Are online estate agents any good?
Which is regarded as the best online estate agent with the best internet coverage?
Asked on Mar 24 2011, Selling in Otley | Report content
Answers (11)
Sort by: Oldest | Recent | Highest rated
-
They can be but like a traditional agent, you should spend a little time to look around and find the right one.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
You'd be mad to use an online agent. A good local agent can not only promote your area but will have loads of buyers attracted by other stock in the area to whom he/she can show your property. Most people do not buy the property about which they enquired! So any sole reliance on a direct internet sale is about as likely as peace in the middle east. And with agency fees in the UK being the lowest in the world by a long chalk, what would be the point of some perceived saving in any event. Definitely get what you pay for here!! Good luck.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
Sorry, I have to disagree. From experience (High Street estate agent for 5 years and sourcing agent for 10 years) you can find as good if not a better service online, dependent on the agents. An online agent provides nationwide access to your property, opening up a larger market. Fees are always negotiable online or other so again it comes to each individual.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
All local agents are online anyway and any who claim that an online agency expands the marketing is missing the point. eg it could be claimed that by being on the web at all the property is within reach of billions of people. So what? Only those specifically looking for my type of property in my area are of any interest. Then I need a good agent to swing people onto my property who might otherwise not have viewed.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
I think a local presence is key to getting a quick turn around when it comes to selling/letting a property. During pre-launch we were marketing some properties for a new landlord, however, we did not have an office open in the area so relied completely on Rightmove. We lost out on both of these properties to competitors because they had a local presence and had people walking in to their shop making enquiries. We keep a very close eye on our enquiry sources, and it is quite clear that without the office presence and people walking in to speak with us, we would most likely not have been successful in providing our clients with a quick let to quality applicants. I appreciate that you are asking about sales but I feel that this applies to both sales and lettings. Also, local market knowledge is key when trying to sell or let properties in this difficult market.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
Like traditional estate agents, some are good and some are not so good. It depends on what it is you want and how much of your own time you want to spend letting or selling your property. One thing online agents do not normally do is viewings, however some do so make sure you understand what is on offer for what you pay. Generally using an online agent will mean a large saving because online agents do not normally have a shop window. I think it is well known that the vast majority of those looking for property search on internet property portals.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
Actually 'All' local agents are not online, I know of several in my home town who do not have a presence online. So essentially you are saying that people in town A would not look for a property in town B? Are you an estate agent?
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
I'm a tech adict, but chose to have a retail outlet too. Why? Ask yourself what proportion of costs rent and rates are of a proper estate agent? Our rent and rates are equivalent to the value of 2 Fully managed lets a year! what other costs do online agents save? BTW we've had 3 clients walk in this year already. The internet is great but cost/benefit analysis says (to me) retail presence works for good agents in good locations.
Answered on Mar 25 2011, Report content -
You could give us a go, we list on all of the top property portals and have a good track record of selling homes quickly
Answered on Mar 28 2011, Report content -
I don't see why an online estate agent can't be every bit as good as a high street estate agent. Why not try selling or renting privately? There are free sites you can use to create your own website and many free sites where you can advertise property, you would save even more then!
Answered on Apr 7 2011, Report content -
We offer the best of both worlds. We are an online agent based in Leeds and deal with the whole Leeds area and would be delighted to sell your property. We have sold property as far out as Huddersfield, offering strong advertising on websites as well as running a local mailing list. I take on board rrawling's comments about operating a patch, which is why at present we offer a local online estate agency service with a personal service you'd get from your high street agent.
Answered on Jul 26 2011, Report content
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
More Selling in Otley questions on AskMe
-
How do I put my property on here for sale?
Asked on Nov 12 2009, Selling in Dewsbury
3 answers - Answer this question -
Is it safe to sell your house privately?
Asked on Sep 3 2010, Selling in Dewsbury
4 answers - Answer this question -
Average discount on asking price in this area?
Asked on May 6 2012, Selling in Pontefract
1 answer - Answer this question -
Asked on Oct 7 2011, Selling in Wakefield
1 answer - Answer this question