Estate Agency Franchise

[hufty]

I'm after some advice from a third party. Can anyone help?
I am looking at buying into an estate agency franchise and as a result have had an initial meeting with the franchise manager of the aforementioned estate agency. He was in all honesty very good in selling the concept to me. I am really fired up and now wish to take things to the next level. Can anyone offer any advice as to wether an estate agency franchise is a good way to become successful with reduced risk?

Thanks

Hufty

[eequals]

What with the US sub prime mortgage fiasco, Northern Rock, (a story that still looks to have legs) and the worldwide credit crunch, I would keep my powder dry for the time being Hufty.

Joe

[microbe]

Do you have any experience in estate agency? It can be a wonderful job, but it isn't for everyone.

As eequals says, the property market is stumbling. If the market crashes, and there is an extremely high probability it will, estate agents are going to be in for a very difficult few years.

Countrywide, the largest agency group have recently announced that they are closing branches and that transaction volumes are down. They are actively involved in franchising and if I were considering going this route at present, then I would be inclined to look at their offer (Bairstow Eves) first, because they have huge experience and resources to back up franchisees. But, if they are cutting back, it kind of begs the question as to why they would encourage a franchisee to extend themselves right now.

I was an estate agent for ten years, long ago, before I got into Internet development, and I must admit I have been toying with the idea of setting up an estate agency office. My thoughts at the moment are to wait a couple of years and see whether an office comes on the market as distress sale in a location that would suit me.

[magma]

Fantastic post! I used to sell telemarketed mortgage leads last year and have always wanted to generate my own online. I'm sure you have purchased the oversold internet leads before. (making an exclusive lead is totally worth a try)

I personally haven't done anything yet, but I think you are learning at the right time while the competition isn't as much.

I had my first lead come in for my Debt site today and was bouncing off the wall. <snip> (i know you can boost locally for free following the tips on this site)

keep at it man, its worth the learning curve and $$$

Dustin

[microbe]

Originally Posted by magma

............

Dustin

SPAM?

[eequals]

Maybe Dustin has been living in a cave for the last twelve months?

Joe

[microbe]

Seems likely.

Incidentally, I am still waiting and watching as estate agents put up the shutters. Maybe, one day, ...

[eequals]

You make a seriously useful point when you say 'waiting' and hopefully Hufty takes note of this. Times like these will eventually produce opportunities for people but only if they get the timing right.

Joe