We took notice of a recent article published by Sacha and Scott Martin entitled Are Estate Agents being Beaten Purple and Orange? because it mirrored our sentiments on the gaping flaws in the do-it-yourself, get-it-over-and-done-with online only approach. The emergence of exclusively online vendors is akin to the fall of the high street and black cabbies being undercut by Uber from across the pond. Competitiveness is the buzzword of the decade, but do people really like the outcomes of this divide and conquer approach?
The personal approach
Local, personal property businesses like Austin Gray understand that the internet agent boom is simply following the digital curve, but we’ve seen it all before: business models that churn out cheap quantity sales simply do not meet the same standard as a quality, expert service. We’ll be the first to admit that we love a cheap and cheerful deal, but when it comes to the biggest asset you’ll probably ever buy, you need the confidence of an expert and personable team on your side.
Once you’ve had a look at property listing pages online – which the majority of high street estate agents do provide – the process should be to meet a friendly face rather than stare at your inbox; shake a hand or two; and sit down with an expert who knows the market and buying process rather than be left in the dark about whether every link in your property chain is playing ball.
So to answer the question put forward by Sacha and Scott Martin above: there may have been early intimidation but we’re fighting our corner in a ring that is more suited to our high value property markets.
Related: Top tricks to watch out for in a seller’s market
What we do
Like so many others on the high street, recommendation and word of mouth is the backbone of our business. In light of recent attacks on buy to let and second homes, our steady stream of business is testament to our commitment to our knowledge and services. If we do not sell your home, we are accountable, we disappoint a client, and our business will struggle to survive.
Our team advise, negotiate and chase; we’ll show you around a property in person, and discuss the potential challenges of a buyers’ market in a competitive marketplace like Brighton and Hove. We know about proposed market changes on the horizon that could affect your property’s value, and after decades of buying and selling experience in the South East, we are familiar with peak activity months and lulls throughout the year.
All negotiations are carried out by highly experienced personnel to ensure that the best possible price is achieved. This is then reinforced with consistent sales chasing to ensure a swift and successful sale. Taking the online only approach often feels like stepping into the unknown. Without a point of call over the phone or a short trip away, the process can become cold and scattered.
Caroline, a recent Australian client, got in touch with us after an arduous battle to find someone who would pick up the phone. Despite a challenging time difference, she found our services along the sunny south coast the best and gave us a perfect summation of why the personal approach ‘wins hands down’:
“I’ve been in sales throughout my career, and people buy from people don’t they? Always have, always will. So it amazes me why these days (probably showing my age here) people try to do business through email alone.
You picked up the phone, you explained things to me, you gave me the confidence that I was in the right hands.
I contacted a further two [estate agents], and they communicated by email alone, so they had no chance of instilling confidence in me.
When I told one firm that I was considering multi agents, he said that he’d appreciate a 4 week period as sole agent first, but didn’t go into detail the benefits of why I should go sole agency, you did (and he was the owner of one of the larger ones).
I’m sure it’s hard being an agent with so much competition, but when your competition don’t even pick up the phone and try and persuade the vendor to use them, you’re in luck, and will always win hands down!”
We have specialist residential, auction and professional services teams to provide a comprehensive property service. Call us on 01273 232 232 or email us at residential@austingray.co.uk to find out how we can help you.