New online estate agents

victoriavictorious

We are currently SSTC with one of the longer-established online agents (not Purple Bricks.)
We chose to pay our £775 upfront, although they also offer a pay later option. So far, every aspect of the CS has been far superior to any High St agent we had ever instructed previously.
Contrary to some people's opinions, the online business model simply cannot afford to adopt the stance of *take the money and run* because its reputation and very existence relies on results, good reviews, word of mouth and satisfied customers.
The company we are using is slick, professional, reliable, responsive and highly organised. The reason it can be so organised is because everything is automated; its probably not for the novice / nervous seller. There is a small degree of hand holding, but you have to ask for it - and know what to ask for.

Like it or not, the majority of today's buyers will go on RM first, and probably don't venture anywhere near an EAs office. Yes, there is the odd conscientious EA who will tip the wink to buyers who register with them before a property goes on RM, but this certainly has not been our own experience. The only properties we got told about, were those we had already found on RM ourselves - and dismissed - days or even weeks before.

As for the OP - you really need to find a USP, and fast, as well as knowing the business inside out, if you want to get anywhere. There are already several doing it really well, and imo people would rather pay that bit extra for one of those already-established online agents, and get a decent service, than chance their arm at £299 when there is nothing special to distinguish you from the Doorsteps offering at £99.