Comments on: High Street Agent’s Are Still Awesome

By: Brett

Brett — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:13:08 +0000

I agree that people like to do business with people, which is why we are building our ‘online’ letting agency as a locally franchised model. I don’t agree with the need for High St. location however because all though it might help with building brand, it is a very expensive way to do it and as you said yourself – ‘The majority of people looking for property will go firstly to the internet..’ .. oddly enough and with the moderators permission, I did in fact write a short blog about this very subject a month or so ago. You can see it here: http://www.my-let.com/blog/index.php/landlord_property_issues/does-a-letting-agent-need-a-shop/

We have taken the approach that we offer what the landlords need. That might be management, or not.. and not all landlords feel confident negotiating with tenants directly, and a good agent can add value to the entire process.

So, our approach is a hybrid model – online service with local agents too. It also has the advantage that Landlords and Tenants can log in to the site, get statements, leave messages, look at the history and pay bills.. all 24/7. All our agents have to become ARLA members within 12 months of starting.
Landlords can pick and choose from a simple menu of choices.. and where we are not locally represented (we are only just starting to spiral out), we are offering the online national services to get enquiries for those landlords happy to handle their own property.
Oh.. and its FREE!. http://www.my-let.com/Landlords/Advertise_property_free.aspx

By: James

James — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:07:21 +0000

Being an online agent (or an agent ‘without a high street office’) I’m not sure I really agree with too much of the article. There are too many reasons to bang on about here. It’s almost as if conventional agents think the non conventional lot don’t have a telephone, so obtaining feedback or building rapport is impossible!

We’re finding that our landlords like the fact we’re a bonafide agent, however we offer low cost services that allow the landlord to meet the tenant (as he handles the viewing). This allows the landlord to make a decision based on their internal defence mechanism (gut instinct) as to whether they think they’ll manage a lasting relationship (tenancy contract). Subject to all references being suitably approved, obviously.

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:26:43 +0000

As people like dealing with people isn’t it EVEN BETTER to rent direct from the Landlord?

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:24:02 +0000

Great to see some positive comments for high street agencies!

I think the heart of the matter is that people like to deal with people – and preferably face to face. While our tenants find the properties on the net, they love coming down to the office to have a chat, a coffee and to discuss their new life! High Street agencies are fab – especially when you have great people working there who genuinely want to help people find a new home!