Chiswick estate agents club together to save money. At your expense?

If you’ve ever hunted for property on the internet, you’ll know that there are two main sites, Zoopla (who also own Primelocation) and Rightmove. When you’re selling or letting, it’s vital to appear on both as they each have a high number of unique visitors. Yet even though 98% of all buyers and tenants use these sites, many local high street estate agents now only market your property on one. Why? Because they’ve clubbed together to save money at your expense. In January, they launched their own website that boasts: ‘We’re here to help member agents regain control of their online content and costs - and help break the Rightmove/Zoopla duopoly’. So they admit - it’s for their benefit, not yours. And there are some familiar Chiswick names on the list: Andrew Nunn & Co, Borthwicks, Chestertons, Featherstone Leigh, Felicity J. Lord, Haus, KFH, Knight Frank, Savills and Sworn & Co. This is not good news for property owners. To join this new website they have agreed to stop advertising on either Zoopla or Rightmove. They can no longer list properties on both - something to bear in mind if you’re thinking of selling or letting with these agents. The majority of purchasers only look on one site believing that they are accessing all available properties. Give your property the maximum chance of success It is critical to appear on the leading property sites that everybody knows. Which is why Harper Finn remains loyal to both. Your property should be exposed to the largest possible audience, regardless of the cost to us. This seems obvious to me and I’m not the only agent who thinks so. Peter Young, Managing Director at John D Wood: “This new property portal has been collectively setup in order to cut costs. By joining this 'club' the agent is reaching far fewer potential purchasers. “As agents we have a duty of care to market our clients' properties to the widest possible audience in order to achieve the best possible price. The thought of missing out on 44% of potential portal purchasers in London or 42% in the country just doesn't bear thinking about. “Not only will the market price not be achieved but it will take much longer to find a purchaser. So when next appointing a firm to sell your property it is best to find out where their loyalty lies.” So if you would like to sell or let your property in 2015, consider Harper Finn to manage the process on your behalf. We advertise on Zoopla, Primelocation and Rightmove. I am a qualified surveyor with 24 years experience of selling and letting properties in Chiswick, and I offer sensible, low fixed fees. Christian Harper Proprietor Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents Direct line 020 3137 2802  Email christian.harper@harperfinn.co.uk