First In The Door, a recently launched platform that aims to match active home purchasers with buying agents has launched in London, bringing the total number of property finders across the UK to over 50.

The first fleet of London buying agents to sign up as founding members to First In The Door include Middleton Advisors, London Central Portfolio, Black Brick, Nathalie Hirst, Aykroyd & Co, Colombo Hirst, Obbard, Dawes London and Lake & Co.

Founded in November last year by Claire Whisker, the co-founder of international short-lets portal, Veeve, First In The Door has rapidly expanded its network of buying agent partners across the vast majority of the country.

The London launch comes as First In The Door gears up to officially launch their services in the Cotswolds next month, with Middleton Advisers and Stacks Property Finders already confirmed as the first set of founding members for the area. The company then plans to expand internationally to help property buyers and buying agents around the world.

Whisker commented: “I couldn’t be more delighted in welcoming our London founding members. They are all very successful at what they do, bringing extensive buying agency expertise and quality service to visitors of our platform. The timing couldn’t be better for International Women’s Day this week either as half of our London members are businesses founded by women!

I have been blown away by the level of support I have received over recent months, not just from the industry but also from buyers who desperately need somebody on their side. First In The Door is very different from any other offering, as we aim to transform the way buying agents connect with buyers, bringing the community together and making it more accessible for home buyers and easier for them to find
the right advisor for their search. For buying agents on First In The Door, there are a range of tools to help you communicate your brand message and USPs to home buyers. It’s an effortless channel for lead generation where you set your criteria and you are in control of the type of leads you receive.”

Three of First In The Door’s London founding members shared their thoughts:

Naomi Heaton, founder and chair of London Central Portfolio, said: “We are delighted to be joining First In The Door as one of their top recommended buying agents in London. Through their innovative business model, they are giving buyers access to vetted, well respected buying agents who have been specifically matched to their search criteria – who can be trusted to take care of them and guide them through the process of buying a property.

“At the same time, First In The Door are reinforcing the value that buying agents bring in what is often a stressful, time consuming and complicated process. It was therefore a clear choice to be a part of Claire Whisker’s journey from the beginning. As a business founder myself, it is also great to celebrate another female founded establishment in the lead up to International Women’s Day too.”

Camilla Dell, founder and managing partner at Black Brick, commented: “I am thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking initiative. The moment I met Claire I fully embraced her business model, and it was refreshing to see a business that was totally dedicated to the importance and value that buying agents bring to the often complicated buying process.

“With well over 300 buying agents operating across the UK, I think it’s fantastic that Claire has decided to promote and partner with best in class buying agents, ensuring that buyers looking to connect with a buying agent are not only connected with the right buying agent for them, but fully vetted, well respected, tried and tested reputable firms. The platform will provide access to a wider network of potential clients, enabling Black Brick to expand its reach and offer enhanced services to its discerning clientele.”

Nathalie Hirst, director at Nathalie Hirst, added: “I’ve been a buying agent for 30 years now. I’ve seen our industry change hugely in that time, with a heightened awareness of buying agents and their services becoming continuously more appreciated. At the top end of the market where I operate, £5m plus, engaging a buying agent is becoming increasingly popular. There are now more buying agents than ever before and it’s important that buyers reach the right ones. I’m really pleased to be a part of First In The Door as they are a curated platform for the very best buying agents. They interview and vet all of the agents they represent and I’m excited to be a part of this innovative, first of its kind platform.”