Selling/letting Your Home

[muchlovex]

Just a question...

I have set-up my own Ethical estate agency, where any profits made we re-invest into local community projects. Our website is set-up and we advertise on Yell.com as well as our local paper.

Unfortunately, we have only had 1 customer enquiry. We have only been operating for 3 weeks, so not long.

I have made enquiries to advertise on Rightmove but they charge a minimum of £700 per month, with 6 month contract. Zoopla are also expensive. We will advertise on Zoopla when we have a few customers on our books.

We have set this company up via our own savings, as we don't want to take any bank loans out.

My question is, where do you look for a estate agency to sell your home?

[woofgang]

I would be looking for one that is on rightmove and primelocation......sorry

[ubasses]

I would want a High Street Agent who has branches in the local towns and uses Rightmove.

[Mattk]

We went with a recognised popular local name which is your initial problem i.e. getting your name established.

I wish you luck, though.

[Prudie]

I'd look for property on Rightmove or Prime Location. If selling then we got local agents out to give their valuations and fees and picked the best with their reputation as a factor.

[muchlovex]

We are newly established. My partner is a member of the RICS Chartered Surveyor. We do advertise this on our website as it a mark of property professionalism.

We currently have a special offer on of No Sale, No Fee. No other agent is currently offering this. The only problem, is is lack of interest.

At the moment we have set-up a 'virtual office' locally, so we currently do not have high street presence.

We have been doing a leaflet drop campaign are the areas but sadly no response just yet.

[EvianBaby]

Do people still read leaflets? I get so many I throw them away without looking. Have you tried bombarding social media sites? Facebook, twitter, linked in.

[Canary42]

Surely no sale no fee is normal practice so no need to advertise it. At least it always was when I traded a house. Are things different these days ?

[woofgang]

I find leaflet drops for things that i have no interest in a bit annoying as it means more paper I have to dispose of.....sorry. You might make it a part of your ethical approach that you are as paper free as possible? My local village has a Facebook page, have you looked to see if your area does?

[jd_1984]

Your ethical business plan is indeed commendable, but what revenue for your company will you stand to make if profits are re-invested into community projects? Personally, Rightmove is my first point of call unless something cathes my eye in the window of an estate agents. For a start up compnay, despite your USP, you need to need the customer base and advertising is your first key consideration. Your business model will likely gain some attention once it is put out there, if you are indded in a position to say " we are the only company that does this..."

Very best of luck

[BillyWhizzzz]

This is a question you ask BEFORE you set up your business. It should have been in your business plan.

You are an idiot for setting up a business without carrying out due dilligance and market research.

Where do you go to rent or buy a property? Rightmove!
Unless you can get your ethical estate agency to the top of google on it's own merits you are doomed.
Quit whilst you are ahead!