Meet the owner of OliverFinn

Not who but what. OliverFinn is a company that thinks it is time for the property industry to embrace the

21st century. We don't think consumers are getting a fair deal. Why are people being charged large percentages when they sell or let? The estate agent’s job is the same regardless of the value. OliverFinn only charges fixed fees. We charge £2500+VAT to sell any flat, £5000+VAT to sell any house, and £1500+VAT to let any property. Our letting fee also includes full property management. We think that’s the way it should be. Goodbye big fees. Hello fixed fees.

 

The way that we work. Our foundation is transparency. Just like our fee structure we don’t hide behind smoke screens in our day-to-day business. Our Oracle database software even lets our clients log on to our website 24 hours a day to see exactly what our notes say and how much work we have done on their behalf. 

 

With over 90% of people starting a property search using print media, search engines, and property portals, OliverFinn thinks it is time for the high streets to be given back to the butcher, baker and the (scented) candlestick maker. Why should you pay for estate agents to sit in empty showrooms on prime retail high roads when clearly they don’t work? Some agents have even changed into cafés that sit empty all day. I have even heard of one agent attempting to lure passing trade by selling mobile phones and fruit and veg. The public don’t want or use them.

 

The average sale price in Chiswick is now just over £600k. Most agents will charge 2%, which equates to £12,000+VAT. If you want to hedge your bets, you might be inclined to instruct more than one agent in which case they will charge you more: 3% or £18,000+VAT. OliverFinn thinks this is bad practice. We charge you the same flat rate no matter how many agents you instruct.   Without wanting to sound like the peoples champion, I can see why others haven’t tried it before. The traditional fees are a licence to print money. As one of our adverts says; You shouldn’t be paying for my new Ferrari.

 

Unless the industry does an immediate about-turn and starts to offer a similar transparent service and fee structure, the only future will be as exhibits in the Natural History Museum. Estate agents have a terrible reputation that, unfortunately, is often well deserved. Transparency and professionalism can only stem from knowledge. OliverFinn also prides itself on its local knowledge. I, for one, have lived or worked in Chiswick for most of my life, so understand the local property market, the types of people who live or want to live in Chiswick and can speak with authority on the area’s many virtues. If I ask for advice I expect to get the right advice. Our clients deserve the same.

 

We have no fixed office hours. We work to suit you, even if that means we miss Eastenders or breakfast in bed on a Sunday. To make life a little easier, all of our vehicles have baby car seats, just in case.

 

I am a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents which in layman’s terms means I have been in the industry for a long time and had to pass stringent exams. OliverFinn is also a member of The Ombudsmen for Estate Agents. We have nothing to hide. With HIP’s now in place, I have spent many thousands of pounds and hundreds of hours training to be a qualified home inspector so I am able to provide reliable, informed advice and the requisite energy reports. I know that when I give advice, I am both qualified to and confident in my assessment.

I don’t think we have a type. I suppose anybody who can see that we make sense because of our tremendous value for money and straightforward approach. I have a client who must be in her 80s right through to clients who have just left university.

Invite at least three estate agents to value your property. I think it is best to ask different types, too. One from around the corner, the one you have used before and one that does something different (like us). Many agents believe that if they value your property at a higher price, you will give them the business. Be wary of this tactic. Ask what you get for the fee and if you are shown numerous publications, make sure you get a commitment that you will appear in them. Agents can often only advertise six properties yet may have 200 instructions on their books. That is great for the lucky six; unlucky for the rest who still have to pay the same large fee.

Relax with a cold beer at my local – The Devonshire Arms. I used to play tennis at The Riverside about three nights a week but since it burned down, I can only play when the weather is nice. Most mornings I have a coffee at Caffè Nero on Chiswick High Road, saying hello to my local caffeine colleagues. On Sundays I cannot think of anything nicer than sitting in Tootsie’s or Giraffe reading the papers and eating a full English breakfast. Don’t tell too many people they are busy enough!