From the uptick in house sales in January to a house price rise the first time in over a year in February, it feels like the housing market is experiencing the green shoots of recovery. While there isn’t the surety of a bumper year ahead, there are reports of a steady increase in buyer and seller confidence. Where buyers have been holding back and sellers fearful of stagnating, this year’s optimism sees more buyer enquiries and stock on the market, alongside a positive trajectory on the number of mortgages approved. The question remains – how can estate agents capitalise on this positive position and deliver some upward momentum?
Keith Stacey, Managing Director of renowned Oxfordshire estate agent group Breckon & Breckon took the bold step of introducing super-sized 75” display screens from InTouch Display at the front of its most recent agency opening in Bicester. A believer in the power of the high street to draw in potential vendors and buyers, and placing the agency in an excellent position to capitalise on the current market position, Stacey commented “This large format non-touch display screen has been transformative, we have witnessed people being stopped in their tracks. In fact, passersby were compelled to call in to the office to say how impactful it is.” He added “Seeing the power of the screen and its ability to really showcase our properties and services along with other helpful community information such as local community events, it was a no-brainer to add them into our other locations in Abingdon, Summertown, Oxford City and Woodstock.
Steve Blackaller, Sales Manager from digital display experts, Intouch appreciates Stacey’s willingness to digitise his window to drive forward the delivery of his brand. He commented “These large-format displays offer an immersive, big and bold screen which allows the agent to put their brand front and centre in the community. It instantly highlights expertise and gives the opportunity to become the authoritative voice for your local catchment.” Blackaller added “For vendors, the ultra-high bright, sunlight readable screens really put their property up in lights, transforming its delivery to buyers”
Digitising your window, not only elevates your presence but offers a 24/7 conversation with the high street. As market confidence increases and more buyers emerge, using better technology eases pressure on agents and allows you to effortlessly exceed expectations. Stakeholders feel that you are “always-on” and vitally, putting them one-step ahead of the game.
InTouch provide software and hardware with incredible flexibility. It’s not a “one size fits all” solution. From fully managed software, updated in “real time” by InTouch to offer a hassle-free window solution, to a software management CRM that gives more control to the agent, there is a fully flexible solution to fit. The screens also integrate with all CRM providers; there’s no need for USB sticks or any other time-consuming, antiquated updates.
Using the right technology to maximum effect, minimises admin, unlocking more time for agents. The system takes away the hassle and cost of having to manually update LED window pockets. Using the mirror-casting function, you can also log-in, see what’s on screen and update it remotely. For those agencies with multiple offices, one person can create playlists for all screens, ensuring brand and message consistency.
Gaining listings as competition intensifies requires more than an ability to present a property. These large format 75” screens place an impressive billboard in your window for high visibility promotional material. That’s where InTouch’s complementary graphic design service is an integral part of the offering. At no extra cost, InTouch provide a regular stream of “on-brand” bespoke messaging to speak directly to your community. Successfully used by its customer base, the service promotes each agency’s distinct USPs and informs of community events to give you that “ever-present” position in the back of a potential seller’s mind.
The typically south-facing high street positions which are favoured by estate agents for the warmth and light they bring into the office, can be at odds with digitising your window. That’s why the superior build quality of InTouch products includes 4K ultra-high bright screens that are readable, even in direct sunlight, by far exceeding the competition.
To request a demo or discuss how you can benefit from an Intouch digital screen solution, contact Steve Blackaller at info@intouchdisplay.co.uk or call 01934 670 014 www.intouchdisplay.co.uk.
After a difficult 2023, the property market has been buoyed by a triple-boost in the early days of 2024.
According to the most recent data released by Halifax last week, house prices rose in December for the third month in a row.
The bank said the average cost of a UK home was £287,105 in December. The figure is up 1.1% from the month before and is also the highest level since March 2023.
This hat-trick has rightly boosted confidence and will understandably encourage many working in the sector to try and make the most of what feels like a surprisingly early bounce.
But how can we best boost our chances of success?
Having worked in the sector now for more than 30 years, there are four things which I always try to build at the heart of my strategy:
· Start by establishing what you’re good at. Try to work out what comes naturally and what doesn’t. Some agents love marketing and photography, others lean towards local market knowledge knowing everything that’s going on in their town. Whatever it is, that makes you and your business unique – aim to maximise it this year. Make sure this USP is publicised far and wide, on social media, in the office window and in person. For example, if compliance is your favourite topic, perhaps run small courses for local landlords, sellers or trade contacts to really push the message home. If it’s brilliant photography, release a video with top tips – you might be surprised at the reaction.
· Think small. When looking at business it’s often too daunting to say “I’m going to double my profit or add 50% to turnover.” Instead look at the smaller numbers. Say you complete a hundred sales a year at a fee of £3000 aim to add just 10% to the volume and £150 (5%) to the average fee. The extra sales bring in £30,000, the higher fee an extra £15,000. Trimming just 5% off costs saves on average £12,000 a year. This way getting an extra £57,000 a year for your office doesn’t seem like an impossible hill to climb.
· Get your fall through rate down. Sounds easy, but as we all know it isn’t. but by keeping on top of admin and sales progression you can stop at least a few sales a year slipping from your grasp and into the arms of a competitor.
· Finally remember that success breeds success. Here’s why: Not only will your business grow as it becomes better, it will cost less to grow it. Enquiries will walk through the door because buyers and sellers know you’re the agent to deal with for the best results. As the business and its market share grows, you’ll have more money to spend on great colleagues and advertising. And because every town has a finite amount of property to sell, the more market share you gain, the less is left for others. Once success begins, it gains its own momentum fast.
Like the house prices we are eagerly monitoring, there are no guarantees in this business as to what might come next. But by working smarter, you can hugely boost your chances of coping whatever the market decides to throw at us.
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