Long-standing Kent firm Howard Cundey – established in 1968 – is the latest to launch an on-line offering.
Called Howard Cundey LIVE, it has been developed by CEOs Dan Berrisford and Tim Foulkes, and will complement the existing high street offering.
They describe LIVE as a “technology-driven online estate agency, giving customers control over their property marketing alongside personal assistance along the journey”.
The customer has mobility to switch between the services, and has secure access to their own Personal Property Hub.
The fee is paid upfront, at a VAT-inclusive £599, with a tariff of extras. For example, a package of five viewings costs an extra £125 and an open house a further £125.
£599 – the race to the bottom continues. Half the price of the Countrywide offering. How low can you go!
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Personally, I think the biggest problem with smaller independents doing this, is the lack of infrastructure. It’s only worth it, if it’s then being passed on out of branch to a head office style call centre. Otherwise you’ll have more people choosing the upfront option, knowing they have the ability to walk into the office if things go wrong. In the end, this will hit their bottom line. And even worse! Their reputation! Clients already love blaming Estate Agents if a property doesn’t sell, now imagine how much worse it would be, once a client has paid upfront. The reason online only has not taken over, is because the majority of people do not like the idea of paying upfront to somewhere that isn’t local. Now you’re giving them the option to do this, it will absolutely effect your bottom line. If I’m wrong in 12 months time, let me know.
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I know Tim and I will follow this with interest. My main concern is the devaluation of the main HC brand with HCL.
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If PB can easily get £1200, why undercut them. Match and offer your service as your usp and stand a chance. Or charge a tenner and close in the very near future
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