OnTheMarket boss Ian Springett has reiterated his confidence in the portal and its current recruitment campaign.
He said the latest Letter of Intent programme will accelerate OTM’s growth towards the “tipping point” in the battle with Zoopla for listing volumes.
Springett yesterday insisted that support for OTM is growing across the country and that the direction of travel is clear.
He spoke out after City analyst Exane appeared to change sentiment in a new report to investors which cast doubt on OTM’s recruitment.
However, the report said that the latest recruitment campaign had started back in March when in fact it was not launched until June.
Springett did not refer to the Exane report, but in a lengthy statement said: “In less than ten months after we launched, we announced that OnTheMarket had the total support of well over 6,000 estate and letting agent offices, of which over 90% are contracted offices.
“The balance is offices which are covered by a non-binding Letter of Intent to join when total support reaches 7,500 offices.
“This number will be a significant milestone because, if at that point new members make the same ‘other portal’ choices as our existing members, we estimate that we will have more available UK residential property listings than Zoopla – the Tipping Point.
“We used the Letter of Intent process to gather our initial 1,800 Gold member offices in 2013 and it was part of adding over 2,800 Silver and Gold member offices in 2014.
“The rate of conversion to contract in both cases exceeded 80%, indicating that locally-based, full service agents want Agents’ Mutual to succeed and simply need to see that sufficient scale has been reached – nationally and locally to them – before entering a contract.
“Our latest Letter of Intent programme started at the end of June 2015 and sign-up by agents is now snowballing.
“We will be entering 2016 in a strong position and intent on overtaking Zoopla Property Group in terms of UK available property listings.
“We continue to believe it is only a matter of time until we do.
“At this point, we expect our growth to accelerate and we will focus on continuing to build a sustainably low-cost alternative to Rightmove to serve both agents and consumers better.
“Naturally, with the ground we have gained and the disruption we have caused to the portals market, we have encountered several detractors.
“The stakes are extremely high for Zoopla at this point.
“They have enjoyed their spot in the position as the UK’s Number 2 portal and the 49% profit margin this has yielded.
“Alex Chesterman, the CEO of Zoopla Property Group, which lost almost a quarter of its agents between 30 September 2014 and 31 March 2015, made the mistake of dismissing OnTheMarket as a ‘short-term event’ back in February.
“Interestingly, less than 10% of our current members have retained Zoopla as their one other portal.
“Online-only agent Russell Quirk stated in July – at our sixth month anniversary – that OnTheMarket would fizzle out before its first birthday.
“How wrong he was!
“The reality is that far from fading into the background, OnTheMarket is here to stay because we have proved that support for our 100% agent-owned, agent-controlled portal is solid across the country and growing.
“We have provided an exceptional website, and the feedback from our members, their clients and the property-seeking public is overwhelmingly positive.
“The portal already attracts millions of property-seekers a month and we believe that key to its success have been its speed, responsiveness and clean design.
“Consumers want to see properties in the best possible light without unnecessary clutter and we have provided a platform to facilitate this.
“What’s more, many of our member agents are choosing to upload their new-to-market properties to OnTheMarket exclusively first – 24 hours or more ahead of any other portal – which gives serious property-seekers an extra reason to visit the portal and to make return visits.
“OnTheMarket is already established as a major portal.
“We may now need to attract the support of fewer than 1,500 more agent offices to have more available UK residential listings than Zoopla.
“Our direction of travel is clear, and with the strong support of high street agency, we remain as focused as ever on reaching our full potential – a sustainably low-cost alternative to Rightmove.”
Tomorrow, Zoopla announces its full year results to the City.
*Rightmove’s share price yesterday hit the £40 mark for the first time with a gain of 62p.
So confirmation here that they have signed no more than 500/600 agents on letters that don’t commit them to anything. Good spin though Ian.
If the rumour is true that they are signing agents at 50 per month, it is only a matter of time until that cat gets out of the bag and hundreds and potentially thousands of agents who put their faith in Springett will seriously consider why they got involved with this project which benefits the few at the expense of the many.
They may forgive the abject failure to reach ‘number 2 by January 2016’, they may excuse the complete lack of delivery despite the millions – of their hard earned cash – spent, they may even overlook the fact that OTM offers absolutely nothing to consumers which is not already available (and preferred), but knowing that others are paying peanuts while they are paying market rate will not end well.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Oh, and I meant £50 per month rather than signing 50 agents per month!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
HarryN….. as a matter of Legal Reference please clarify exactly your statement re £50 AM/OTM Membership….. and that when required you will be able to legally back that up.
When you or anyone makes such a “statement” based on “rumour” you must be prepared to back it up legally. Forums, blogs should not be considered as a place to make certain comments that one is not able to provide “legally” accepted evidence of, when required to do so.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
GPL – You are asking others for proof and to substantiate claims when yours have been some of the most outlandish in your rantings and raving.
Lets suppose he did have proof, would it change your view on OTM or would you then change your tune to “Well sure they had a good reason” and just accept it?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I have also heard of an agent being offered £50 per month for a year, so don’t be so quick to suggest it is just a rumour.
*Smile… brilliant and so true – “You are asking others for proof and to substantiate claims when yours have been some of the most outlandish in your rantings and raving”.
As for Mr bankers pay packet himself, Mr S. Where are all these stats on performance that actually matter to agents… for starters, no of leads?!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“but knowing that others are paying peanuts while they are paying market rate will not end well” What do you mean by that Harry? are you suggesting that some agents are paying less than the agreed subscription structure? If you are how about really stirring it up and saying who is paying what.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It’s pretty much an open secret in the industry Robert, the earlier you showed support, the more they tucked you up . I have a friend in Wales who has been offered 3 months free then £50 per month with no contract length. Whilst OTM supporters will welcome this those who have seen no value and want to leave maybe won’t welcome it so much …
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
So how about you give the agents who have been tucked up the names of the agents who have been offered these deals, let agent talk to agent. Who is your friend in Wales? which rep offered them the deal? If there are non-mutual, unfair, things going on let’s get the fact out in the open and being discussed.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
My thoughts exactly Robert, I cant see it being the case. I think it is exactly what it needs but would be very surprised.
I was always RM only and then the findaproperty rep offered me that at £50 a month, Im obviously paying more now with Z now but Im still on there all these years later. Just a thought.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Not my place Robert, do a bit of ringing round … If you still have an active network you won’t have to go far to find one apparently
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You’re the one making the claim, you made it your place so either you need to put some substance to your claim or you need to stop trolling.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Would you Adam & Eve this? It’s not just in Wales.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
danny…… I suggest you consider your legal position with any comments you are currently making about AM/OTM Member Fees?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
That is the immediate reaction GPL but if such things are going on, you as a Mutual member have a right to understand what is going on and a right to comment on it.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
That’s fair Robert, like you I like to hear/see actual evidence when “rumours”, “friends” etc are quoted and portrayed
I’m always happy to back anything legally sensitive with facts….. possibly because I used to arrest people for a living (many moons ago, pre portal world) and I have worked with a firm of Solicitors for over 10 Years.
I may have spent nearly 3 Decades ranting & raving as an estate agent however when it comes to the nitty gritty…. I can produce the factual evidence.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It looks as is some agents are being offered a 3 month trial deal, I can’t see an issue with that as a sales technique so long as the ‘advocates’ are aware what going on. Leaving those who are most willing to stand up for a cause exposed is a sure way of silencing your own support; people tend not to post when there is a chance of being embarrassed by surprises.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Legal position, are you serious?! Keep with that way in thinking, and perhaps worth reading back on many of your posts – jackal and hyde.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Sure Robert , go and check the on the market website for anyone who has been there since Jan. As for the other nonsense about being able to prove a conversation …Give it a rest , I’ll see you in court when you sue me .there is another way to prove me a liar .
Dear Ian Springett ,
can can you confirm that all members and letters of intent wil pay the advertised rate card?
Im of course forgetting that as paying members of this mutual he will of course consulted you as members before taking this decision , let’s see if he replies ….of course if your a member you could ask him yourself ?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Deals like that in an area where OTM has many members seems like a howler
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
ditto danny….. you can provide legally accepted evidence of this when required to do so?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
All he is saying is that he has heard that it is rumoured. In fact quite a few of us have been hearing these ‘rumours’ too.
I think we need a formal clarification by AM to put this one to bed once and for all.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Harry…He said
.”I have a friend in Wales who has been offered 3 months free then £50 per month with no contract length”
This is stated by Danny as a FACT, not a rumour.
The pair of you are so full of it. I think that most people can see through your nonsense.
Danny has made this as an actual claim, yet AS ALWAYS, never comes up the info. I do hope it’s true as he will find himself in very hot libel water if he makes factual claims on a national publication forum and can’t back it up with fact.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
……Oh, and I meant to add that Danny, Harry Hood never reply when the “discussion” reaches this point.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
All I said was that people saying it makes it a rumour……..
I don’t think you can dispute that?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
People stating facts is people stating facts…..and I think you know the difference between the two. If a fact is prefixed with “I heard that”… instead of I have a friend who has been offered…..” then you could say it’s rumour.
It is very sad that you needed me to spell that out for you, but underlines your necessity to back any anti otm comment, even if it cant be backed up with even a slither of fact…….and still say “I don’t think you can dispute that”…….Amazing , just amazing.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Don’t worry – I guess you’re not the only angry gold member
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Classic respond with lies!……more, unsubstantiated lies. Who said I’m a gold member that is angry?
More made up rubbish…….the only thing you seem capable of posting lately.
Very very sad you have had to resort to this type of post lately….very sad indeed.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I did say “I guess” on the post below, and it was. Attempted joke.
Sorry if it came across wrong.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Is this Springett chap stupid, deluded or both? “Tipping Point” could only ever be reached when he has more unique consumer visitors than Zoopla and, on that count, he is light years away
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Good to see PIES other article about government wanting more online models: http://www.propertyindustryeye.com/government-says-it-wants-to-encourage-online-only-estate-agents/#comment-31402
Before the OFT passed powers to the CMA and NTSEAT they indicated a want for new innovative and online models.
Definately takes the AM/OTM ethos in an anti-competitive cartel like stance.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
So let me get this right Trevor. Are you suggesting AM/OTM could be a Cartel?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I think he is RealAgent
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I do hope he tells us more then.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
@RealAgent
AM is an entity with 9 directors. OTM has different directorship.
Thus restrictive anti-competitive rules upheld by the other is cartel like.
Government want more internet models and as such AM/OTMs banning online only agents and restraining and targetted bans doesnt favour well for AM/OTM or those supporting it.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I see Trevor, you do indeed raise an interesting point. Please do elaborate.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Yes Trevor, please tell me more, I am very interested
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I don’t doubt you are interested Gump but I am really REALLY interested and I have set aside time to read a long and wordy response from Trevor, citing case law and examples I hope. In fact even as I type this I am salivating at the prospect of reading it and might even suggest to Amazon that they consider publishing it for the Kindle, so that I can enjoy it all over again during Christmas.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
_H_
/___\
\888/
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~U~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
~ |
~ o | ~
___ o |
_,.–,.’` `~’-.._ O |
/_ .-” _ /_\’. | ~
.-‘;’ (( ` \0/ `\ #
/__; ((_ ,_ | , #
.-; \_ / # _#,
/ ; .-‘ / _.–“”-.\`~` `#((‘\\ ~
;-‘; / / .’ )) \\
; /.–‘.’ (( ))
\ | ~ \\ ((
\ | )) `
~ \ | `
\ |
.` `””-.
.’ \ ~ ~
| |\ |
\ / ‘-._|
\.’
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
worm on a hook? only it didn’t come out quite right
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Yes the copy and paste did not work, alas!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Solved and posted on twitter!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
An excellent idea about the Kindle!
I’ve just called my Saturday boy in, his only job today is to keep hitting refresh on this page.
Seriously I can’t wait
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well I’ve just come off the phone to Mrs Real Agent and she has agreed that we can print of the response, have it fashioned at John Lewis into wallpaper and redecorate our lounge with it for the enjoyment of the whole family.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Doh…that should have been “off” naturally.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Just off the phone to a Taiwanese textiles company, they can print it onto duvets and pillow cases ridiculously cheap.
Just waiting on a call back from a local tattooist
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well I have decided to name my new born child Trevor (his reply to be inserted) RealAgent Mealham.
She may get a little teased at school but you know what I don’t care.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
A friend of mine married an American girl called Trevor (true story) so she should be ok!
Just struck a deal with Andrex and Kleenex, they will run limited edition rolls
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Trevor Mealham – There are many things that this government wants. Not all of them are practical or desirable.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Has OTM heard of the saying “no news is good news”? It seems they’re spamming the industry with constant reminders that they’re there, and that they’re succeeding. How long until PIE has to create a news section just for OTM updates?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I got a real deal on those RM shares last January – they’re now worth £40! #doubledmymoney
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I would hate to see a recruitment drive that does not work …..
Sorry, bit catty but OTM need to address the membership issue.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Its probably fair to say it does need addressing SP but it’s also fair to say we are not party to any discussions with agents taking place behind the scenes with OTM. There will be some agents, that took the 18 month price freeze that Zoopla offered agents to stay with them. One of them I suspect could be Countrywide, who must be very conscious of the fact that their highly profitable Hamptons brand, is losing market share to Savills. In my opinion the Countrywide lower to middle is adequately served by Righmove, but Zoopla, even with Prime Location, simply doesn’t serve their higher end brands.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I will stick my neck on the block and will eat humble pie if i ever need to, if this thread is ever brought up in the future.
Countrywide will never join OTM, Knowing what i know, it is almost impossible for this to ever happen.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well I appreciate as a former Countrywide chap you may know more than me so I guess we will just have to see then SP!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It’s all gone very sour indeed and I’m not sure it’s the type of organisation I’d ever want to join. It would be a life of strife and constant political shenanigans.
Yes are few are selfless for the industry, but most are true blooded capitalists and it is these who will rule the roost. Whether its the Old Major, Napoleon or Snowball, the industry just can’t afford to abdicate responsibility to a centralised single power which will inevitably run for the good of the few. Just look at the decisions made so far…….
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Only winner in this is Rightmove. Respect any agent that remained with zoopla but all rightmove wimps have ruined any chance to help the industry or themselves in the long run.
Rightmove needs agents to atract customers who then go to purplebricks #mugs
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well the rumour mill is in full flow this morning on both this site and the other forum. Are OnTheMarket offering reduced rates or is this simply the last throw of the dice from the “Detractors”?
Well i’m not too sure but what I do know is that the number of agents area my area is growing we’ve 2 new agents in the last week, one of whom being a 6 branch firm.
Whatever OTM is doing seems to be working.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
For the record….. anyone can search here and find me stating as a “All singing ranting raving AM Gold Member” that I would happily see discounted or free AM/OTM Membership for a period of time.
It’s the “someone told me/I heard from a friend/a passing alien said….. etc” brigade that have to consider their statements on certain points before they make them….. it’s always wise to consider your legal position before you say something….. and if you can prove it factually then you can fire away knowing you hold the evidence.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I couldn’t agree more GPL.
I sincerely hope that both AM management and The Eye watch this kind of behaviour closely.
There are certain posters that make accusations/potentially damaging facts in connection with companies, on this occasion OTM, and the factual claim by Danny as to what his friend was offered, in my view appears unsubstantiated and potentially damaging.
I’m all for healthy debate but certain lines are now being crossed.
In my view, if this claim cannot be substantiated, then The Eye should remove the comment and warn the poster as to future conduct or ban them, whilst the management at OTM should look to take legal action against any , unjust and untrue claims that are made and intended to cause damage, without having any factual foundation.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“There are certain posters that make accusations/potentially damaging facts in connection with companies”
I sincerely hope you can legally back that statement up!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
All should refrain from making abusive or derogatory comments about named individuals or companies and always have regard for the laws of defamation and libel.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You appear to have lost your sense of humour today Mr Wilko
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well from my lofty position I see Rightmove purring along and hoping to keep out of stormy portal waters…… elsewhere Zoopla as usual do nothing to challenge Rightmove….. however Zoopla remain embattled with OnTheMarket.com …..weren’t OnTheMarket.com supposed to be out of business by now? …..and how Zoopla wish they were!
When Zoopla are finally jettisoned by our industry, the really interesting phase begins…… 10 months in and Zoopla are fighting a rearguard action…. as they never had or have the ambition to look forward.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well from my looking up view of the situation OTM are doing nothing to challenge anyone
I signed the letter of intent as the rep said it would help his figures* and I’ve no intention of joining them
* Obviously that was an unrecorded conversation between two people with no witnesses so unless the said rep would admit to it I’m afraid I would not be able to legally back that up, so I may in fact be lying, in which case I possibly should not of mentioned it at all, so I retract this whole reply
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Noted Gump….. you can’t confirm anything verbally then…. however you have your copy “Signed Letter of Intent”….. seems strange that you are so weak to sign something put in front of you that you have no intention following thru on?…..I’ll chalk you down then as “Not Trustworthy” ….. by your own admission.
Hopefully you are not an Estate Agent….. if you are let me know and I can arrange for your clients to be notified….that like you, anything they signed, doesn’t have to be honoured!
Gimp, sorry Gump….. a strange admission by you, however a confession of sorts.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ah, allow me to explain the slight difference between a legally (that’s your buzzword of the day) binding contract and a no obligation letter of intent
One is legally binding and one is not, quite obvious which is which?
I was helping the rep out, if ever you need a worthless piece of paper signed to help you hit a worthless target, I’m your man.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Gump….. just to clarify….. you are confirming you are not honourable then with your empty gesture signature…. it’s one of the worst character traits….. no honour.
Here’s a tip – don’t boast about your lack of honour….. unless you are oddly proud about it?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
On this particular occasion I am very proud GPL.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register