Design your dream Estate Agency.

Gingernutmeg

If you're dealing with lettings, then it would be absolutely lovely not to be treated like scum as soon as the agent ascertains that you're not there to buy. Like other people have said, it would also be great if you could actually listen to what we're asking to view - if we say we need parking, then we probably won't be interested in somewhere that hasn't got any. If we make a point of saying that we have a piano, then a third-floor flat with a tiny stairwell probably isn't going to be worth us looking at (ok, that's an odd one but it's something we look out for, and that's a situation that we have been in ). And if we ask to view an unfurnished property, then showing us somewhere that looks like Steptoe's yard probably won't give you our business

Also, please turn up for viewings. I know that renters are much less important to you than those lovely buyers, but if I make an appointment for 2.30 and go to the bother of turning up then it would be really great if you could turn up too. Another thing that REALLY annoys me is when you ring up an agency and they take your name and number and NEVER call you back. I don't move house for fun, if I'm calling you it's probably because I'm actually looking to rent a house. And if you don't call me back within a day or so, then please don't bother ringing me in six month's time to ask me if I'm 'still looking'. The answer will be no.

And finally, for God's sake, clean the properties or encourage the LLs to do so. I'm sick of looking round places that should be categorised as a biohazard - especially when you're probably going to try to fleece me for 'cleaning fees' at the end of a tenancy. Also, don't put that you don't want smokers and then show me round a place that's got deep yellow walls and smells like the last occupant was on 60 a day. Ditto pets - if you're specifying 'no pets' then I really, really don't want to look round a property that looks like a set from Sweeny Todd and smells like a decomposing labrador's backside.

Estate_Agent

Thanks scooter - I already do this. I ask them to give me a tour as if I were the buyer. I'll ask relevent questions, such as do they have water softeners - popular where we are. I'll ask why they bought the house because it helps match that thought with an applicant.

I don't treat people like idiots. Buyers know a kitchen when they see one.

I'm trying very much to treat people as I would like to be treated.

Estate_Agent

Ginger, I only deal with sales. The lettings team - which is a different company to us are superb. They currently have 2000 odd properties let. They employ cleaners, and everyone has a specific role including three people who do nothing but accompanied viewings.

princessamy86

Interesting thread!

scooter_chick

Okay Estate Agent, you seem to know what the right things to do (so far) are.

Bookmark this thread, and re-read it every 6 months. Ask yourself if you're STILL doing them ALL the time. You're 9 weeks in & keen now. Don't get complacent & lazy...

MissMotivation

Welcome to MSE!

IME the agents that suceed are those that listen to their clients needs, don't try to rip them off with high fees, don't try to justify high fees and charge a fair rate for a decent level of service. The industry is changing rapidly and agents have to change too if they want to be around in the next few years.

Don't expect high earnings, flashy cars and an easy ride is the only advice I can give

I run an Estate Agency that offers fixed fees (lower than anyone else in the area) we have been open a year and are already one of the largest in the town. We pride ourselves on operating in a different way to the competition.....it seems to be working for us.

Other than that I can only echo what previous posters have said.

Good Luck!

MissMotivation

princessamy86 wrote: »

Interesting thread!

............Is hoping (and praying) that this thread doesn't turn out like most of them do

princessamy86

MissMotivation wrote: »

............Is hoping (and praying) that this thread doesn't turn out like most of them do

Me too!

10 letters blah blah

Errata

Some estate agents can sometimes behave like a new best friend - they ain't. They're doing a job of work for a customer, just like the coalman.

MissMotivation

rl290 wrote: »

I must admit, I was thinking about this the other day, and my opinion was (sorry OP) that I cannot see any use in estate agents for property sales. Instead, why not just have online services the connect buyers and sellers. In return for not paying a big fee, the home owner just has to conduct viewings themselves... which can be far more preferable.

I don't know about you, but I do all my property searching online through the big 3 websites (rightmove, findaproperty and primelocation).. why pay an EA just to take pictures and put them online.

R

You pay an Estate Agent to do much more than take photographs and put them online.

What about those people that don't have access to the internet OR choose not to use it? Are they not allowed to buy a house? What about Vendors that don't live in the property they are selling....how are they supposed to do viewings? What about people that have absolutely no knowledge of how to look for or buy a house? What about people who don't want the hassle of selling their own property?

There are plenty of situations that just wouldn't work with online only selling.