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Paul House

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my expertise in the industry

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Assuming that the CMA warning relates to collusion over 'portal choices' and clubbing together with other agents as to which portals to choose, then I assume that this relates to the choices made when leaving a portal as well as choices made about sticking with a portal. Or have I misunderstood what collusion is?

From: Paul House 30 April 2016 11:19 AM

"Subject to contract"

From: Paul House 26 November 2015 10:18 AM

You say that this applicant from Reading has done some viewings but can't find what he wants so gave up his search. So those agents he did viewings with did not tell him about other properties on their books? Or the buyer didn't consider registering with other agents or look in the local paper or perhaps spend an extra 10 minutes on the internet before he found Rightmove or OnTheMarket? didn't decide to drive around the area looking for 'boards'. This buyer doesn't sound at all serious to me?

From: Paul House 31 October 2015 10:31 AM

The change to stamp duty at the end of last year, agents over valuing to win stock, buyers anticipating a slowdown in the market, possible interest rate increases, the general election...any of these are plausible reasons for a reduction in transaction levels and a lot more likely then not finding every available property through the internet a newspaper or the high street.

From: Paul House 31 October 2015 00:44 AM

Well done EAT for showing some balance today, although I'd expect a few more agents to come out and complain about OTM in the next few weeks, it's certainly what I would be encouraging any returning agent to do if I were a director at Zoopla at this moment in time.

From: Paul House 30 October 2015 15:19 PM

“Part owned is not owned Paul and Zoopla don't compel me to advertise with them”…But nor am I compeled to advertise with OTM it’s a choice just is advertising with Z or RM. “I negotiate with them on my terms and since they came up I could play them off against Rightmove.” But for me this is an issue as you with your 10+ branches have better negotiating power than me as a one branch independent or a 3 branch company, also what if certain companies get preferential treatment?! I would personally prefer a more transparent pricing structure where we all know where we stand. “Now OTM has weakened Zoopla, a ludicrous strategy, I am dreading my Rightmove visit." It has only weakened Z’s ability to raise fees which is surely a good thing. In any case if RM are not concerned about OTM then why send out a survey asking numerous questions about OTM and hardly any of Z. “Equally Paul, if you are questioning why I would support Zoopla given they are part owned by competititors, notwithstanding my point of view, if you don't like that idea you must hate the fully owned OTM option.” No because I don’t share your view for the reasons already stated, I know exactly how much the other agents are paying whereas for all I know Countrywide, Connells or Choices could be on Zoopla for £5 per month per branch, if so well done to those companies but it's not really fair for the likes of me. I prefer transparency and a model that better serves my interests and those of my clients, currently OTM ticks far more boxes than Zoopla or RM ever will.

From: Paul House 08 August 2015 12:41 PM

Hi Simon, You say "I, for one, am happier dealing with the free market than an industry owned portal that supposedly has my interests at heart but is in reality controlled by my most powerful competitors." That being the case then why do you continue to advertise with Zoopla, who are part owned by your ‘most powerful’ competitors being the major corporates? Those companies no doubt benefit from heavily reduced rates that give them a competitive edge over you and all the other independents?

From: Paul House 08 August 2015 11:38 AM

He is indeed critical of OTM. It's a shame that the agent commented anonymously and did not go into further detail for example the 10% figure quoted, is that for certain properties or branch, regional or national figures? What was the conversion rate of those leads received and how did it compare with Rightmove(I'm sure he would have proof of these figures) ? Are these just email leads or phone leads? When did he leave and how long did he work for This company? Was he a high performer or did he miss targets? Is he now working for an agent who is in direct completion with Haart, has he set up his own agency/online business, or is he working for a company that doesn't qualify for OTM? I don't pose these questions to cast doubt on the sincerity of the story more to find out the thought process behind the negotiators analysis, it would be good to know to understand why he will never again work for a company that chooses to advertise on a website that he doesn't agree with.

From: Paul House 26 July 2015 19:23 PM

Simon, I've no doubt that this negotiators point of view is just as valid as anyone's. However, based on his comments it seems highly likely that a 'sales negotiator' role within a high street agency is not a position suitable to him. Either that or his simply got upset over the way his left the company and decided to retaliate by copying most of the comments on these forums that's been posted in the past year knowing that Haart have been the biggest investor into Agents Mutual.

From: Paul House 26 July 2015 16:20 PM

Based on this young negotiators uncanny wealth of experience and knowledge of UK property portals it does lead you to wonder if he was simply in the wrong job.

From: Paul House 26 July 2015 09:53 AM

Although there are clearly some similarities

From: Paul House 19 July 2015 21:30 PM

The heads of Northern rock, RBS, Lehmanns etc never had to deal with 'people' in the same way that a letting/estate agent has to. Not sure it's comparable.

From: Paul House 19 July 2015 21:13 PM

"This needs resources not exams" The exams are the final part Simon, it's the studying before hand and then passing those exams that gives someone a sense of pride and a passion for the industry they work in. Just Trying to do the right thing is sometimes not enough in a profession where peoples lives and other peoples money is involved. Anyone can currently set up an agency with zero experience or qualifications just as I did 10 years ago, and just as you did when you left the FA industry. I bet you sometimes look back at those early mistakes you made and appreciate that they could so easily have been avoided if you had done things differently. Nearly everyone outside the industry is crying out for it, it should be up to us to persuade and lean on government to show the benefits.

From: Paul House 19 July 2015 17:50 PM

"If you can't innovate, control" But it is mainly ARLA who represent thousands of the small independents that have been pushing the regulation route more than anyone.

From: Paul House 19 July 2015 14:32 PM

Hi SImon, "You see Paul wants licensing". I'm not really sure that this has anything to do with the portal wars or protecting the establishment. This is really is a separate debate all on it's own, and I would suggest that many agents that are not with OTM agree that licensing and the raising of standards is required for the industry.

From: Paul House 18 July 2015 22:23 PM

@Rob. You do realise that it's a non paid role. Really sorry but there's not enough hours in the day to explain to you this all works. You need to read up on it.

From: Paul House 17 June 2015 08:41 AM

@RobDavies "to be replaced by?"...Someone else who wants to be elected to the board. " I get that people might step down after a certain period of time, but if they never get replaced then who is in charge of running things?"....The person who gets elected to replace them. "If, as you say, you expect them all to step down at some point, what will happen to Agents' Mutual and OTM?"...It will be run by the people replacing the board members such as Ed Mead, Robert Bartlett and so on as well as the CEO and company employees. "Serious question: do you think OTM is living up to expectations or do you think it is in trouble?"I'm happy with my investment and I will never go back to Zoopla, I don't need them and nor do my clients. I've got to say that i'm amazed by the knee jerk reaction from some of the posters on this. People stepping down from a board at the company AGM is pretty standard stuff.

From: Paul House 16 June 2015 16:08 PM

This was announced weeks ago in fact on the 21st of May when the details of the annual Agents Mutual AGM was announced. All directors have to put themselves forward for re election. Does anyone think that directors will continue in their role ad infinitum?! It was probably only ever going to be for one year for Mr Rook and I suspect the other directors will all step down at some point too.

From: Paul House 16 June 2015 14:48 PM

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