Would-be challenger portal LocalPropertyIndex has appointed Robert May as its head of business development.
May was formerly sales director at estate agency software provider CFP, with sales of over £2m annually.
May said: “I decided to join because LocalPropertyIndex has a tremendous opportunity to become a game-changer in the property portal industry.
“The team here is fantastic. Both Gary Smith and Russell Conningham have a tremendous track record in portal technology.
“I bring 28 years of experience within the property industry to the team and will help accelerate agency adoption of the new portal.”
LocalPropertyIndex is based in Hampshire, but plans to launch a national service where agents will pay nothing to advertise all listings. Instead, they will pay £3.95 per inquiry, capped at a maximum of £197.50 per month.
Comments (22)
Well I must say that I wheels start to come off the wagon when Agent Mutual start to describe the software houses as a threat as they have done in the PowerPoint presentation sent to me last week when I mentioned that the whole campaign seemed to be moving into the realms of a disturbance sell; one based on fea.r
Supporting the software providing the training and then managing change in 18,000 agencies is a huge undertaking, one which I am sure AM have not committed to doing but if the software houses are considered a threat what is the alternative? A single supplier controlled by AM is simply laughable.
I have to say that I was not comfortable with Agents Mutual disregarding the Radarhomes portal which in May2013 was only weeks away from Version 2 and was up and running with 500 Estate Agent members, that indicated alternative motives were probably influencing things. Reading between the lines it is easy to see a scenario that will not be to every Agent's liking.
Anyways – after a brief disappearance (WAAAY too brief for many, no doubt…), here I am back again to give you my thoughts on AM as you request.
1. In my humble opinion, t'internet is a necessary evil. It is that because we have made it exactly that. It has not developed itself. Blame what you want – I hear all the cr@p about "changing lifestyles"; that we need to "keep up with the times" (all of which is true) – but businesses have adapted the internet as to make it their customers' first and longest step on the short path to never leaving the couch. In the same way that kids never leave their rooms to play football – they simply fire up their Sega MegaDrive to play footy and only their digits get any exercise. iPads are the toys of the next generation – but their alternate reality is trawling sites such as RM.
2. AM is being heralded the new Hovis – yet all it is setting out to do is sit somewhere in between RM and Zoop and take SOME of BOTH of their subscribing Agents. In every case, ONE of them will still have a claw in the Agent – and in the meantime Joe and Jane Public get WHAT, exactly?
3. Despite the words of those most prolific pro-am posters here on EYE, in my opinion (based on reading HUNDREDS of posts in relation to the articles which have been published over the last year or so on EYE and 'that other site') AM is simply appealing to the masses because of the idea of stuffing RM/Z – their clients are not being considered in the least.
4. The animal(s) that are currently biting the hands of those that have fed and nurtured them for the past decade plus have, in my opinion, become in the eyes of many the Agent, not the shop window. I am certain that I am not alone in, when answering a RM enquiry with the usual chirpy "PeeBee Estates – whaddya want?" the caller confusedly replies "Isn't that R*******e?" Sorry – but this gives them a strength that is simply being ignored here by the AM happy-clappy clan.
5. Right at the very start (May 2013), Mr Springett was quoted as saying
“We believe there is a lack of choice in the market, and we know that agents are very keen to see an alternative to the current property portals. The price increases for agents using the existing options, Rightmove and Zoopla, have been very robust, and ultimately that cost is being passed on to consumers."
AGENTS keen to develop alternatives – NOT vendors, purchasers, landlords or tenants. THEY seem perfectly happy with what is already there.
The cost of AM will be passed on to consumers also. What exactly is the 'saving' that Agents will make with AM – and how much of this 'saving' will be passed on to consumers?
Is this enough to start with, Robert? There's plenty more where this came from…
Even I'M getting bored reading my own rantings so I apologise to you for having them forced upon you (although in fairness you did ask…)
As an Agent should that be spelt Feebee? 😀
To some of those who can't even negotiate a decent one, Robert, it would be (almost) FREEbee… 😉
"…it‘s the weekend now so should I be calling you Penny?"
Nope – but 'Phoebe' is as close to PeeBee as you'll ever get! 😉
Apologies for not responding last night as I promised – will be on to it later today so watch this space.
I've (very briefly) joined in the other thread on Page 1 also – a quick diglet at a comment from 'wilko' some way up/down the posts. I'll be interested to see his response to that…
Well Paul it might not be 5:30 but after an 18 hour day for me, the 4th on this week, we have achieved Live beta on Local Property Index! We are setting tough targets but so far are hitting every one.
With that done I can finally call it close of play Friday!
Thank you for this week Paul, knowing I have to answer to the archetypal Agent means I have to get it right. There genuinely is no tougher or fairer test of any product or service to the industry and you really ought to be the independent agent focus that sorts the substance from the spin. And one that other agents look to for impartial advice.
Last thought , it‘s the weekend now so should I be calling you Penny? Good night!
Hello, Robert (et al…!)
Did you hear the penny finally drop ALL the way to the ground at around 7.50 this morning? It was deafening – woke half the street!
I'm gonna miss all my cyber-besties. I thought I had friends. You have made me a broken man 🙁
Well… maybe not. Now a man with a mission – but not sure how this mission is to be engineered. You ask "…is there a real name I can correspond with on a more formal basis?" So – 'Pee' doesn't work for you, either, I guess.
Are you wanting to 'out' me, Robert? – to do what Mr RR has tried so desperately yet unsuccessfully to accomplish for the last goodness knows how long?
Of course, I COULD just give you a realistic-sounding alias – it's been done before, you knows – and you wouldn't be any the wiser…
Answers, on a postcard, please… 😉
A first name will do; Peter, Penny, (Having a crisis of gender identity and not sure) I am not after outing who you are but it helps takes the posting to a higher level again. The RICS linked in forum is a good example of how it brings an added level of respect. (I had to be very polite to one Surveyor who couldn't understand himself being the victim of repeat S21 notices . All I wanted to do was shout open the windows)
Can I ask your thoughts on Agents Mutual? With any AM story there is now a fierce pro AM pack almost chanting an indoctrinated mantra, I don't know where you stand on that particular subject but from memory you can see the value of RM. Part of what I am trying to achieve now and I will take credit for motivating the Agent rebellion with the work I put into EAT during the Autumn of 2012, is understanding the reasons why despite the hype they have only grabbed a small section of the available agent support and are running with this bizarre new duopoly rule that is more likely to favour me than damage either of the big two portals.
I want to be able to gather informed opinion that will help me shape Local Property Index into the portal Agents’ customer want to use as a matter of choice. No we are alone I the archive we can probably achieve that. :-* (secret)
"A first name will do; Peter, Penny…"
Yeah – Penny sounds fine to me. I wish my parents had your presence of mind all those years back! 😉
Only joking (apart from the liking of the name 'Penny'). But I'm definitely NOT a Peter and I wouldn't even alias myself as one.
I know several 'Peters' (I even have one for a brother…) – and one or two of them are in our industry – I gnaw the ankles of one from time to time and I've drank the other one under the table on a couple of occasions. The funny thing there is that the former 'Peter' once accused me of being the latter!
"…(Having a crisis of gender identity and not sure)…"
Is that your equivalent of my Sir/Madam/Prefer-not-to-disclose, Robert? Careful – that one usually wazzes people off… and I'm simply trying NOT to pigeon-hole them erroneously!!
"I am not after outing who you are but it helps takes the posting to a higher level again."
Many think that my posting can't sink to any further depths, Robert – so how's about we settle on 'Paul'. Seems a common name around here – and as the subject is gravitating towards AM no doubt the other 'Pauls' will join in just to confuse the matter.
If that be the case – just change it to 'Penny'. I answer to most things anyway… 😉
In order to respond to your query about my 'stance' on AM – allow me to close this post and jump on again later tonight sometime. a) I want to see if we can get an archived thread into three figure posts
b) it will give my poor stumpy digits a well-deserved rest from keyboard warrioring
c) I'll be needing to cross-reference and quote my previous thoughts on the subject which go back at least a year both on EYE and you-know-where (but I see that site is experiencing a lot of down-time today – I think I broke it last night re-reading the musings of Trafford, George – and THAT heated discussion with the '@' chap!
'Paul'/'Penny'/'Prefer-not-to-divulge' (delete where applicable) 😉
They don't all work :-@ 🙁
Can I make a request Peebee? Although I have every respect for the character Peebee is there a real name I can correspond with on a more formal basis? You are after all now a prospective client and it would be somewhat unprofessional to eventually thank Peebee for his order. Perhaps Peebee is your real name but I suspect not.
In respect of your concerns one at a time is good it is far easier to give a straight answer to a question if it is obvious what the concern or objection is and my /our response will have to be properly considered as once written to the ether its is impossible to remove.
As for all your cyber mates when Simon Shinerock posted a little rant wishing us all good riddance he commented that there actually weren't that many of us he was very close to the truth; like a creepy cyber Dick Emery I have adopted multiple personas each with a specific viewpoint to fit individual subjects, not to deceive but to provide a balancing viewpoint. :-# but it was Ampersat's Peebeeing ( we're not Inuit and don't need 2 words for the same verb) of Gary Smith back at the end of April that led me to get involved with LPI. Gary Smith stood up well to online scrutiny from both you and Amperat and was even better when I met him as a result. Draw you own conclusions Peebee but I would like to be in the room when the penny drops! 😉 <:o)
Thank you, kind Sir, for the above – and apologies for the rather tardy response. Busy day at the coalface.
And, as per your invitation to drop the formality, Robert it is henceforth. (especially seeing as you agreed to drop the '@' business…!)
Does that mean you want to call me Pee, then? 😉
Which of course brings us to first (…and I guess the only…) lesson of the day – that simply typing ; and ) gives you a winky. You are not alone – I don't have iPads, kneepads or any other kind of pad either! I'm not sure which other smileys the EYE system allows – let's give it a test seeing as it's only you and me…
: and ) 🙂
: and ( 🙁
: and D – 😀
: and P – 😛
we desperately need to invent one for exclusive use of EYE posters that shows an exasperated soul with steam coming out of their ears – what do you think?
Which brings me nicely on to your post… and the subject of twigging. I'm not entirely sure if I HAVE 'twigged', to be frank. Not that 'frank' is my name in the first place – then I'd be EffBee… Is this one of those mad comedy sketches where you think I think you think I know what you know – but really I don't?
And IF I have twigged, then should I be laughing my socks off at the delicious irony of it all I wonder? I certainly miss all my old cyber-pals – especially George… he and I shared so many commonalities that I thought we were twins separated at birth. But luckily I have found a new 'twin' in my current bestie, the one and only ampersat. He and I bared teeth once before – it wasn't pretty and I wouldn't like to repeat the experience. He's a force to be reckoned with – you should get him on board with you at LPI as the pair of you would be an almost irresistible force.
He could be YOUR wingman, Maverick! 😉
I acknowledge and appreciate your decision to 'hold back' on posting until this article dropped off the mainscreen – as, I am sure, will Rosalind. Many (…most…) would have milked it for all it was worth but with fast approaching 1000 'views', at least people are bothering to at least see what it's all about.
I'm just a bit surprised that other posters haven't made some comment – especially considering the fact that Hound, Paul H and wilko were all keen to comment on the previous article. I hope I didn't jinx this one when I stated "Maybe – just maybe – the great majority of Agents are getting sick of the whole shenanegans."
In all honesty, I have a few issues with the offering – as were raised with Mr Smith in April. I am certain that they are not just issues unique to ME – but as you know I voice them where others tend to play the typical British game of keeping schtumm and thus letting them fester .
Best out, I say!
You want them one at a time, or all at once?
The former might see this thread count going into THREE figures – a first for EYE, I believe… 😉
I look forward to hopefully resuming this tomorrow (or is it today, now…?)
Good luck Gary and Russell with this new vemture. So long as leads are good quality agents shoild spread the word. IT is important, alike having Robert on board brings a stable experienved insider understanding of how agents need to function and what should work for them.
Good luck guys.
Peebee, your post contains some very kind and generous words for which I thank you . It is late now so please let me come back to you tomorrow when I have had time to properly consider a reply. I don’t want you quoting me at me for the next 5 years!
I will however apologise for the @ing I was rather hoping that would ring a bell about one discussion we had on the subject of portals when someone managed to get you into a bit of a sweat.
"I don’t want you quoting me at me for the next 5 years!"
Fear not – I lose interest after three, usually…
"I will however apologise for the @ing I was rather hoping that would ring a bell about one discussion we had on the subject of portals when someone managed to get you into a bit of a sweat."
Erm… ALMOST managed is what I said.
I will admit to having the hand on the gearshift and foot on the clutch in readiness during that WEEK-LONG exchange of views – but my breathing and pulse didn't alter and at one point I had to pinch myself to avoid my usual afternoon naplet (I'm of that age, you knows…).
I also apologised to that chap (or should I say th@ chap – sorry – I thought it was funny in my head…) for numerous assumptions I had jumped to, and we ended (I think) on a relatively even keel but he never accepted my 'lets do lunch' invitation so I'll never know for certain!
Its a year on since that exchange – I have less hair and more cholesterol clogging up my system, so lucky it happened then and not now!
I definitely look forward to your considered response, Mr May.
Sorry Peebee, your generosity actually had me lost for words. The compliment of being likened to Sir Alex is a huge compliment and one I wasn't fishing for or expecting. Thank you but….
If you want to liken me to anyone/thing in football try Wimbledon FC 1977- 1988 when they were 33:1 underdogs in the FA cup final. Coming from nowhere with limited resources over a sustained period is a far better analogy. Away from Football Sir Ben Ainslie has to be who I would most like to be compared with. Again over a sustained period Ben has shown consistency and determination but also an absolute mastery and dominance of his game. I forget which Olympics it was but watching him sail his closest competition to the back of the fleet was simply genius. In the Americas Cup last year he put every ounce of experience to very good effect.
As you say Peebee it is only you and I here so my delay in replying was a tactical one, I was waiting for the story to slip from page 1. Despite what I am now employed to do I am not wanting to grab as much free publicity as I can and with Ros having one of my three main competitors as a advertiser I don't want to cause any embarrassment. I appreciate Ros has the integrity of a nuclear waste flask so her independence isn't in question I just don't want to abuse the opportunity.
In brief Generation 5 is my attempt to bring back the status of Profession to the industry of Estate Agency. It is technology that has stolen the status and I will use Technology to reinstate it to those who deserve it.
“Property is a people business not a Portal business “ ( how did you find that? Paxman!) following on from the statement/goal above I understand how and why it is the misuse of property portals and to some extent the software I and others have provided that is causing the erosion of free incomes and facilitating the epidemic of un-suitable agents and agency practices. My understanding of the problem allows me to offer a solution.
I am not sure you have twigged that you haven't just been following my posts you have been crossing swords with all manner of characters: I remember some debates you had with George Daws FNAEA, the old stager desperate to convince the know it all house price canutes and FTBs to buy while they could. The lardy newspaper hack Gourmand Gossip and Trafford Mallory the guy who effectively wrote and instigated the whole AM movement with his call to arms to fight what he dubbed the Duopoly. It is a shame non of those posters have made the move to PIE but at least Ampersat is here to provide a comedy double act that sees either you or him taking the thread count into double figures.
I can't wait for you to get your teeth into him! (How do you do the winky emoticon I don't have an Ipad?)
P.S please call me Robert, I am one of you.
@ Peebee
I have to admit to being a little afraid of what Ampersat describes as a ‘Peebeeing’
What is the deal with Local property Index? why have I picked out LPI as standing out from the other portal wannabees that have treated us to the same stated aims as Gary Smith did the other week? The simple answer is that he was prepared to come out and go belly to belly with YOU instead of the usual PR drop and run. Following that I did a bit of research which uncovered a very successful businessman (strong Cloud/ internet based company ) plus a very talented Technical director with a simply astonishing knowledge and experience of a key bit of programming I consider vital to any web site searchable by the general public. I am not saying what that is but bear in mind I have being involved with feeding data to Property Portals a full 3 years before Rightmove (Guy Baker from Homes on line) and know what I am looking for.
I have been looking for an outlet for my Generation 5 project for close to 5 years and in a nutshell Gary Smith and LPI are an ideally suited, qualified and experienced to deliver what I believe Agents need. This project isn’t just about giving Rightmove and Zoopla a run for their subscriptions, there is far more stuff to come out but only at an achievable pace.
What is different about this offering Peebee is a strong and successful business mind, a strong and relevant technical mind plus a chap who earned a Fellowship of NAEA with time served and examination success (ISVA) coming together to provide an unrestricted and unregulated alternative to the duopoly which will only be a success if it delivers what agent need; instructions.
Sorry for the curved ball at the end Sir (I have learned from the master) "En guard” 😮
Mr May – thank you for responding.
You have NO fear of a 'PeeBeeing', an 'ampersatting' – or any other '…ing' for that matter IF what you are doing is going to be beneficial to the industry AND to its' consumers.
Actually, in my opinion (which is the hip I always shoot from…) the beneficiaries are listed in reverse order of importance. The offering will be only beneficial to the industry if those that keep it in existence buy into its benefits.
Having followed your postings for probably as long as I have been posting myself – and from doing a bit of homework about you and your previous – I would dare to suggest that you are motivated by long-term success rather than short-term gain. I doubt that you will challenge me on that point (it would be reasonably Ratneresque to do so considering what I am saying…) – but I sincerely hope that I have read you correctly.
And in THAT respect, Mr May, I trust that not only have you completed your due diligence tick-sheet but also firmly 'believe' in what is being put forward, seeing as you will be now seen as 'the' face of the company (sorry, Mr Smith – but you are relegated to the Directors' Box now and you've brought in the property world equivalent of Sir Alex to face the media for you…).
You mention 'Generation 5 project' – but that means squat to mere mortals like me I'm afraid. Neither does it feature strongly on a Google search but what little I DID find has got my inquisitive juices flowing. Care to expand at all? If it is sensitive information I appreciate that you'll have to shoot me afterwards but it looks like its only you and me here anyway so maybe not necessary…
Finally (for now, anyways…), you state "What is different about this offering… coming together to provide an unrestricted and unregulated alternative to the duopoly which will only be a success if it delivers what agent need; instructions."
True. And, I suggest, an offering that the public take to. A long time ago and in a place far, far away (well… only as far away as on your LinkedIn profile to be exact but I LOVE that whole Star Wars thing – although I'm more ******** than Chewbacca, as I think you've already gathered… 😉 ) you are quoted as follows:
"Selling property is a people business not a portal business".
Absolutely – couldn't agree more if you paid me.
So tell me, Sir – HOW does your new venture fit within the concept of that single sentence?
I look forward to our duel of words continuing, Mr May. I will gladly fence with you all day, as I can expect a fair and clean 'fight'. Let's have no sidestepping; no parrying – I fully expect you to lunge, cut and thrust like the Grand Master you are known to be.
One favour, if I may. The whole '@ so-and-so' thing does my chuff in! 'ampersat' even named himself it no doubt to playfully stick two digits up in my direction when I had a hissy fit about the whole Tw@tter-speak malarkey.
Just don't '@' me… PLEEEEEASE! 😉
Congratulations, Mr May – I'm only 100% certain you will be reading this – on your new appointment. Anyone who knows you – even those of us who have simply got to 'know' you through reading your frequent postings on 'that other' industry news (…now propaganda…) site is aware that you're one switched on cookie. Any man who makes the RR guy flee for the hills is high in my estimations – so you're up there with the best on that score, Sir! 😉
Anyway… back to the story. This intrigues me. You clearly see something in this venture that so far has escaped me. I have had 'discussions' with Mr Smith here on EYE a month or two back. I'm struggling with a few issues and so far Mr Smith hasn't responded to my last barrage of words. No doubt he has enlisted you to do what you seem to do best – so I look forward to getting enlightened! May I respectfully request you read the last EYE article in order to see where I am coming from (if you haven't already, that is…).
I look forward to your input, Sir!
You beat me to it with the post above mine, Sir.
Now this REALLY intrigues me!
@Peter,
Our model isn't pay per click it is pay per enquiry which has a very subtle way of controlling that concern.
There is also a less subtle difference with the way I work; all of my customers are given my home and personal mobile number with the clear instruction to call it if there is anything untoward with the service I am putting my name and reputation to. It is a system that ensures I and my staff deliver the very best service we can.
I am currently looking for beta sites and such is the reputation I have for commitment to this industry that in eight phone calls I have the 4 initial sites I want for data testing, three are waiting for the second phase when data has been loaded and we are covering their specific area and only 1 agent has said no to the proposition.
I appreciate our model won't be for everyone but we are not after every agent in every town, I am content that concentrating on agents that know how to win and keep saleable instructions is a partnership that works both ways and sells property.
Not a fan of pay per click; just not confident that all enquiries will be genuine. Still, if your morals are that way inclined, a great way to increase your competitors costs if they use the service.