End of. Sorry if that is too complex for you.

From: Terence Dicks 23 July 2016 06:34 AM

Terence Dicks
John, For someone who is not an estate agent you seem to have some rather insulting opinions. Have you ever been an estate agent?? If not, how dare you marginalise the good agents by saying their job is not skilled!! Good estate agents are good NEGOTIATORS and NOT sales people, which is why we are still in business. Regardless of what you think of us, we get the best possible price for our Vendors because we have a vested interest in doing so, and not only for the commission earned, but for recommendations also. How is it good for the client to pay regardless of whether their property sells?? Would you buy something to have it not function correctly and not demand your money back?? From what you have written here, perhaps you would find that acceptable, but I do not. Of course the internet is important in showing people what property there is for sale, but it has absolutely nothing to do with the selling of it.

From: Terence Dicks 22 July 2016 12:16 PM

Terence Dicks
Good ol' Russell. You can always rely on him for spurious stats. I reckon he must sit at home until he hits upon something ridiculous to get him in the EAN again. I do wish he would get a life.

From: Terence Dicks 11 July 2016 09:21 AM

Terence Dicks
Touting for business are we??

From: Terence Dicks 11 July 2016 09:17 AM

Terence Dicks
What this chap obviously has not come to terms with is the complete lack of customer service these so-called "Hybrid Agencies" offer for their cheap fee. In our business you get what you pay for and we have seen proof of that from PB in our area. We were unfortunately attempting to tie a sale of a property with a buyer who has "Sold" through PB, and it is an absolute joke. When we finally got through to a "Central Property Expert" (whatever THAT means), they told us the sale had fallen through (which the owner denied any knowledge of), then we were told the Searches had been applied for, and finally that the buyers solicitors had not been instructed. Needless to say, that sale is no longer proceeding. Once these agencies take the property on there is no incentive to see whether the property is sold or not, as they already have the money in the bank. Maybe YOPA will be better, but I doubt it.

From: Terence Dicks 11 July 2016 09:12 AM

Terence Dicks
Hmmm...Fingers burnt again eh?? Build the right properties and they will not come back to bite you on the behind.

From: Terence Dicks 08 July 2016 08:29 AM

Terence Dicks
I do not understand why these so-called "experts" are surprised the housing market did not crash after the Brexit vote. Our £ is still worth the same to us now as it was before Brexit was even on the horizon (unless you go abroad of course). There is still an under-supply of housing stock, and the developers aren't developing as usual. We are seeing more FTB's entering the arena (thank goodness), and they are in this for the long haul. I do not doubt the market will harden, but the good agents will come through okay, as will the housing market. All we need to do is our job. Simples.

From: Terence Dicks 08 July 2016 08:26 AM

Terence Dicks
Where WOULD we be without Russell??

From: Terence Dicks 08 July 2016 08:19 AM

Terence Dicks
News?? The house building sector in this country is a complete joke. As if they need an excuse not to build. Why were they not hitting targets before Brexit was even on the horizon?? More and more green field sites are being opened up to them, but still nothing appears to be happening. And who CAN be certain about the next quarter?? Certainly not the NAEA who do not seem to quite have their finger on the industry pulse.

From: Terence Dicks 07 July 2016 06:23 AM

Terence Dicks
Trevor, we already are seeing more FTB's entering the market.

From: Terence Dicks 06 July 2016 15:29 PM

Terence Dicks
My thoughts exactly Mark.

From: Terence Dicks 06 July 2016 15:27 PM

Terence Dicks
Of course they have.

From: Terence Dicks 04 July 2016 08:53 AM

Terence Dicks
I am glad he is worried for us though Rob.

From: Terence Dicks 01 July 2016 11:17 AM

Terence Dicks
I have no idea how to interpret what you have written.

From: Terence Dicks 30 June 2016 08:53 AM

Terence Dicks
This is a REAL eye-opener....

From: Terence Dicks 30 June 2016 06:25 AM

Terence Dicks
I suppose the new MD has to make his presence felt, and I am sure had the Haart staff reassured their clients they would not have had 11% more fallen sales than last year.

From: Terence Dicks 30 June 2016 06:23 AM

Terence Dicks
What a load of absolute tosh.

From: Terence Dicks 29 June 2016 08:51 AM

Terence Dicks
I must say that we are not experiencing the same in our area of Birmingham.

From: Terence Dicks 29 June 2016 08:47 AM

Terence Dicks
Normal wrong data from Reeds Rains and Your Move. There is no average price.

From: Terence Dicks 29 June 2016 08:46 AM

Terence Dicks
WOW!! Hometrack are right on it are they not?? Director of Insight eh?? What does that mean??

From: Terence Dicks 29 June 2016 08:44 AM

Terence Dicks
We are still listing properties, we still have customers viewing those properties and we are still selling those properties. Although I am absolutely gutted with the result we carry on doing our job to the best of our ability, and leave the rest to the people best qualified to sort that out. Simples.

From: Terence Dicks 25 June 2016 08:45 AM

Terence Dicks
I am not doubting the vendor liked the strategy Trevor, and maybe that particular one went very well. What I am saying is that should a proceedable buyer wish to view the said property first, then it should be put to the owner immediately, especially if they wish to offer the the full market price. Also, I cannot fathom why any agent would be happy to give away 50% of their commission in the first place by subbing out. I am sure the negs concerned are delighted with that idea.

From: Terence Dicks 23 June 2016 10:08 AM

Terence Dicks
Just another way of shoring up an iffy company Matt.

From: Terence Dicks 23 June 2016 08:36 AM

Terence Dicks
Sorry Trevor, that is absolute rubbish. My wife and I own property in London from when I worked there, and the money is not an issue because we could afford it, just like anywhere else in the country. Open house is a lazy way of selling property and puts undue pressure on buyers. Buying a property is a huge undertaking, and people deserve at least 20 minutes with the agent in the property without other people being there. Of course it helps when they know that others are viewing the same property, but to have prospective buyers wandering around a property without being able to ask questions of the agent (who is supposed to have the answers) is unprofessional and is not helping to gain the best price for their client. I have recently tried to get a viewing on a property that was scheduled for an open house in Dorset for a proceedable buyer, and was told no-one would be allowed to see the property before that date. How is that doing the best for their vendor?? Refusing to contact the vendor and book the viewing is irresponsible and possibly illegal. Open house is morally questionable and unfair to all concerned, and leads me to ask whether agents who carry them out are even capable of selling property.

From: Terence Dicks 23 June 2016 06:52 AM

Terence Dicks
Just watch then.

From: Terence Dicks 21 June 2016 09:42 AM

Terence Dicks
The only valid reason to have a high street presence is to advertise your company, to give it a form of solidity and respectability. I know that properties are rarely sold this way, but it does still happen. It also gives buyers and sellers comfort knowing where they can find you should they need to. Our office is like a drop-in centre some days, with landlords, vendors and investors all having coffee with us, which gains us business from referrals because we are friends also. It enables them to know us (and us to know them) better. Purely online agents will never achieve this, and this is why they will never have a large market share. Rightmove are now trialling a virtual tour platform, so the "customer never need to leave their home". They still do not get what selling property is about. Buyers want to actually see the property they are thinking of purchasing, to get a feel for the property and the area it sits in. I applaud Mark for taking up a high street premises, as it will surely assist him in making a further success of his business. I wish you well Mark.

From: Terence Dicks 21 June 2016 09:41 AM

Terence Dicks
Michael, unfortunately I am not in the least surprised at that. Some agents have never heard of the Estate Agents Act (never repealed) and frivolous offers. Thank goodness we are here to show them how it is meant to be done.

From: Terence Dicks 20 June 2016 13:37 PM

Terence Dicks
How many people did they survey??

From: Terence Dicks 20 June 2016 09:04 AM

Terence Dicks
Mr Shipside-Master of stating the obvious. Does he not think that we confirm our Buyers financial status before we allow an offer to be accepted?? Perhaps you actually need to sample what we actually do for a living. Until you do, keep your irrelevant opinions to yourself Miles.

From: Terence Dicks 20 June 2016 09:02 AM

Terence Dicks
I expect I could do the same with the help of investors money. I would LOVE to see just one online agent give their poor investors a return on their money.

From: Terence Dicks 18 June 2016 16:12 PM

Terence Dicks
Troll somewhere else Dean.

From: Terence Dicks 18 June 2016 16:02 PM

Terence Dicks
“The digitalisation of the property industry and the efficiencies these tools bring helps to reduce cost per office and has also enabled the growth in the number of agents. Over the last 12 months our membership base has grown by over 2%.” Really Nick McKittrick??

From: Terence Dicks 18 June 2016 14:55 PM

Terence Dicks
Sorry Michael, no-one can predict with ANY accuracy what will happen should we leave.

From: Terence Dicks 18 June 2016 10:41 AM

Terence Dicks
I completely agree with you Simon.

From: Terence Dicks 18 June 2016 10:39 AM

Terence Dicks
You seem to think you are a bit of a guru Christopher. For your information, most agents are indeed not simply sitting behind their desks posting comments as you so arrogantly put it, we are reasonably successfully selling homes all the time. PB and others like them will soon need to change their flawed business model or they will fail massively. Contact centres were around in the 80's and they do not work (ask the Halifax). A faceless individual on the telephone does not care a whit about anything other than their wage and have no feel for the client or their property. A decent agent cares about getting the sale to complete (even if it is only about the money) whereas the online agents who are guaranteed a fee when they list a property have no interest in progressing a sale as they have already been paid for listing. What do you think is more important to the online agent Christopher?? The model PB (and others who charge up front fees regardless of whether they sell or not) use is to my mind no better than fraud. Agents who insist clients use THEIR conveyancers (and charge extra non-stated fees on top if they do not) because they get a cut of the action are no better, online OR high street. If all the online agents actually manage to prove they can survive without crowdfunding or any such method of attracting unearned money, I would be delighted because it would mean they were actually doing their job correctly and not just ripping people off (sellers OR investors). We prove ourselves to our sellers and buyers every day by being honest and trustworthy to them, and completing sales Christopher, so get off your soapbox.

From: Terence Dicks 18 June 2016 06:59 AM

Terence Dicks
Just wait until their figures come out. IF they do.

From: Terence Dicks 17 June 2016 12:03 PM

Terence Dicks
PB are all front and no depth. As Kristjan says-roll on the real figures. Their spend is massively outweighing their income and will do for years. Now they are talking about Australia-expect the Bruces to dump their shares here if THAT comes off.

From: Terence Dicks 16 June 2016 16:33 PM

Terence Dicks
Hey Dean, I like it when people like you come on here spouting rubbish, it is SUCH fun!!

From: Terence Dicks 16 June 2016 16:29 PM

Terence Dicks
That would be none. Why would anyone want to protect the public from these cowboys??

From: Terence Dicks 16 June 2016 07:17 AM

Terence Dicks
This Index, like all others is completely useless because it insists there is an "average property price". It is impossible that the price of such a thing exists in this area of Birmingham, when the price of most of our housing stock is way under it. If you need such a ridiculous thing, create a local index for each region, and one for each city.

From: Terence Dicks 15 June 2016 10:36 AM

Terence Dicks
I am sure that Hostmaker are experts in our field. Not.

From: Terence Dicks 15 June 2016 10:34 AM

Terence Dicks
This Index, like all others is completely useless because it insists there is an "average property price". It is impossible that price of such a thing exists in this area of Birmingham, when the price of most of our housing stock is way under it. If you need such a ridiculous thing, create a local index for each region, and one for each city.

From: Terence Dicks 15 June 2016 09:09 AM

Terence Dicks
We are a Your Move Franchise, and having worked for Corporates twice it is the only way for an independent agent to keep some semblance of its' identity and working practice.It is not perfect by any means, but it gives you an umbrelle to work under without most of the Corporate ridiculousness.

From: Terence Dicks 15 June 2016 09:01 AM

Terence Dicks
So the HOA would like us all to work from home like PB etc?? Idiots. When you add up all the hidden fees most of the online agents charge, allied with their awful service, we are are not much more expensive than them (if at all). We also offer a great service to our clients, including placing their business with GOOD conveyancers to reduce the risk of fallen sales. I am getting fed up with amateurs attempting to influence the way our business is carried out. Our offices are a base to work from, and if a client needs our help to fill out the Property Information Form or the Fixtures and Fittings Form, it is a place they can come to seek our assistance (which is freely given). How is having no high street presence going to best serve consumer interest?? Forgive me for disagreeing with this " influential consumer property body HomeOwners Alliance", but having a high street presence shows that we really DO have "Local Property Experts" who actually WORK in the area, as opposed to people who live 20, 30 or 40 miles from their area of work, or are trying to cover 11 London Postcode areas and have no real knowledge of the properties they are supposed to be seling (NOT only marketing). The HOA should remember they are supposed to be representing their customers best interests, not attempting to be fortune-tellers.

From: Terence Dicks 14 June 2016 08:11 AM

Terence Dicks
Who really cares about the greedy high end agents?? I know!! The greedy high end agents!!

From: Terence Dicks 13 June 2016 11:19 AM

Terence Dicks
Well Christopher, it is lucky that ALL agents are not rubbish at selling a good service rather than a poor service with a low fee. What type do you belong to?? I know which one I belong to. PB blatantly lie about the supposedly great deal their clients receive, and they hide fees also. Their 'Local property Experts' are neither local nor experts, and we are getting more and more buyers who will not even attempt to view a PB property because they have had bad experiences trying to view before. Their spend will always be greater than their income. I do not disagree that so-called 'Hybrid agencies' are the way forward, but it is NOT hybrid, just good agents changing with the times. Unless PB and certain other agencies change how they do things (or not), they will be the agencies that pass.

From: Terence Dicks 13 June 2016 11:16 AM

Terence Dicks
I am sorry Ian, I thought they already did.

From: Terence Dicks 11 June 2016 11:20 AM

Terence Dicks
Developers in London have long been guilty of having excuses NOT to build. Instead, they sell on their "Land Banks" to other developers to keep their books ticking over. Had they actually built more properties when the Stamp Duty was lower, they would not be in this situation. I cannot find it in myself to feel any sorrow over their plight.

From: Terence Dicks 10 June 2016 06:18 AM

Terence Dicks
RICS strike again. We have seen a few of their clowns from outside our area carrying out vals, and in one case down-valuing a shared ownership property priced by another RICS surveyor. A bit more homework neede methinks.

From: Terence Dicks 10 June 2016 06:14 AM

Terence Dicks
You may be right Simon, but I believe we will be around for a lot longer yet. Regardless of what the portals do, you will never be able to do away with the personal expertise that all good agents offer, and people like to be told they are doing the right thing purchasing a property. A portal cannot, and never will be able to do the same, no matter how much you wish it to be so.

From: Terence Dicks 08 June 2016 12:48 PM

Terence Dicks
Another one leaving the sinking ship.

From: Terence Dicks 08 June 2016 10:05 AM

Terence Dicks
What about the last 10%??

From: Terence Dicks 06 June 2016 08:39 AM

Terence Dicks
Yeah right. I am still waiting for an online agency to actually break even. Fees will have to be increased to do so.

From: Terence Dicks 06 June 2016 08:36 AM

Terence Dicks
Ahh!! Here we go with the big spend on advertising.

From: Terence Dicks 06 June 2016 08:34 AM

Terence Dicks
I will be interested to see the end of year figures for Countrywide.

From: Terence Dicks 06 June 2016 08:32 AM

Terence Dicks
Sorry Keith, I WAS using common sense. If an agent fails to sell a property and it is marketed by another agency (because they failed), and a person views it through the second agents and successfully offers (even after he/she had viewed it before with the failed agent and not offered), AND the original contract period has expired), what right does the first unsuccessful agent have to a fee?? We are not talking about unscrupulous buyers here, we are talking about unscrupulous agents and fraud, because what that agent attempted IS fraud. They had no right to an unearned fee, and although I agree with Smile that the judges wording was at fault, the decision was correct.

From: Terence Dicks 04 June 2016 12:40 PM

Terence Dicks
Absolutely agreed Glenn. If the viewer does not at least offer on the property after the first viewing and the agency fail to sell the property, they should have no right to a fee if said viewer makes a successful offer through the second successful agent.

From: Terence Dicks 03 June 2016 06:54 AM

Terence Dicks
Kristjan, do you not realise that Purple Bricks either force their vendors to use their conveyancers (which are more expensive than most high street conveyancers and nowhere near as efficient) and then take a big cut from said conveyancers to bolster their bottom line or they charge their vendors to pay a £300.00 penalty and the whole £799.00 fee immediately for not doing so?? Their second-rate conveyancing firm, as with other "bucket shop conveyancing firms" increases completion times and stress levels for all concerned and heightes the possibility of fallen sales.

From: Terence Dicks 03 June 2016 06:43 AM

Terence Dicks
Not much of an analyst Kate. You should do more homework.

From: Terence Dicks 31 May 2016 13:51 PM

Terence Dicks
More suicidal.

From: Terence Dicks 31 May 2016 13:49 PM

Terence Dicks
I agree Daniel, and I cannot see the supply increasing until after the Referendum. However, as property is so affordable up here in not-so-sunny Birmingham, we are getting a LOT of buyers moving up from London and not enough properties to sell them.

From: Terence Dicks 27 May 2016 14:16 PM

Terence Dicks
Oh dear. When on earth will people stop wasting their money on these online agents??

From: Terence Dicks 27 May 2016 06:52 AM

Terence Dicks
PB will continue to make losses, and when the ASA finally gets off its' toothless behind, it will fail completely.

From: Terence Dicks 27 May 2016 06:50 AM

Terence Dicks
Damn it, I was!!

From: Terence Dicks 27 May 2016 06:48 AM

Terence Dicks
I agree that property supply has dropped, but demand?? Absolutely not!! Not in our area of Birmingham, which is still affordable. Even apartments are moving quite nicely.

From: Terence Dicks 27 May 2016 06:46 AM

Terence Dicks
We DO like a buzz-word.

From: Terence Dicks 26 May 2016 13:28 PM

Terence Dicks
By the way Paul, it is of absolutely no consequence as to what you believe. Up here in Birmingham the market is still buoyant thank you.

From: Terence Dicks 26 May 2016 13:26 PM

Terence Dicks
Funny you should say that Trevor, as Kinleigh Folkard Hayward in London have recently resurfaced on Rightmove.

From: Terence Dicks 26 May 2016 13:14 PM

Terence Dicks
Increased overheads and, to be honest pictures that are no better than any competent agent would take make the exercise pointless. You are entitled to your opinion Laura, just as I am.

From: Terence Dicks 26 May 2016 13:09 PM

Terence Dicks
Yes. Me. Funny that when I was first training in this industry, quite a lot of importance was put on property presentation and decent pics, and I do not see that anything has changed. I do not understand why any agency would employ a freelance photographer and increase their overheads when it is a simple thing to take good pictures. I have not missed the point of this article, I just find it pointless Laura.

From: Terence Dicks 25 May 2016 14:44 PM

Terence Dicks
T Dap, I am shocked and horrified you think there is any self-interest in this article!!

From: Terence Dicks 25 May 2016 14:37 PM

Terence Dicks
Good luck to her.

From: Terence Dicks 25 May 2016 14:31 PM

Terence Dicks
They ALL lie. Simples. Glad to see they are all getting stuck into each other though.

From: Terence Dicks 25 May 2016 14:30 PM

Terence Dicks
Hmmm...perhaps this is why he has only one branch. I find it amazing that he has only just realised how important good pictures are to the presentation of ANY property.

From: Terence Dicks 25 May 2016 08:40 AM

Terence Dicks
What an absolute idiot of a man. Not only does he try to stiff the recruitment agent, but then keys his car to earn a criminal record and put his business at risk!!

From: Terence Dicks 23 May 2016 09:01 AM

Terence Dicks
Best of luck chaps.

From: Terence Dicks 23 May 2016 08:58 AM

Terence Dicks
Normal load of old rubbish for a Monday morning.

From: Terence Dicks 23 May 2016 08:57 AM

Terence Dicks
I will do the job for no wages but a slice of the fines.

From: Terence Dicks 21 May 2016 16:47 PM

Terence Dicks
Not only in Lettings. Should not the online agencies show some transparency by declaring ALL their fees??

From: Terence Dicks 21 May 2016 09:15 AM

Terence Dicks
Master of stating the obvious.

From: Terence Dicks 20 May 2016 14:51 PM

Terence Dicks
Who says there is a crash?? Central London prices have been over-inflated for years due to large amounts of money being laundered by overseas "investors" purchasing them. Now the noose is being tightened and these "investors" are being told to declare where the money comes from (even existing owners) the easy living central London agents have had is coming to an end. Time to learn how to be an estate agent methinks. As for a crash-no.

From: Terence Dicks 20 May 2016 14:50 PM

Terence Dicks
More dreaming from Michael (Mr Transparent) Bruce & Co. If only....

From: Terence Dicks 19 May 2016 09:01 AM

Terence Dicks
Powerful only until she runs Countrywide into the ground.

From: Terence Dicks 19 May 2016 08:45 AM

Terence Dicks
Absolutely no self-interest here then. Talk about a blinkered outlook. How about some facts instead of conjecture. I do doubt as to whether the NAEA would recognise a fact anyway, too busy trying to keep its' bread buttered on both sides.

From: Terence Dicks 19 May 2016 08:42 AM

Terence Dicks
Are you by any chance a Nigerian prince??

From: Terence Dicks 18 May 2016 09:59 AM

Terence Dicks
Go away you sad person.

From: Terence Dicks 18 May 2016 09:58 AM

Terence Dicks
Go away.

From: Terence Dicks 18 May 2016 09:57 AM

Terence Dicks
I think it shows that OTM were making unsubstantiated statements about how they were doing. OTM say the complaint was not upheld, but only because they agreed to withdraw their statements, and not to use them again.

From: Terence Dicks 18 May 2016 09:57 AM

Terence Dicks
Unfortunately Rob, we have an idiot for a Chancellor.

From: Terence Dicks 18 May 2016 06:38 AM

Terence Dicks
With regards to OTM, I have noticed that London-based Kinleigh Folkard Hayward are listing again on Rightmove. Perhaps another one a bit let down by them??

From: Terence Dicks 17 May 2016 07:39 AM

Terence Dicks
Nice to hear the usual drivel from Russell. I was a bit worried he had got some common sense and stopped making ridiculously stupid comments, but here he is again. ALL the online agencies make the same assinine statements. Love Your Postcode has the comment "and got us a higher price" in their radio ad. Higher than what?? Obviously the online agencies have their own secret pricing system in their fortunately virtual world.

From: Terence Dicks 17 May 2016 07:35 AM

Terence Dicks
Well done. Unfortunately, the politicians involved obviously do not have anything more important to do than judge on this.

From: Terence Dicks 16 May 2016 09:04 AM

Terence Dicks
Not really Chris. FAR too contentious for them. They might have to jump off the fence.

From: Terence Dicks 16 May 2016 09:02 AM

Terence Dicks
Dear Miles, "the rise has taken typical asking prices to to a new record of £308,151 - but that two-bed first time buyer homes at the lower-end of the market have surged in price much more". Exactly WHAT is the "typical asking price" for?? A Flat?? A house?? A bungalow?? Your article means, as usual. nothing.

From: Terence Dicks 16 May 2016 09:00 AM

Terence Dicks
Trust Pilot allow Purple Bricks to remove bad reviews because they are purported to be "outside the Trust Pilot guidelines". Once they have received the next lot of good reviews (although how can you honestly write a review when you have only just had your property listed by them?) they then ensure the bad ones are swamped by the good ones. Also, why are they publishing obviously solicited reviews?? Tell me one high street agent that has every one of their clients post a review, whether solicited or unsolicited. The online agents manipulate such sites to make an at best average service appear to be better.

From: Terence Dicks 12 May 2016 11:33 AM

Terence Dicks
Just like Purple Bricks. Trustpilot should also be investigated for allowing this to happen, as it does not appear to live up to its name.

From: Terence Dicks 12 May 2016 06:42 AM

Terence Dicks
This started before Boris. He did not do anything to help change things though.

From: Terence Dicks 11 May 2016 17:17 PM

Terence Dicks
Parts of the Scottish system are good, but there are also (like ours) bad parts also. The best part of course is that unless they have a REALLY good reason when a purchaser says they are going to purchase a property, they ARE going to purchase it. No "change of mind" allowed.

From: Terence Dicks 11 May 2016 17:04 PM

Terence Dicks
Profit in 2017?? Not when the ASA gets them to clean up their act. How on earth will they get anyone to list with them when they are forced to state in their adverts that they WILL pay regardless whether they sell or not.

From: Terence Dicks 11 May 2016 16:16 PM

Terence Dicks
Sorry Matt, but it has been quite a while since I read anything like the absolute tosh you just posted. "Any individual or firm that plays the long game knows full well that a period working at maximum brilliance for little reward absolutely results in reputation led demand". I do not have a clue about what that means and I believe I am reasonably intelligent. The conveyancers around here in Birmingham are mostly competent (the conveyancers we use are extremely competent), and certainly command more than the cheapest fees some of the bucket shops like Countrywide charge. The service they offer is always no sale, no fee and none of them play golf.

From: Terence Dicks 07 May 2016 15:25 PM

Terence Dicks
That must be weird, having half a person come in to take up a tenancy....

From: Terence Dicks 06 May 2016 08:22 AM

Terence Dicks
"Sector specific Heads of function roles at Hamptons remain in place and will continue to play a key part in the future of the organisation.” Until Countrywide find someone who used to run BHS.

From: Terence Dicks 05 May 2016 15:28 PM

Terence Dicks
In the Birmingham area the so-called "Property Expert" has priced property for sale by asking the vendor how much they want for it.

From: Terence Dicks 04 May 2016 13:02 PM

Terence Dicks
Could someone please tell me how NOT stating in their adverts that clients WILL pay their fee regardless of whether their property is sold transparent?? Their marketing states there is no estate agents commission, which is patently untrue, and they do not declare that if clients do not use their conveyancers they must pay the fee up front and extra besides. The Bruce's have a slightly different idea of transparency to me.

From: Terence Dicks 04 May 2016 09:03 AM

Terence Dicks
I do not understand why you would not arrange the viewing. It is not our job to prove the identity of anyone who wishes to view a property. Our job is to register the proposed viewer on our system, arrange the viewing and elicit an offer if possible. Once that is achieved, we then ask the person to prove they have the financial ability to pay for said property by way of an AIP and proof of deposit. Meanwhile we tell the vendor of the offer, and that we are establishing affordability before they need to accept or reject. If I had been the client, I would have been annoyed with you also.

From: Terence Dicks 30 April 2016 10:11 AM

Terence Dicks
Hi Craig, financially. I do not doubt you offer a good service.

From: Terence Dicks 29 April 2016 16:44 PM

Terence Dicks
Agreed Rob.

From: Terence Dicks 29 April 2016 16:42 PM

Terence Dicks
Even more hilarious!!

From: Terence Dicks 29 April 2016 14:16 PM

Terence Dicks
Is there one online agent who can actually carry themselves?? Just interested.

From: Terence Dicks 29 April 2016 11:39 AM

Terence Dicks
Absolutely hilarious!!

From: Terence Dicks 29 April 2016 11:35 AM

Terence Dicks
Could, could, could, could.

From: Terence Dicks 28 April 2016 11:09 AM

Terence Dicks
Could, could, could, could.

From: Terence Dicks 28 April 2016 11:09 AM

Terence Dicks
James, you and those like you are the root cause of this article. Relisting properties without a valid reason such as a price reduction is dishonest. The portals are not there for people like you (I hesitate to name you as an estate agent) to manipulate just to try "generating renewed interest" in a property you have so obviously failed to sell. I have been doing this job I love for 32 years now, and I had foolishly hoped that the attitude of the dinosaurs I originally worked for and with had died out. Obviously they passed their criminal ways on to people like you. I only wish the Property Misdescriptions Act was still being policed, so I could enjoy seeing people like you being fined, banned from being an estate agent, and even imprisoned.

From: Terence Dicks 28 April 2016 11:04 AM

Terence Dicks
Agreed Richard.

From: Terence Dicks 27 April 2016 09:10 AM

Terence Dicks
James, where on earth has OTM been successful?? Where I work there is absolutely no market awareness of OTM whatsoever. As I work in Birmingham, I can not NOT call that successful. OTM has been mismanaged from the beginning. What was a fantastic idea has been cheapened by the shoddy way it has been run by AM. The NAEA has no business endorsing anything that does not benefit ALL its members, instead of a chosen few and should not be sitting on any board that does not do so. The CMA investigation HAS found possible collusion with regards to cartel-like exclusion of Zoopla, and should they find solid proof, there will be trouble ahead. The CMA have said no such thing about the "one other portal rule". They have not endorsed it in any way shape or form. Surely the original members of OTM who were promised NO agent would get a better rate than them should have at least been approached by OTM about the so-called discounted rate?? Even you cannot think that was right or fair??

From: Terence Dicks 23 April 2016 11:34 AM

Terence Dicks
My thoughts on this are below. 1. AM and OTM actually made public their desire to target Zoopla. Big mistake. If a large proportion of AM agents dropped Zoopla, they are in trouble. Big trouble. 2. The NAEA should not be on the board of any company. How can they remain impartial if they are on the board of AM?? They are supposed to be representative of ALL their member agents. 3. Who cares?? The ongoing CMA investigation will uncover collusion anyway. 4. Of course the changing of the fee structure should have been voted on by all members. But then AM is all about itself, isn't it?? 5. Any reputational damage has been earned by the idiotic way in which AM and OTM has conducted their members business. 6. Hopefully, this will see an end to dinosaurs like Ian Springett. The sheer arrogance of AM and OTM to expect Zoopla to roll over, and for the overpaid London West End agents to expect their agents to do their bidding whilst interested only in lining their own pockets appals me. 7. I truly believe it can. It is an excellent idea in principle, and if it is run correctly there is a good chance it can eventually play catch-up and prosper.

From: Terence Dicks 23 April 2016 09:33 AM

Terence Dicks
According to the online agents, they come from the Which?? 2011 report on average Estate Agency fees which were utter tripe.

From: Terence Dicks 23 April 2016 08:40 AM

Terence Dicks
Wonder how Alison is getting on....

From: Terence Dicks 22 April 2016 09:25 AM

Terence Dicks
James, the CMA have confirmed no such thing. If you read the open letter from the CMA, it states "there is no reason to write to OTM at this time". It in no way exonerates Agents Mutual or OTM. Targetting Zoopla may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it looks like it could now bite them on the behind if collusion is proven. Why would more agents join OTM when they refuse to drop the ridiculous "one other portal" rule. Do you not wish to do the best for your clients?? Are you, like AM just about the cheaper fees for yourself?? There is me thinking that looking after the client's best interest and making money go hand-in-hand.

From: Terence Dicks 22 April 2016 09:20 AM

Terence Dicks
"the balance of probability has increased quite dramatically that there is going to be a correction of some kind ... it is only a matter of time". I do wish I knew what that means, because I am positive the idiot who said it does not have a clue. On the other hand, I really feel for the Grosvenor Group making a mere £527,000,000 pre-tax profits. Bread and jam all round then.

From: Terence Dicks 21 April 2016 12:30 PM

Terence Dicks
I fail to see how the NAEA still manages to play on both sides of the fence. It openly endorses OTM on the one side, and then on the other side agrees with the CMA. How the hell can you trust such a body??

From: Terence Dicks 21 April 2016 12:24 PM

Terence Dicks
I am shocked that you would think Zoopla and RM would be so underhand James!!

From: Terence Dicks 21 April 2016 12:19 PM

Terence Dicks
I must admit, I have read some ridiculous surveys on this site, but this one REALLY takes the biscuit!! It seems like Pegasus asked people on the street who have never even seen a mortgage broker, let alone talked to one. The only surprising thing to me is that EAT even published this nonsense.

From: Terence Dicks 21 April 2016 10:29 AM

Terence Dicks
Good sense Kate.

From: Terence Dicks 20 April 2016 08:51 AM

Terence Dicks
Words fail me.

From: Terence Dicks 18 April 2016 10:17 AM

Terence Dicks
I find myself wondering what planet some of you lot are living on, because it is certainly not the one I live on.

From: Terence Dicks 16 April 2016 16:13 PM

Terence Dicks
As I have said before, we use two or three excellent conveyancing firms in our area, and I am so impressed they got ALL our cases through by the deadline. Completely unsurprised though.

From: Terence Dicks 16 April 2016 13:39 PM

Terence Dicks
Mr Khan is as always a true politician.

From: Terence Dicks 15 April 2016 08:42 AM

Terence Dicks
I do not agree that the public are lazy at all. They want a portal that can show the most properties in the area in which they are looking. OTM does not even come close on that score because AM have mis-handled this from its inception. How vain to believe that because the high-end agents from London are running the show (purely with their own interests in mind) that they could immediately become the "Number two portal" in place of Zoopla. Their aim should have been No1 portal from the beginning, and approached ALL the decent-sized agents with a sound business proposition. If OTM had been a TRUE Agents Mutual instead of a dictatorship, things would have been different. However, No2 describes OTM quite well.

From: Terence Dicks 15 April 2016 08:38 AM

Terence Dicks
I suppose the fact that most would-be landlords do not wish to pay the extra Stamp Duty would have nothing to do with the "slow down"?? No, let's blame it on Brexit.

From: Terence Dicks 15 April 2016 08:23 AM

Terence Dicks
Who cares??

From: Terence Dicks 14 April 2016 09:27 AM

Terence Dicks
Has Russell Quirk moved to House Network?? This certainly sounds like the sort of drivel that pours from him.

From: Terence Dicks 14 April 2016 09:26 AM

Terence Dicks
So maybe we should all charge our clients regardless of whether we sell their property or not. The only thing being transformed here is how the house-selling public is being ripped off by such companies as Purple Bricks, despite their flash ad agencies.

From: Terence Dicks 14 April 2016 09:21 AM

Terence Dicks
Wandsworth have always been hard on flyboarding, and this article was published here not too long ago. Permission for boards has always been required there in most locations, but it was not often enforced as long as the agents did not overdo it. Of course, they have and have no-one but themselves to blame.

From: Terence Dicks 14 April 2016 09:16 AM

Terence Dicks
Clowns.

From: Terence Dicks 11 April 2016 08:38 AM

Terence Dicks
I find myself agreeing with some of what you say Tim. Most of the corporates do indeed like the bung system to increase their bottom line, and it is sometimes to the detriment of the customer. However, we have-and I have said this before-some excellent conveyancers in our area and we use them as much as possible. Unfortunately some of our customers go for the cheapest conveyancers, despite our protestations and suffer for it in the long run, because that is what it always turns out to be.

From: Terence Dicks 11 April 2016 08:35 AM

Terence Dicks
So, Credit Suisse AND UBS are not happy with OTM. Oops!!

From: Terence Dicks 08 April 2016 13:43 PM

Terence Dicks
Of course not James!! I am quite appalled you think it should be reasonable!!

From: Terence Dicks 08 April 2016 13:41 PM

Terence Dicks
Perhaps if the developers did not price new homes like new cars they WOULD be more affordable.

From: Terence Dicks 07 April 2016 14:30 PM

Terence Dicks
Not you Rob, the article.

From: Terence Dicks 07 April 2016 14:28 PM

Terence Dicks
What a load of tosh.

From: Terence Dicks 07 April 2016 14:28 PM

Terence Dicks
Our fall-through rate is nowhere close to the figures they are quoting. 1 in 5?? My boss would sack me!!

From: Terence Dicks 07 April 2016 14:25 PM

Terence Dicks
I am shocked to learn there is a broad regional disparity between North and South prices!! You learn something new every day here!!

From: Terence Dicks 04 April 2016 14:28 PM

Terence Dicks
Alex, How many people who are not estate agents "have a deep passion for and understanding of property"?? It annoys me beyond belief that ALL so-called "online estate agents" slag off high street agents, but say they are "different" and going to "change the industry for the better". In whose opinion?? Theirs?? Like everyone else in the industry, (and most of the "online estate agents" WERE high street estate agents although suddenly magically transformed into completely trustworthy angels when they start up online) they are here to make money, make no mistake. Solicited testimonials on Trust Pilot and other such "Rating Sites" are not worth reading unless you include the ones that you cock-up (and we all do it) in their unedited glory, so why do the "online estate agents" place such a value on them?? Purple Bricks remove every bad comment on Trust Pilot because they "breach Trust pilot guidelines" until they are able to swamp them with good solicited testimonials. What absolute tosh!! The only people you "online estate agents" are fooling is yourselves. Stop trying to make yourselves look good by painting our industry black and insulting the majority of high street agents who happen to be good at their job, because just take a look at how much market share you really have and how underhand you have been to get it. If you are lucky enough to have started an online estate agency, and are doing okay, then I wish you well in your endeavour. Try to do it on your merits and not on the back of continuous character assassinations.

From: Terence Dicks 02 April 2016 12:58 PM

Terence Dicks
May. Could. Not very definite, is it??

From: Terence Dicks 01 April 2016 13:09 PM

Terence Dicks
I must say that the only figures i am even remotely interested in are the ones for my area. The "average house price" where I work is rather lower than the "average house price" that ALL these figures refer to. We cannot have an average price index for the UK until ALL cities are taken out of the equation.

From: Terence Dicks 01 April 2016 13:06 PM

Terence Dicks
Glen, Please do not make a mistake and lump all agents together as dinosaurs, as it sounds judgemental and arrogant.

From: Terence Dicks 01 April 2016 11:20 AM

Terence Dicks
I am quite sure Mr Quirk will be at the forefront of sounding foolish as always.He DOES love a soapbox!!

From: Terence Dicks 30 March 2016 09:43 AM

Terence Dicks
Does that mean no more REALLY rubbish ads on tv for a while??

From: Terence Dicks 25 March 2016 09:35 AM

Terence Dicks
Do the lenders not carry out more stringent KYC than the solicitors?? If the clients have bank accounts, then the banks add another layer of protection. Even cash buyers must prove the source of their funds. Seems like a punt for business to me.

From: Terence Dicks 24 March 2016 12:25 PM

Terence Dicks
How could you think such a thing!!

From: Terence Dicks 24 March 2016 12:21 PM

Terence Dicks
Mrs Platt has led Countrywide to one of their biggest operating losses inside of a year, and appears to be spending money hand over fist to turn them "retail". Influential?? I wonder if Estates Gazette will see her like that in six months.

From: Terence Dicks 22 March 2016 06:05 AM

Terence Dicks
Mrs Platt has led Countrywide to one of their biggest operating losses inside of a year, and appears to be spending money hand over fist to turn them "retail". Influential?? I wonder if Estates Gazette will see her like that in six months.

From: Terence Dicks 22 March 2016 06:05 AM

Terence Dicks
Their "local property experts" are surely supposed to??

From: Terence Dicks 21 March 2016 14:47 PM

Terence Dicks
I am not sure who you are or what you do, but ANYONE can list a property on a website/portal, but a call centre or a local property expert that lives 40 miles away will find it rather difficult to sell.

From: Terence Dicks 21 March 2016 10:07 AM

Terence Dicks
I do not think much of your considered opinion if you think that Russell Quirk EVER has a valid point.

From: Terence Dicks 21 March 2016 09:49 AM

Terence Dicks
Surely obtaining ID for tenants is now a statutory obligation due to Right to Rent?? We do tell them it is only to do with Right to Rent and not Money Laundering.

From: Terence Dicks 19 March 2016 14:19 PM

Terence Dicks
Laudable I am sure, but try selling that to the bucket shops like Countrywide and Shoosmiths. As I have said before, we are lucky enough to work mostly with some excellent conveyancers, however, they are in a minority in Birmingham.

From: Terence Dicks 19 March 2016 14:04 PM

Terence Dicks
Dear Hafsid, They need to be.

From: Terence Dicks 18 March 2016 16:03 PM

Terence Dicks
Take that with another pinch of salt then....

From: Terence Dicks 14 March 2016 08:44 AM

Terence Dicks
Well Mr David Adams, I have not yet come across your name as a renowned economist and expert on international monetary policy. Unfortunately, most of us ordinary estate agents deal with ordinary people, most of them British, on a day to day basis-and NOT in millions of pounds. If it gets more difficult to sell property around Berkeley Square, you may actually need to do what we do every day and actually work to do so. It must be nice having rich international clients clamouring for your listed properties, but it is not exactly real life as us mere mortals know it. I am quite sure we will remain in the EU, but I do worry for your future even though I do not worry about mine.

From: Terence Dicks 11 March 2016 14:49 PM

Terence Dicks
Rightmove still don't get it though. Unique telephone numbers are what leads should be all about. Despite their talk of tools that will help "understand more about the leads we deliver", the stats are misleading and dishonest. It is such a shame that OTM did not deliver what they promised.

From: Terence Dicks 10 March 2016 08:58 AM

Terence Dicks
I am SO looking forward to seeing a nice garden design on radio??

From: Terence Dicks 09 March 2016 14:02 PM

Terence Dicks
In your dreams Alison.

From: Terence Dicks 09 March 2016 13:57 PM

Terence Dicks
Still funny though.

From: Terence Dicks 09 March 2016 13:52 PM

Terence Dicks
Typical politician. Open mouth and change feet.

From: Terence Dicks 09 March 2016 13:46 PM

Terence Dicks
Not bad for criminals either....

From: Terence Dicks 09 March 2016 13:41 PM

Terence Dicks
Crowdfunding says to me that a business is being run badly, and it is unfortunately a good way to keep the failing business going. Some online gents are quite a good example of this, where their advertising spend outweighs income by quite a lot. Shame about the investors though.

From: Terence Dicks 07 March 2016 09:36 AM

Terence Dicks
Funny but true.

From: Terence Dicks 07 March 2016 09:26 AM

Terence Dicks
Manner, not manor.

From: Terence Dicks 05 March 2016 16:22 PM

Terence Dicks
Can you not stop giving this clown a platform to air his guesswork??

From: Terence Dicks 04 March 2016 06:40 AM

Terence Dicks
Where we are located, it is mostly FTB's we are dealing with, not investors. I do wish the mortgage providers would stop making statements about how the market is going to perform, as they did not make a good job of running estate agencies when they thought they could.

From: Terence Dicks 04 March 2016 06:39 AM

Terence Dicks
Really?? Earth-shattering news in our world I suppose.

From: Terence Dicks 04 March 2016 06:34 AM

Terence Dicks
Not much conflict of interest in this article then....

From: Terence Dicks 03 March 2016 08:45 AM

Terence Dicks
WOW!! A whole THOUSAND?? Really??

From: Terence Dicks 02 March 2016 14:51 PM

Terence Dicks
I changed my mind. I do not care one way or the other.

From: Terence Dicks 02 March 2016 10:19 AM

Terence Dicks
I wonder what way OTM will lean on this one??

From: Terence Dicks 02 March 2016 10:18 AM

Terence Dicks
All founder members as well....

From: Terence Dicks 02 March 2016 10:13 AM

Terence Dicks
Should they not be concentrating on sorting their Residential side out first??

From: Terence Dicks 02 March 2016 10:13 AM

Terence Dicks
How on earth is a 7.1% price rise over 12 months on the non-existent "average house" called a surge>> IT DOES NOT EXIST!! Take all the cities from the equation and you MAY have an average house price. Until then it means nothing.

From: Terence Dicks 29 February 2016 16:09 PM

Terence Dicks
I wonder why it took so long......??

From: Terence Dicks 29 February 2016 15:56 PM

Terence Dicks
Hmmmm....bit worried about the shareholders and the City now are we????

From: Terence Dicks 29 February 2016 08:54 AM

Terence Dicks
I do not believe that "general election uncertainty" is at all responsible for the poor performance at Countrywide, but the constant upheaval and future uncertainty caused by Alison Platt and the direction in which she is taking the company. The city analysts have probably not noticed all the other Corporates are not down 37% on operating profits. Absolute drivel.

From: Terence Dicks 27 February 2016 11:31 AM

Terence Dicks
I don't really like to mention it, but I will!! This insightful analysis and , I am sure, well researched opinion from the man who thought that stopping agents who advertise with OTM advertising with either Rightmove or Zoopla was a great idea. Hmmmm....

From: Terence Dicks 26 February 2016 16:49 PM

Terence Dicks
Dear, dear, dear Russell. At least TRY to engage your brain before spouting such absolute nonsense.

From: Terence Dicks 26 February 2016 10:41 AM

Terence Dicks
Hmmm....

From: Terence Dicks 26 February 2016 10:36 AM

Terence Dicks
How can the portals argue against the hard facts of the Land Registry figures?? Rightmove and Zoopla need to sort their houses out.

From: Terence Dicks 25 February 2016 11:48 AM

Terence Dicks
They are well known only within our industry though. I think that if AP continues the retail heading, they may become well known to the Stock Market, and not in a good way.

From: Terence Dicks 25 February 2016 11:43 AM

Terence Dicks
How on earth do you "take your eye off the ball" when it is your core business??

From: Terence Dicks 25 February 2016 11:38 AM

Terence Dicks
We have good Conveyancing firms in our area, and believe me, we have some clowns!! The good ones we attempt to get all our clients to use, but because they are not the cheapest some will not. All the firms we try to use are on a No sale No fee basis of business, whereas many of the cheaper will charge all the way along, regardless of whether the sale/purchase goes through. Therefore they are not quite so cheap if the sale/purchase falls.

From: Terence Dicks 24 February 2016 12:29 PM

Terence Dicks
We are not talking about Land Law here. We are aware that certain aspects of Conveyancing are not without problems, but when a straightforward sale/purchase is cocked up by Conveyancers being totally inept, it is somewhat frustrating. To be told that a Transfer document has not been sent for example, or that Search monies have not been requested from their client,or even that the client has not been asked to sign Contracts!! The list is unfortunately unending, and to hear the sheer arrogance of Conveyancers telling estate agents they need to go on a course is slightly annoying.

From: Terence Dicks 24 February 2016 12:19 PM

Terence Dicks
Maybe it was an accident....

From: Terence Dicks 22 February 2016 08:57 AM

Terence Dicks
May this, might that. Everyone has an opinion, but most of us do not feel the need to publish it. Obviously, certain people seem to think theirs matter.

From: Terence Dicks 22 February 2016 08:55 AM

Terence Dicks
Thinking outside the box. Excellent use of something that would normally stay empty and remain an eyesore.

From: Terence Dicks 19 February 2016 06:39 AM

Terence Dicks
Oh dear. Insight and communications eh?? Nice to see that Countrywide money is being spent ib the right places....

From: Terence Dicks 18 February 2016 06:37 AM

Terence Dicks
Good old Paul, must have lost the Spicer part of his company. I am also sure the professional bodies will immediately act upon his recommendation.

From: Terence Dicks 17 February 2016 11:28 AM

Terence Dicks
Cheap?? Mortgage lenders are once again making money hand over fist due to the low rate, and paying nothing out to customers. Happy days!!

From: Terence Dicks 17 February 2016 11:24 AM

Terence Dicks
You are better off away from it all Grenville. I wonder when CW will take up a franchise in Debenhams.

From: Terence Dicks 11 February 2016 09:20 AM

Terence Dicks
There are companies already doing this Steve, mine for one. I learned long ago that to sell property, you must be available AFTER 6pm to carry out viewings. However, that is MY choice, not the choice of the company I work for. I have no doubt that CW will be telling staff to work from 0700-2100 in one go, unless they are prepared to take on many more staff and increase their overhead. By the way, the head of CW is from a retail background and wishes to run the company as retail, which is why she has sacked anyone with estate agency knowledge from the board.

From: Terence Dicks 11 February 2016 09:14 AM

Terence Dicks
Ahh!! An announcement about an announcement!! So they ARE going to buy and build upon what they have bought. I think. I wonder if it is anything to do with Tesco??

From: Terence Dicks 11 February 2016 08:48 AM

Terence Dicks
Completely agree James, although I do quite like the idea of popping into Tesco to pick up my next property!!

From: Terence Dicks 10 February 2016 10:13 AM

Terence Dicks
Funny that, because that is EXACTLY what they are advocating. Unless they introduce flexi-time working arrangements their staff are not going to stay. Wages in this industry are not exactly brilliant now, so what are they going to be like when this sort of thing starts happening?? Work/life balance may not be important to you as a boss, Simon, but it is to most people as employees, and this just about destroys that.

From: Terence Dicks 10 February 2016 10:08 AM

Terence Dicks
Waiting for the flood of Countrywide staff hitting the employment agencies....

From: Terence Dicks 09 February 2016 08:29 AM

Terence Dicks
Wonder how much of this is due to Director buy-backs....

From: Terence Dicks 09 February 2016 08:27 AM

Terence Dicks
Never heard of Fixed Term mortgages then Connells....

From: Terence Dicks 05 February 2016 20:17 PM

Terence Dicks
All is obviously well in the alternate universe of OTM and Glentree....

From: Terence Dicks 05 February 2016 20:14 PM

Terence Dicks
Where WOULD we be without academics eh?? Nothing quite like a little helping of mis-informed panic.

From: Terence Dicks 05 February 2016 20:11 PM

Terence Dicks
And how much are they paid for such ridiculous hours??

From: Terence Dicks 28 January 2016 14:16 PM

Terence Dicks
That is rather an arrogant statement to make about agents. Is that due to your all-compassing knowledge of most estate agents or a shot in the dark?? I would assume (although I do not normally do so) that sweeping statement does not include you of course.

From: Terence Dicks 26 January 2016 10:10 AM

Terence Dicks
I would like to know exactly what experience Alison Platt actually has with Countrywide. I think the coal face is indeed a good idea, but do not believe she could hack it.

From: Terence Dicks 25 January 2016 15:55 PM

Terence Dicks
I may be somewhat old-fashioned, but I act for our vendors, but I do agree with what you say Sophia.

From: Terence Dicks 25 January 2016 10:33 AM

Terence Dicks
Bit bored with it really.

From: Terence Dicks 21 January 2016 14:45 PM

Terence Dicks
Glad to know that Countrywide Retail are on top of their business, and know how they are performing. Not. They couldn't even predict their last quarter performance. Perhaps they need a couple of Estate Agents on the board who may know what is going on with their business.

From: Terence Dicks 21 January 2016 14:41 PM

Terence Dicks
At least most high street agents do not charge a fee regardless of whether they sell or not Sanjay, as do PB. Do your homework before you write us off, and try to stop living in lah lah land.

From: Terence Dicks 20 January 2016 13:46 PM

Terence Dicks
Hilarious!! Somewhat uncertain working for Countrywide right now.

From: Terence Dicks 18 January 2016 09:44 AM

Terence Dicks
Do we really expect the Political Class is likely to listen to the hoi polloi??

From: Terence Dicks 14 January 2016 08:22 AM

Terence Dicks
This is what you call news??

From: Terence Dicks 14 January 2016 08:20 AM

Terence Dicks
I even asked one of my purchasers if they had heard of OTM. The reply was, "On the what??".

From: Terence Dicks 11 December 2015 17:15 PM

Terence Dicks
You may not pay him £5k, but you WILL pay them regardless of whether or not they sell your property. You will also use their conveyancers which are quite a bit more expensive than normal conveyancers, therefore almost matching the high street agents on price. You obviously do not not mind donating almost £700.00 for no service received, so please feel free to carry on.

From: Terence Dicks 07 December 2015 13:27 PM

Terence Dicks
Not even concerned about the online agents, let alone scared. Decent high street agents will always be here. Not sure about the online agents though.

From: Terence Dicks 07 December 2015 13:01 PM

Terence Dicks
Exceptionally low interest?? I do not notice ANY lender having exceptionally low interest charges on their Mortgages. The Base Rate is exceptionally low, so as a Bank you do not pay out much in the way of interest, but you all charge quite a lot of interest. Must be nice to have your bread buttered on both sides as usual for FS industry.

From: Terence Dicks 07 December 2015 12:54 PM

Terence Dicks
I agree with you Steve. A crystal ball is not needed for seeing if they go, but when.

From: Terence Dicks 04 December 2015 06:36 AM

Terence Dicks
It does need an overhaul. The system is antiquated and far too slow. Conveyancers also appear to be extremely concerned more with covering their own a***s than giving the best service to their clients.

From: Terence Dicks 03 December 2015 21:55 PM

Terence Dicks
Agreed Ray.

From: Terence Dicks 03 December 2015 21:40 PM

Terence Dicks
Well said Richard White!! Seems to me the HOA is attempting to justify its existence by coming up with suitably ridiculous ideas. How about they do something useful and try to stop unscrupulous agents from manipulating photographs before they are put on the portals.

From: Terence Dicks 03 December 2015 21:39 PM

Terence Dicks
Retail eh?? Should be interesting. Reminds me of when the board of directors of a soccer team say they are "standing behind" their rubbish manager. Bye bye brands.

From: Terence Dicks 23 October 2015 07:26 AM

Terence Dicks
Would be rather nice to see a true and unbiased FACTUAL statement on this matter. I find it difficult to accept anything from a party with a vested interest as truth.

From: Terence Dicks 20 October 2015 06:33 AM

Terence Dicks
Our fees in Birmingham are quite low, certainly nowhere close to the fees ALL the online "agents" claim to be able to save their clients. Why must they use city fees to sell their so-called service, when it is not a true representation of most of the country??

From: Terence Dicks 06 October 2015 08:23 AM

Terence Dicks
Who cares?? They do not affect my business one whit, nor will they. All the so-called online Agents claim they are super heroes and offer a great service for less, but in reality it is de-personalised and not up to scratch. I welcome any comments from the people who run them, and would not mind seeing some proof of their claims-especially from Purple Bricks (oops! nearly got the first letter of the second word wrong there!!).

From: Terence Dicks 02 October 2015 18:21 PM

Terence Dicks
Hey guys, the portals are TOOLS. WE sell houses, not them. Simple. All I hear about is OTM this, Zoopla that!! I am selling property because I work , with no quick fixes, ridiculously long and unsocial hours for my clients. I just happen to like the job I do, and do it well. I may be lucky to live in an area where hardly anyone actually uses a portal, because people call up when they have seen one of our boards, normally on a road they cannot remember the name of!! Do not make the mistake of thinking the portals are more influential than they are. They, and other online agents cannot sell property the way we do, and they never will because they think it is easy. It is simple, not easy. All the advertising and bitching in the world will not replace board presence and a strong work ethic.

From: Terence Dicks 02 September 2015 05:16 AM

Terence Dicks
Russell Quirk, I would like to have you work as an Estate Agent for a month to see how you cope. You seem to be quite good at taking money from people without giving much of a service back. Your brash and unthought comments are distasteful and ridiculous. The world will not moov the way you wish purely because YOU say it should.

From: Terence Dicks 02 September 2015 04:49 AM

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