In a new blow to Zoopla, major London agent Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward has opted for Rightmove as its “one other portal” when OnTheMarket launches on January 26. The firm has over 50 branches across the capital.
Hampshire and Surrey firm Charters, with offices in upmarket Winchester, Alton, Alresford and, shortly, Farnham, also announced that it will be dropping Zoopla in favour of Rightmove.
Beauchamp Estates in London – whose boss Gary Hersham appeared on last year’s fly on the wall TV documentary about estate agents – has also opted for Rightmove.
The firm specialises in deals at over £10m, and in 2013 took first place as the agency generating the highest income per fee earner.
It has also been interesting to see the steadily increasing amount of local newspaper PR being done by agents for OnTheMarket.
The Stroud News & Journal (Gloucs) is here
The North Devon Journal is here
The Kenilworth Weekly News is here
Comments (7)
Hmmm… The second article paints completely the WRONG picture.
Comments like "Ian Springett of OnTheMarket.com said the current websites “have been making super-profits at the expense of thousands of small businesses”, resulting in the creation of a new portal." and "These groups have been making super-profits at the expense of thousands of small businesses and the money they make is out of all proportion to the value they are contributing to the property industry.” simply highlight that for SOME AGENTS, choosing OTM will be based on financial saving for them and not customer benefit.
I would suggest that Mr Springett needs to be kept OUT of these things.
OTM NEEDS POSITIVE PR – AND QUICK!
Have to agree with Property ear, I think the public will be amazed at this new site that will have far less property, less content and less info than the current duo, I'm sure I heard that the great british public like sites that deliver LESS information nowdays……..
It could be suggested local PR along the lines of those above is pulling wool over the casual readers eye. The astute property press reader will want to know more …. as, very likely, will a good many sellers who, in most cases, will have had no say in which portal THEY choose to be with. OTM disciples should be very aware sellers pay our wages and should not be taken as dummies in this controversial initiative. Their decision to jump ship could land a good many agents in deep water, unless of course they have conducted a consultation process.
They "the public" have a choice, use a RM/Z agent, or a OTM/RM agent or indeed a OTM/Z agent….. I suspect the public will chose the agent who they felt and trusted will make the right decision for their property in the knowledge they do not get paid if they do not sell it…………… I remind my vendors and valuations EVERY DAY…… I get paid nothing for not selling your home, I want your money, as much of it as I can get and as quick as I can get it……….with the added hope we get a recommendation letter at the end………….I've never met a client yet who is not happy with the harsh reality of my goal………. honestly…… do some people forget how to sell the notion of No Sale No Fee……. its a pretty big motivator!
With no disrespect Ric, I refer to existing vendors. Rather than decide for my exising clientele, I have advised them of our intention to keep
our options open at this stage but have invited their input if they wish to discuss our stance. subsequently, should any of our clients wish to leave us to list with an OTM member, they are free to go without notice.
Apologies to students of correct English – exising should read existing and subsequently should begin with an S!
Truth is the public do not care where their property is advertised as long as they get it sold at the right price. OTM may not be for everyone but I don't expect many OTM agents will lose out on instructions just because they are on that site and not Z. I think it will just mean more mud slinging between agents on valuations if you are OTM or not. And most vendors will already have chosen the agent they like best before that conversation even takes place.