Anger grows as Houser says removing listings will ‘hurt consumers’

| Rosalind Renshaw

Agents who are demanding that their properties are removed from Houser are being told to tick a box saying: “I understand that taking down my information and listings will negatively affect consumers.”

One agent told Eye they find such a condition totally unacceptable and that they had refused to tick the box.

They asked Houser to remove the condition and to re-send.

The email from Houser says:

Hi there,

We apologise for the delayed response regarding your removal request.

Please follow the instructions below to request removal of your property listings from Houser.co.uk

Why do I need to do this?

  1. Visit www.houser.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Removal Request’ option in the footer,
  3. Fill in the form on the next page with your official company details,
  4. Submit the form and check your email for an authentication and confirmation request.

Once your request is successfully authenticated and confirmed your listings will automatically be removed within the next 72 hours.

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45 Comments

  1. Paul H
    January 16, 2015 at 07:17

    That's just plain silly and more importantly there is no way that can Houser prove that taking down some listings could negatively affect a consumer?

    Report
    1. hardly impartial
      January 16, 2015 at 07:51

      Agreed- this seems just farcical now. Does Houser have any consumers to even attempt to champion?

      I think we credit Houser with our attentions.

      Report
  2. smile please
    January 16, 2015 at 07:28

    Guess it's more than the one or two agents he said yesterday then! Talk about desperation! We still have not had stock removed and I know other agents that have made repeated requests

    Report
  3. Trevor Gillham
    January 16, 2015 at 07:37

    Looks like Houser is panicking as the investment and time spent on this has now hit a wall.

    Report
  4. Lance Trendall
    January 16, 2015 at 08:23

    The people who benefit most from houser.co.uk must be the realtors in the US called Houser who use houser.com as their domain name. They must be really delighted by this ill conceived website. You'd think they'd have chosen a name where they've got both .com and .co.uk, along with loads of the others. I'm pretty sure OTM will have done that.

    Report
    1. Greg shaw
      January 16, 2015 at 09:17

      And what's worse is that Rick Mirza used to buy and sell domain names for a living. You would think he would know that you almost always need both!

      Report
  5. Harree
    January 16, 2015 at 08:28

    Houser proves that you can get a free lunch … but not everybody wants to eat it. A classic case of market research hitting home AFTER the business was launched instead of before.

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  6. Benay
    January 16, 2015 at 08:35

    Theft, copyright infringement, unfair contract terms , Blackmail? why not charge to take down the listings and add extortion to the list of torts.

    Oi PP give Mrs Milner a nudge, ask her what she reckons would you?

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  7. Peter
    January 16, 2015 at 08:53

    Consumers do not even know about the site.

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    1. JeffDaringham
      January 18, 2015 at 10:18

      we are in 2015 where billboards and tv advertising are no longer a primary form of marketing; ever heard of a place called Google? This post has intrigued me so much as a freelancer that does SEO that houser is beating rightmove and zoopla on some of their recent listings on Google if they continue it won't be long till more consumers know about them

      Report
  8. wilko
    January 16, 2015 at 08:53

    If agents tick the box to confirm that their actions will negatively affect consumers they are leaving themselves open to be quoted as agreeing with this. It strikes me that this removal system has been cobbled together without much thought, a bit like the overall project….Houser could then run an ad saying…."Agents that aren't on houser admit they hurt consumers"…Unfair and ,IMO yet another delaying tactic. I can't understand why any agent would want to be connected with this company in any way.

    Report
    1. smile please
      January 16, 2015 at 09:27

      The agents I feel sorry for are the ones that maybe don't read the industry press or have little to do with other agents, They will not even know their stock has been stolen.

      Report
  9. RealAgent
    January 16, 2015 at 09:20

    This is yet another example of an organisation or person that uses their view of what is in the customers best interest, to justify their OWN personal ambition, viewpoint or business interest. Disgraceful. Hijacking this thread somewhat, I received a letter from our Rightmove rep yesterday that they had drafted for agents to send to clients explaining our reasons for leaving Zoopla, yet sticking with them and going OTM!!…..Ros: If you want a copy let me know!

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  10. calleb
    January 16, 2015 at 09:27

    So, you can't actually submit a removal request without checking the offending mandatory boxes! This guy is starting to seriously p*** me off..
    QUOTE
    I understand that taking down my information and listings will negatively affect consumers.
    I understand that I may not get free listing access on Houser once I request a removal.
    I am authorized by the agency owner/board of directors to request removal of all our information.
    In order to proceed you need to agree with our terms and conditions.
    Submit

    Report
    1. wilko
      January 16, 2015 at 10:08

      Yep….I,ve e mailed to ask them to take those unfair terms off the tick boxes…not even sure if it is actually legal?

      Report
      1. PeeBee
        January 16, 2015 at 10:19

        wilko – what gives you the impression that this chancer gives a fuppeny about legalities in any event…?

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  11. Tike Nick
    January 16, 2015 at 09:58

    Mr Mirza is concerned about consumers being affected? Errr Is he able to say how they are adversely being affected by not having their property advertised on a site very few Agent have heard of let alone the general public. There are close to 100 existing portals that consumers can be listed on/ access, is he suggesting it should be the law that every agent lists on every portal or is he suggesting his tech is so advanced and so genius consumers are really missing out.

    Mr Mirza, get on and code for someone who knows what they are doing but stop embarrassing yourself. The plane has crashed, you were at the controls. Its over, done, finished and the AAIB report will not be kind.

    Report
  12. PeeBee
    January 16, 2015 at 10:07

    This is what I like to see… we all agreeing on something! ;o)

    Report
    1. wilko
      January 16, 2015 at 10:09

      Don't speak too soon ……but so far, so good.

      Report
  13. whitby64
    January 16, 2015 at 10:35

    Gosh, when you are asked to confirm the removal request you are once again reminded of the error of your ways "Yes, I don't mind about my business, my customers or free leads". It's worse than being called to the Head's Office at school.

    Report
    1. wilko
      January 16, 2015 at 10:41

      You're joking…I never got that far…is that really the actual wording?

      Report
      1. calleb
        January 16, 2015 at 10:54

        Actual wording is:
        "I understand that taking down my information and listings will negatively affect consumers.
        I understand that I may not get free listing access on Houser once I request a removal.
        I am authorized by the agency owner/board of directors to request removal of all our information.
        In order to proceed you need to agree with our terms and conditions.

        And if you don't tick them all you can't submit!

        I .pdf'd the completed online form and sent it via Facebook post, message, and just about to repeat on twitter in the hope they'll get the message eventually..

        Report
        1. whitby64
          January 16, 2015 at 11:25

          Yes, that's what you get when you tick all the boxes and hit "submit"! But as I was happy to tick all three boxes (I don't believe we are negatively affecting customers, I do realise that I might no longer get free listing access and I am authorised) I was happy to agree (and never did agree to the listings in the first place). It's aimed to be very intimidating.

          Report
          1. wilko
            January 16, 2015 at 12:24

            Not saying they would, but as "You was happy to agree" they could then say in public or on their site that "(your agent) has confirmed that they negatively affect their customers by not listing on houser"
            To be honest I think that Mr Mirza himself needs to address these issues and explain why he has put these onerous conditions on the removal form. If he is to stand any chance of moving his idea forward then he needs to start speaking to agents (via this paper would be a start) and admit mistakes already made and answer some of the criticism that has come his way.

            Report
  14. Lettingstats
    January 16, 2015 at 10:36

    Houser are clearly scraping content and are clearly in contravention of Registers of Scotland licensing re publication of Sold Prices data. The Houser disclaimer re Sold Prices mentions United Kingdom Land Registry! No such thing exists. I'll let RoS know.

    "Disclaimer : Estimated price calculation of the properties is based on Price Paid Data from United Kingdom Land Registry Records available as public record from their website. This information is updated monthly and may not reflect all the public transactions. We strive to ensure that information is accurate and current but Estimates may not reflect the actual property price.
    Data produced by Land Registry © Crown copyright 2014."

    Report
  15. Woodentop
    January 16, 2015 at 11:05

    This speaks volumes as to the character, integrity and relationship any agent/buisness would want to be associated with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report
  16. TheCountryAgent
    January 16, 2015 at 13:11

    Perhaps this is something for the CMA to look into. If we have to have a cancellation clause in our contracts then the same should apply here surely?

    Report
  17. Jonnie
    January 16, 2015 at 13:42

    You can picture it, he shuffles in with this amazing idea, does a big dollop of money on it and im sure he truly believed he was doing us all a favour by gracing us with his presence. Then he sets up a wallpapering table with a sheet over it in London to launch it, scrapes a load of estate agents stock without asking and when they tell him to do one he cant believe they wouldn't want him doing it…………probably scratching his head and wondering how to tell the investors, I think its called answering a question no ones asking – Jonnie

    Report
  18. Yorkshire Agent
    January 16, 2015 at 13:52

    This sort of unethical behavior makes me even more passionate that OTM should succeed.

    Report
  19. Tuf Luv
    January 16, 2015 at 15:31

    OK this is getting weird. Dude there’s more value in a Nectar card than being on Houser but I get where you are right now, being stuck between a rock and a hard place its tough whether to fess up or lie, I always choose the lie but forget me. And funding, really? Jeez I never ever examine the motives of the guys writing the cheques but you’ve got to figure whoever invested probably just wanted an alibi. Sh*t did I just overshoot comment of the week again?

    Report
    1. wilko
      January 16, 2015 at 16:48

      Never mind comment of the week….Ros give Tuf a weekend column (seeing as you've given one to Trevor Kent.) Not sure what the column could be called though,….maybe "Smoke on Sunday-an alternative look at the property industry"?

      Report
      1. Paul H
        January 16, 2015 at 16:54

        It's too much it really is, the guy/girl has me in fits! I've started to use the word 'dude' at dinner parties!!

        Report
        1. wilko
          January 16, 2015 at 17:20

          Must admit, I've nicked a few phrases over time……. I mean "Dude there’s more value in a Nectar card than being on Houser" is yet another classic amongst classics. I'd definitely read a column at the weekend….would be good if Tuf did have a column as we might find out what he/she does out of work which I'm sure would be worth a read.

          Report
  20. spanishestate
    January 16, 2015 at 15:57

    I just can´t see why so many agents are against houser. It´s a free service for crying out loud. Technically speaking the agent you would not breach OTM agreement of publishing on only 1 extra portal, since the agents in question have not actively listed their properties.

    Report
    1. Paul H
      January 16, 2015 at 16:10

      "I just can´t see why so many agents are against houser." your last sentence will explain…."since the agents in question have not actively listed their properties."

      Report
    2. Benay
      January 16, 2015 at 16:19

      In part it was Simon Shinerock's glowing endorsement of this genius that had agents set against it coupled with the fact that he couldn't be bothered to ask for permission to list.

      Report
    3. Ric
      January 16, 2015 at 16:53

      Much of the problem spanishestate is that these types of site are not set up for "free" for the good of anyone….. the simple business plan is:……………….. get everyone on it, have the public like this new site which skims all of the other sites to be able to claim 100% of property listings ……….. then have the public/buyers/vendors etc believe you must be on this site and then when that mind set is achieved WOLLOP…….. here is the new membership fee, which you will feel forced to pay as the public expect you to be on this site…….. You let a train like this gather speed and you end up with something called Rightmove………….. why else would this site let you on for nothing?

      Report
    4. Ric
      January 16, 2015 at 16:58

      I should add spanishestate why he has not said "you can list your property on our site, FOREVER FOR NOTHING" with legally binding contracts of this will never cost an estate agent to have their stock advertised………………….and the answer is within his "remove listings" set up………ie you will not be back on Houser for nothing in the future.

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      1. spanishestate
        January 17, 2015 at 18:52

        The problem is that the market is currently monopolized by RM, Zoopla and the soon to be lauched OTM. Listing fees for the first 2 are just astronomical (don´t know about OTM). There should be more competing portals in order bring listing prices down. Now with OTM the market will be even more monopolized.

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    5. wilko
      January 16, 2015 at 17:07

      @ Spanishestate….I was wondering if we could get through a day and break all PIE records with everyone agreeing on a thread and then you go and spoil it : ) Seriously…benay touches the tip of the iceberg on this by saying the founder "couldn't be bothered to ask agents"……also the business model does have certain charges and is not planned to be "free" forever. I don't think that Simon Shinerock has anything to do with agents not agreeing with houser, he has distanced himself from it since launch, perhaps is indicative that he mis understood the houser business model?

      Report
  21. Rivero
    January 16, 2015 at 23:58

    I agree these plums are chancers…If I had the energy and cash I'd take them on for copywright infringement. The whole sorry episode is a lesson in how not to launch a new business.

    Report
  22. Trevor Mealham
    January 17, 2015 at 08:30

    Portals should operate in consumer and agent best interest, inmind of CPRs and BPRs and other UK law be it houser, OTM, RM or Z or others. Agents need portals that assist not detract.

    Report
  23. JeffDaringham
    January 18, 2015 at 10:25

    so basically a site that transfers your listings to theirs then generates you leads? I'm still trying to figure out what the fuss is about.. If you explore the agent by agent page the numbers they're giving is a direct line to the agents so shut up and take it.

    Report
    1. Ric
      January 18, 2015 at 13:01

      Jeff, just ask yourself………………………… How long can Houser continue to list and operate for free?…….and I am talking Houser having a live update so they display no old and incorrect info and consistently pick up the changes no matter how small to each and every property listing an agents makes, to ensure the perfect consumer (buyer) experience!……………… can it be FREE forever? or how long before they need to charge to ensure if Agents supported this, they could 100% guaranteed of seamless updates and perfect sock data etc, so their (the agents) clients are not calling to complain about incorrect prices, old photos and data etc?…………….. If you are genuinely confused as to the fuss, let me know your thoughts on my question to you.

      Report
      1. calleb
        January 18, 2015 at 19:52

        The fact remains that they have no business just taking and replicating our instructions – simple!

        Report
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