A landslide shift to digital-only listings in 2014 has been predicted by online estate agent I Am The Agent.
It made the claim after revealing record breaking figures on both sales and lettings for the last 12 months.
The Greenwich-based firm has just published its 2013 figures along with predictions for future growth following a successful year across both its residential sales and rentals services. The online estate agent confirmed that it rented 4000 properties through its website in 2013 – the equivalent of 78 per week or 11 per day.
Rebecca Peach, managing director said: "For many people 2013 was fraught with financial challenges with increases in energy prices and the cost of living and continuing unemployment particularly among the young.
"We're delighted therefore that we were able to save those with a property to rent and a property to sell to keep much more of the proceeds in their own pockets rather than forking out thousands in estate agent commissions.
"With landlords nationwide keeping £3,264,000 more of their money and vendors £864,000 better off from their property sales, our figures are overwhelmingly in favour of selling and renting property online rather than going to a high street office."
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Comments
From a little office in the scruffy end of Greenwich, closer to the Blackwall Tunnel than the Cutty Sark, they have built a nice website. Non compliant and out of date - but quite decent really.
Low overheads effectively offering a brokerage for private listings on what is meant to be agents only portals, the cash cow is in their offer of a 'Franchise'
I wonder how many they have sold.....
Thats it!
I'm off to Greenwich. Anyone got a nice A2 up for let?
Im surprised RM and Z let them on with that name, i remember the classic when RM allowed a site on called 'We are not estate agents'!
London Agent
Thanks for that ;o)
Yes - it's a classy looking establishment all right... but there again, compared to some of the ones who run out of their bedrooms/corner-of-the-lounges, I have to admit that at least they HAVE a High Street office which is more than can be said for many - but makes their claim to be an "online" Agent more than just a tad ridiculous...
Yet another speck of a chick trying to fluff up its feather to appear as one of the flock.
Looking forward with baited breath to this outfit opening up in my neck of the woods.
Bring it on! ;o)
Pee Bee - have a look at I am the Agent 89 Trafalgar Road Greenwich SE10 9TS on Street view - Bright? Vibrant?
(=The office is just down the road near the bus - best giggle I have had in ages! )
"A landslide shift to digital-only listings in 2014 has been predicted by online estate agent I Am The Agent."
REALLY?? WHY, then, Ms Peach, do you happily proclaim on your website...
"We have agencies opening throughout the UK. Each location offers those renting, selling, buying or leasing a property a fixed rate agency coupled with simple fees and a great service. Our bright, vibrant and friendly shops will be popping up throughout the UK over the next couple of years so when you see our unmistakable magenta door, pop in and say 'hi'."
Laughable.
The usual non-story from the onlines.
"We believe in keeping things simple, cost-effective and hassle free, helping you to advertise a property online and then move on. "
Isn't this just a way for vendors to list privately for £299?
I rather likes this FAQ:
'Sole selling rights' this means the estate agents is the only estate agent with the right to sell your house but if you find a tenant/buyer yourself, you won't have to pay the agents. Just let your friendly local agent know you will be looking for buyers and tenants yourself just to stop any confusion at a later time that they may insist you are liable for...
Really? I think they mean Sole Agency
Mmmm.
They refer to OFT approved code and the Property Misdescriptions Act - they have ignored the ASA on Tenants fee disclosure. If they have sold and rented 1000's of properties I would have expected more exciting accounts.
Quote:
"I Am The Agent have sold and let thousands of properties throughout the UK giving us a unique insight into the property market. With experienced estate agents on hand and specialist call handlers it's no wonder we are the fastest growing online agent in the UK."
Did they rent 4,000 properties or did they list 4,000 properties taking a fee upfront for the listing ?