Tag Archives: real estate



David Clare / July 14 / Marketing, Property, Websites

Why traditional realtors still reign

Realtors, or estate agents as we call them in the UK, have experienced a shake up in recent years, due to the increase in online property portals and online versions of the service they offer. The likes of Rightmove are essential for selling a property, but is an online estate agent, or realtor, really the best way to go?

The draw towards online estate agents are clear. Lower prices. With either lower selling fees, or set fees (as opposed to percentages of the sale figure), are left with more cash in your pocket at the end of selling your home. Add to this that most people start their property hunt online, then why on earth would you need a physical, store fronted estate agent?

Well, I’m going to argue there are more benefits to the ‘old-fashioned’ approach. Here’s why.

1. Higher stock

A high street realtor is likely to have much more local stock than an online agent. In my experience of selling a property, this is most certainly the case. But why is more competition a good thing?

Whether you like it or not, there will be competition – just look at RightMove. The best tactic for selling your home is to be with the agent with the most stock. This way, when people do enquire about another property, they can lead the prospective buyer to your home.

More people coming through the door means more opportunities for your home to be put in front of them. Sure, they’ll be shown others too, but with an online agent, it is likely they’ll never be shown your property as an alternative anyway.

2. Human interaction

Try booking a viewing through Purple Bricks. It is an awful experience. You request a time, and then wait. You receive text messages to say they’re checking with the vendor, but they do this too through text or email.

Picking up the phone is much easier, and your traditional estate agent will do this – speaking to a person just takes less time.

The best part – your high street agent may have keys and be available to take you there and then, plus, they are more likely to accompany viewings, so you can get expert advice.

Sorry internet, but human interaction still works in 2016.

3. Internet isn’t exclusive

This is obvious, but often overlooked. The listings and advertising techniques used by online estate agents are in no way exclusive to them.

That’s right, your traditional, store fronted realtor can also use the internet too! And, they will (mind blown!)

So, there you have it. Unless your going to save thousands and thousands by using online only, I’d suggest you take a walk down the high street.

Do you run an estate agents and want to see how online marketing can help grow your business? Get in touch and we’ll show you how.

David Clare / June 20 / Property

Office property sales down globally

Office property sales account for a great deal of real estate investment, but recent news tells us that, across the globe, office property sales are down in the first quarter of 2016.

Real estate firm JLL found global activity totalled $133 billion in Q1 of 2016, which is 14% lower than Q1 of 2015. It is also the weakest performance since 2013.

Despite this being a global issue, the EU referendum still manages to sneak its way into some of the reasoning behind Europe’s decline in office property sales, with the uncertainty causing a 15% drop in sales volumes.

While this is bad news for investors looking at workspace property, the decline in sales will have the knock on effect of more competitive pricing. Time to grab a bargain!

How are property sales going for you? Get in touch and let us know.

David Clare / June 15 / Marketing, Property, SEO, Social Media, Websites

Rightmove vs. Zoopla vs. OnTheMarket

Ever wondered which online real estate listings site has the most visitors, what their key demographics are and what differentiates them from the rest? Well, we’ve prepared this brief guide to give you all the facts you need, in just a couple of minutes.

Website traffic

  • Rightmove: 53.8 million per month
  • Zoopla: 25.6 million per month
  • OnTheMarket: 4.1 million per month

As you can see, Rightmove dominates the market by a great margin. But there are key differences that make the other sites worth checking out.

Key differences

  • Rightmove: Far more listings, better awareness among the public, used by 90% of estate agents
  • Zoopla: Smart features such as prices property sold for in the same area, recently acquired Property Software Group and USwitch, so may grow fast
  • OnTheMarket: A disrupter with lower costs to list, but also restricts estate agents to their portal alone

So Rightmove looks like it is here to stay, but both Zoopla and OnTheMarket look set to attempt to overtake its number one spot. This will depend on whether Zoopla’s acquisitions turn good, and if OnTheMarket doesn’t scare buyers away with their restrictions.

Are you a realtor? Where do you list your property? Let us know on Twitter @elevationcomms.

David Clare / June 14 / Marketing, Property

State of the real estate market: June 2016

Another month, another set of figures swinging from one end to the other. Welcome to the world of real estate. Let’s take a look at the property market, as it stands, in June.

Cost of renting increases

This should come as no surprise, and feels like we’re a broken record, but once again, the cost of rental property has increased across the UK – not just London!

The average rent for a one-bedroom property has risen to £746 per month, which is around 48% of the average person’s wages. In London, people can expect to pay 57% of their wages, with the average rent for the same style property at £1,133.

Good news for landlords of course.

Lack of housing

More broken records coming. As you would expect, driving the increased cost of renting, is a lack of new housing in the UK. And figures coming out now, looking at May this year, showed UK property supply down by 5%.

The north of England is being hit worst, where the lack of property (accounting for 47%) is seeing the biggest drop. But while London isn’t faring any better (in general), some boroughs are doing okay – for example, Merton saw supply increase 30% in May.

House prices increase

This all points towards higher house prices. Yes, despite the EU referendum looming over the property market, house prices are still managing to be on the up, with a 8.2% rise in the past year, across the UK, with a rise of 14.5% in London.

Unfortunately, the north of England continues to be hit worst, with the north east seeing only a 0.1% increase in prices – hardly comparable to the UK-wide figures. So, depending on how it may affect your commute, you’re likely to get a house for less than the average £209,054 if you head up north.

Buenos Aires
Tom Harrison-Lord / June 2 / Property

Say Hello to Buenos Aires, like Paris in Latin America. Only more profitable.

That’s a pretty bold title, we know. But Argentina, and specifically Buenos Aires holds real and largely untapped potential in terms of property investment. Let us explain why.

Argentina as a country has seen turmoil in recent years, but towards the end of 2015, Mauricio Macri was elected President and things have been much more stable since. The former civil engineer has created an ambitious infrastructure plan, boosted welfare programmes and advocates free-market policies.

This perceived stability from the election has contributed towards favourable exchange rates and increased exports. From this, the interest in the luxury real estate market has increased. Now, with the Argentine economy seeming on the up, a gap has formed for the wealthy to purchase new property.

From an outside investment point of view, a solid government structure is a key to making the decision. Expect an increasing number of foreign businesses and individuals speculating on the luxury home market in Argentina. Best beat them to it!

Which leads us on to Buenos Aires in particular. Known as the ‘Paris of Latin America’ is packed full of character, wonderful architecture, grand halls and cafes. The recently devalued currency means you can purchase buildings and land for far less than you could 5 years ago. Property agents are predicting that these prices will not last forever, stating that they are slowly recovering already.

How about a 6-bedroom apartment, close to the city centre, dating from 1931 and feature high ceilings and oak floors? Yours for around £415,000. Aha, thought so! While prices are down 8% when compared to 2014, property purchases are up 1.9%.

The time to visit Buenos Aires is right now, do not miss out.

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