Industry Interview: Spencer Fortag MARLA MNAEA of Dockside Property Services Kent
December 8, 2016
How important is it for estate agents to embrace innovation and technology in the industry to both find new clients and marketing their clients property?
I don’t think this is important. I believe it is essential. Clients today, of whatever age, tend to be tech savvy so agents that embrace bothÿinnovation and technology will flourish. Those that do not evolve will, like theÿdinosaurs, become extinct. Innovation and technology allows us to market to clients. we would not normally be able to, in a way that engages and excites them.
They say traditional / high street estate agents may disappear and be replaced by online and hybrid agencies – What is your opinion on that?
Personally, I welcome the challenge that online andÿhybrid agents bring. I do not believe high streetÿagents will be replaced because I feel that trad-agents can offer a better and more personalised service. Property, like car sales for example, remains one of the fewÿbusiness transactions where actual people still need/prefer to view the actual product on offer. Until weÿhave full-on, holographic, virtual reality property tours, trad-agents really do have the upper hand!
Has the choice to leave Europe, Brexit, made any effect on sales of property and consumer confidence within your area?
I operate in two very different regions; Medway and Canary Wharf. I believe the impact on Brexit in any given area isÿdirectly correlated to how that area voted. Canary Wharf, for example, with its highÿpercentage of financial services workers, voted at around 70% to stay. Medway,ÿhowever, voted at almost the same number to leave. Therefore, the result was felt more as a shock in Canary Wharf, than in Medway. Some overseas buyers haveÿexpressed concerns, but the reasons that most of them buy in theÿUK and London have not changed. We stillÿhave a safe, democratic society,ÿsteadfast land titles, low interest rates and an excellentÿcultural and educational reputation. Long may those continue!
2013 – 2016ÿARLA Regional Representative for Kent
MD Dockside Property Services Kent Limited
Regional Manager Landmark Estates
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