Would you use this?

The_Palmist

seemore wrote: »

What would you look for if thinking of using such a site?

I understand if you don't agree with the following suggestions. As a seller I know you are not the only one touting for my custom.

I have no idea who you are and what you do, you have no statistics to prove your website works etc. why should I use your services ?

- you charge me nothing to advertise on your website
- even better, you pay me to advertise on your website [cash or vouchers from local shops etc.

More ideas:

- add photos for free if they are supplied by vendor, by all means charge a premium for any professionally done photographs.
- give me some money to gain my custom now lets say £20 on an agreement that I pay the fees £250 or whatever once the sale is complete. This option will make me think, what the hell, I have nothing to lose, lets advertise on this new local website.

DannyboyMidlands

seemore wrote: »

This is wrong. The site you mention only lists property from agents who subscribe.

Agreed but am I really going to waste my time checking each individual agent website plus zoopla, findaproperty, gumtree, yours, local papers, newsagents windows etc. etc. just to make sure I don't miss the 5% (or whatever) of vendors too tight to get a rightmove listing? Nah. 95% of the market is good enough for me.

The_Palmist

EAs are already doing a lot of things you are planning to do. They have local offices, they offer financial advice, can get quotes from solicitors etc. So what is the unique feature which will attract people to your website ?

I think the following could be a make or break feature :

Add a feature or section which says something like "what has the neighbours got to say" ; and add some local testimonials about the area, street, house etc. This will require additional work but might just work for you. I can always find all the technical details on websites but can never really get a "feel", if you know what I mean. Since you are concentrating your efforts around the word "local", some local feedback might help promote your venture.

jimjames

I'd agree with the previous comments. It is likely to be a very difficult market to break into when you already have some massive players that are already there.

Not to say its impossible - as Google themselves proved - anyone remember Alta Vista?

Maybe a specific niche market may be a more viable proposition, say equestrian properties or some other definining factor that isnt easily covered by the big boys. If you are focussing on a local area then you'll be no different to a local estate agency apart from the fact you have no branches for footfall. Regardless of cost the agent is also dealing with all negotiations which most vendors would probably not want to have the hassle of.