20th May 2013

Being a traditional estate agent is arguably the UK’s most contemptuous profession.  Not only is it one of the few industries not to be formally regulated, but for years the British public has been fleeced by traditional estate agents charging an extortionate and unnecessary 1-2 per cent plus vat commission for simply selling their home.  That means that on a house worth £250,000, the average estate agent makes £4,000 in commission.

eMoov.co.uk is a new breed of low cost online estate agent though who only charge its clients a one-off fee of £395 plus vat.  They offer a full estate agency service but for a fraction of the cost.  Founder Russell Quirk believes that “British homeowners have put up with the rising fees of the traditional estate agents for too long and that it’s time for agents to be straight with them”.  In light of this eMoov.co.uk have put together the very first Estate Agent Jargon Translator to help you see through the usual hogwash:

eMoov Estate Agent Jargon Translator
What’s the most outlandish piece of estate agent waffle you’ve ever heard?   Tell us below…

Category: Estate Agency, Infographics, Just Fun | Comments: 0

16th May 2013

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is how much to ask for their properties.  Most vendors will ask 2-3 traditional estate agents to come round to give valuations.

It’s easy to be seduced by the highest amount, but beware: usually that agent is trying to secure your business and knows you will be swayed by the thought of more money in your pocket.  (And, of course, he’s hoping for the extra cash in his pocket, too!)

Here’s the reality: buyers are very savvy about property values, thanks to online sites like Rightmove and Zoopla, and will know if your house is overpriced.  The more overpriced, the longer it will likely take for you to sell your home.

eMoov founder, Russell Quirk, recommends you do your own homework before phoning any high street agents.  Using resources like

you’ll get a good idea of what the market will bear right now.

Of course, it’s always possible you have an exceptional property that doesn’t match other homes in your area.  You’ll be sure that at eMoov.co.uk we’ll give you our honest, professional opinion about a realistic asking price.   Remember, we charge a flat fee to sell your home, so overinflating valuations is not a motivation for us to get your business.  We just want to help you sell your home quickly and efficiently – and for a whole lot less than high street agents.

Check out Russell giving his top tips on choosing the best price for your own home:

Category: Estate Agency, Fee Saving, Home Values, House Prices, Online | Comments: 0

7th May 2013

We know that famous phrase “an Englishman’s home is his castle” but one of our listed properties that to an extreme.

Bishopswood Ross on Wye front of house photo

View full details on Rightmove

Located in beautiful Bishopswood estate near Ross-on-Wye, this castellated tower was originally built as a folly.

The Bishopswood Estate at one time belonged to The Marquis of Bath and was acquired from him in 1801 by a William Partridge of Monmouth. His son, John, erected a mansion in 1824 and the tower was a folly on the hill above. The mansion was burnt to a shell in 1873 and no longer remains. As a result of the fire the estate comprising some 1,328 acres was put on the market in 1874. The estate was sold again in 1878 and over the years it grew to over 2,000 acres, including some 600 acres of woodland and a well known shoot. From about 1913 parts of the estate were sold and many of the stone built houses and lodges in the area, including the tower once formed part of the Bishopswood Estate.

On the market at £900,000, you simply must view the full details to appreciate the unique character of this property.  If you think the tower is impressive, wait ’til you see the view from the turret…

 

Category: Estate Agency, Online | Comments: 0

1st May 2013

In our job, you never know who your next caller will be.

eMoov: Hello, this is Emma at eMoov.  How may I help you today?

caller: I’d like to list my house with eMoov low cost online estate agents.

eMoov: Super!  Let me just get a few details.  What’s your name?

caller: Steve McQueen

eMoov: <<stunned silence>>

Now that this point, Emma’s trying to figure out if the caller is THE Steve McQueen.  But she knows he doesn’t live in the UK.  He doesn’t have a British accent.  He’s not even alive anymore.

So no, must be Steve McQueen’s namesake.

Steve McQueen

We deal with celebrity clients on a regular basis and are pretty unfazed with talking with famous folks.  But we must admit that when we first spoke to these namesakes, it brought a smile to our faces:

At eMoov, we treat all our clients like celebrities, regardless of your name.  Give us a call today on 0333 121 4950 and let us prove it to you.

Category: Estate Agency, Just Fun | Comments: 0

29th April 2013

Ever wondered how eMoov Online Estate Agents can help you sell your house for less than high street agents?  eMoov founder, Russell Quirk, shares the real reason that eMoov can list your property for a fraction of the extortionate fees charged by traditional agencies:

Category: Estate Agency, Fee Saving, Online | Comments: 0