Here is a puzzler for you.
A new online blog has started called ‘Beat The Agent’, posted by someone who calls himself ‘J’ or ‘Mr J’.
He says: “My name is ‘J’ (not my real name). I am an ex-estate agent and letting agent. I have been an agent for 15 years, 10 of those running my own agency business. I am going to tell you how to get ahead of your agent. I will teach you all the industry tips and tricks and show you the shortcuts that will save you money. This is all the inside information on estate agents. They tried to ban me, but I’m back and now I’m going to spill the beans.”
At Estate Agent Today, we’re mystified. Who is the ‘they’ who tried to ban him? And when?
His site is also not to be confused with another site of the same name, which appears to have launched in February and is London-based, but sells overseas properties.
Our mysterious Mr J gives a couple of further clues. He worked for Connells for five years, and claims: “I remember actually being given a written memo from my boss instructing me to over-value.”
He has a number of articles on his site, and does not advocate doing without an agent. But he does offer advice on how to beat agents at their own game.
Any ideas as to who this man of mystery might be?
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Comments
I started as an office boy with Connells in 1948. Having just sold my own agency after 35 years may I ask Mr. J to call me - for a reasonable fee I will give him some real lessons!
I'll give you some good advice. Don't sell thru connells. Clearly their disafected staff are un-balanced!!!!!
whats the web site
What's the web address?
In reply to Mr E - I can assure you I have never in my life worked for Connells and even if my boss instructed me to overvalue properties I would probably get the sack for not doing so. Brightmove is very much alive and kicking by the way - and surprisingly is producing much desired results. Any more questions, please feel free to ask either directly or through Rosalind's wonderful website. (There is nothing wrong with my spelling and grammar by the way, so it couldn't possibly be meee!
(finally) Found this blogsite to see what all the fuss is about. Poorly written, atrocious spelling - but no huge 'secrets' to be found. Worked 8 years in corporate agency and was never instructed to do anything other than the best job for the bill-payer. Surprised this person lasted 15 weeks as an Agent, never mind 15 years...
i have just read his blog.... he sounds a corrupt estate agent that quite honestly the industry could do without. He sounds very bitter????
Had a quick look. For someone claiming to have spent 15 years in the business, his advice is surprisingly poor. Perhaps he wasn't the sharpest tool in the box which might explain why he has some much time on his hands these days.
"At Estate Agent Today, we’re mystified. Who is the ‘they’ who tried to ban him? And when?" - Maybe the same people who consider a certain editor to be the "voice of the industry".
Sounds like John Osborne of the late brightmove/rightmove fame, thought he'd been a bit quiet
Worked at Connells for 5 years - Says it all really!
So, just to confirm, 'Jane' comes to the defence of a website run by 'J'. Hmmmmmm...
I just had a look at the site, many of the tips he gives are very fair and part of the reason I left the "corporate" estate agency world. All his tips are things I would tell a friend if they were selling their property.
All sounds a bit dodgy to me, where do the clients come from to view houses, if not with agents???
"Beat agents at their own game" ? I'm intrigued to know what game that is.
I suggest asking prices to sell a house, not to get a listing; market them well, take offers, do everything you'd expect to get buyers to increase, suggest to the seller whether they should accept or not, chase through the sales, and then get paid.
It's not a game, it's a process. Suggesting all agents prat around with "games" shows that Mr J does not jnow as much as he thinks - and is probrably why he no longer runs his own business - did he maybe go into liquidation due to bad management of his business? I'm sure it would be too much to expect for him to give an honest assessment of his own previous experiences in that regard ;-)