NATIONAL DEBATE: ONLINE AGENT vs. TRADITIONAL.........BUT REMEMBER WE OFFER THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!!!!
On 3rd of july 2014 a group of Online & Traditional agents met to take part in a debate chaired by Property Industry
Eye amongst the many were, Purple Brick, eMoov, Hatched and traditional agents from London, Brighton and many other locations.
First question of the debate was aimed at the online agents as to why they thing their service is better than that of the traditional agent. Adam day of hatched responded by claiming the no sale no fee model leads to vendors that are not really serious about selling their property, and these days people expect an online experience.
eMoov's Russell Quirk added, We're an online agency that acts in a traditional way and the perception of service in the traditional sector are poor and the service needs to be much better.
Purplebricks' Michael Bruce said that 57% of their traffic is out of traditional office hours!
Something many online agents don't offer is accompanied viewings that agents felt was imperative to achieve the best result for their vendors, Former NAEA president Jan Hytch stated they could "interpret" viewings and agents were best qualified to make the best judgements and get the best possible deal for thier clients.
Traditional agents also felt that it was their local knowledge and property expertise to put them in the best place to advise the seller. Jamies Lester of Haus properties in London claimed a property listed on eMoovs site for £565,000 he would valued at near £890,000 based on his intimate market knowledge and history of what has sold in that road. He also added that his mailing list is another great selling tool !
In summary of the day it appears that 'the crux of the difference comes down to service and cost High street agents must evolve their client communication and embrace the new technology to match that of the online which is a viable alternative for the lose looking for a simple service with none of the expertise, assistance and knowledge a decent high street agent can offer,
We @ Open House Estate Agents Worthing offer the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!!