Estate Agency Closures

napoleon

Austin_Allegro wrote: »

As far as I can tell, the dislike of estate agents comes from the fact that whilst posing as 'professionals', they are often anything but.

Pretty much everyone, myself included, has a story of going to an EA with a perfectly reasonable amount of money to spend, and being laughed at.

Now, this didn't bother me really, as I just laughed back and eventually found an agent who was helpful.

But can you imagine being laughed at by a doctor, or a lawyer, or a clergyman, or any other kind of 'professional' person if you approached them with a reasonable enquiry?

Too true. They're nothing but jumped-up oily spivs IMHO. They should have a new 'profession' title something that tells you what they really are - Property pimps would do for starters :T

Ian_Griffiths_Halifax

I often think of the names that are given to sales positions. A Financial Adviser for example is simply a Pensions and Life Assurance Salesman. It's like calling a Double Glazing Salesman a Transparent Viewing Specialist.

Davesnave

I have never been laughed at by an agent, but I've certainly been upset by a couple and also spotted a number of suspicious deals. The agent who was going to get my business this time round made a number of promises, but didn't deliver, so I dumped him. None of these things surprises me, nor do they lead me to think that every agent will be the same either.

A lot of people are, sometimes unintentionally, involved in 'sales.' In the next couple of weeks, all the local secondary schools will throw open their doors and attempt to fill their quota of desk spaces next year. Don't forget that bums on seats = funding. Every school will put its own spin on things, so those with good exam results will plug theirs, while those with less to crow about in that direction will flog whatever else they do, like being a sports college. It stands to reason that all the schools won't be equally 'good,' nor suited to every child; indeed it is likely that some will be decidedly sub-standard too. However, will the staff come out on those evenings and advise some parents to take little Johnny somewhere else? I don't think so.

I once took my 11 year old to see a secondary school, which was depressingly mediocre, or worse, in almost every respect. The Head gave us a tour and staff answered questions, ducking and weaving round all the really difficult ones. Like agents, they didn't like being pinned-down on the less flattering aspects of the establishment and did their level best to talk the place up. Being in education, I didn't expect otherwise, but nor did I label them all liars, cheats and charlatans, even though it looked pretty certain that my kid would be unhappy if I sent her there. They were just making their pitch.

If you think about it, a large number of us 'make a pitch' in the course of our work. Before you throw too many stones, think about which glasshouse you're in, especially if your final salary is based on results.

lynzpower

back on topic

"Aspire" of Battersea has whitewashed windows now

ad44downey

I'm sure with all their qualifications and skills they won't have to wait too long to get another job .:rolleyes:

lynzpower

one more :

PK property services, cambridge heath rd london e2, closed down.

To be honest,this one looked v 2 bit anyway- the sort only really found in london that sells both houses and international calling cards

MissMoneypenny

The Dartford Branch of Premier has closed. It looked like the Mary Celeste when we sat at the traffic lights last night. All the boards were still in the window, but there was lots of post on the floor and a white A4 notice on the door stating that it was closed.

baby_boomer

Westbrookes in Hucknall - complete with picture of boarded windows

Some great quotes, though.

"....Andrew Hare, managing director, said: "This was a directorship decision. House prices have reduced by 20% in the last 12 months.

We had a major market share of boards in Hucknall but if nothing is selling, you might as well have none.....

......When estate agents do not shut branches, it is because they are too proud to do so. If you put pride first, it can damage the whole company...."

Well established Ryder & Dutton close in Wakefield

Edwards in Bolton closes 4/5 offices

Midlands estate agents train up & branch out to beat the crash

Lettings and aucioneering are the common alternatives.

But if they aren't trained properly in letting law there could be plenty of problems down the line

davsidipp

well i cant believe on the sidcup bypass in new eltham their is an estate agents ready to open up with two desks inside . maybe not will have to wait and see.

morg_monster

morg_monster wrote: »

I wrote this in May on page 3 of this thread, just wanted to update - the furniture shop DID turn into an EA. Also, a huge shiny Foxtons-type branch of Morgan Randall EA has opened opposite foxtons. Finally an old branch of Winkworths which has been empty since 2006 when they opened a huge branch on Lavender Hill now has another EA moving in. That is 3 new EAs in Balham since May!!! Craziness. I'm sure most of their business must be in lettings at the moment.

Sadly not seen any Foxtons employees crying in their Minis yet.

OOOH - Morgan Randall has a sign on the door saying "Due to current market conditions and internal restructuring, our Balham business has been relocated to our Canary Wharf branch with immediate notice". They've only been opened a few months!