Time for high street agents to fight back

If the press or the markets are to be believed the high street estate agent has been on the ropes. The new kid on the block is Purplebricks, or Yopa, or Tepilo etc etc and they are comparable to Anthony Joshua apparently. But now it seems the high street agent has bounced back off the ropes and is coming out swinging.

The news this week that easyProperty is merging with The Guild and Fine & Country to offer a platform to high street agents to enable them to offer online sales is one of many signs that high street agents are willing to fight. And fight they must as online agents have changed our marketplace and those that stand still will get left behind.

Consumers are more cost sensitive than ever before and price discrimination is almost nigh on impossible now with the power of the internet making all our fees easily comparable. If your fee isn’t online, you might never get the phone call to ask how much you charge, and lets face it all agents dread that call, your staff might be expertly trained, but there will always be some clients that want to know the price and only the price.

I believe easyProperty have made a shrewd move, the high street agents can offer clients a set of skills the online agents are yet to master, the personal touch. I set up my company to offer just that, and to offer clients the best of both online and traditional agency skills and I think that appeals to the millennials and in fact appeals to everyone. People sometimes forget that selling your biggest asset is a huge, life changing decision. If you could offer someone a cheaper package, but still have the comfort blanket of a local office wouldn’t that be appealing?

It remains to be seen how The Guild members will react to their second offer of an online platform, but I expect many Guild members will react more favourably than The Fine & Country members who might struggle to see how a budget brand like ‘easy’ sits next to the fantastic premium brand that they have built over the years.

High street estate agents need to remember that supermarkets do it: basic, standard, premium. It can easily be done, but the branding needs to be different and most importantly it needs to work for your business.

But it’s not just us, there are now numerous companies offering hybrid options, now the high street agent is fighting back, how will the onlines react?

Written by mark@love2move.co.uk

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More