OnTheRecord

Some of the most successful estate agency brands have established a very clear purpose that transcends their commercial aspirations. Creating lasting brand loyalty amongst customers, who may only transact once or twice in their lifetimes, requires a clear purpose and identity. What the agency actually stands for will have as much, if not more, influence in the choices consumers make over shiny new processes, frameworks, tools, and concepts. But are agencies now pursuing innovation at the expense of cultural tenets and what are the dangers of abandoning identity in pursuit of the next cool idea? We speak to industry stalwart Peter Rollings, former managing director of Foxtons and Chief Executive of Marsh & Parsons, about how agencies can move with the times whilst retaining their ‘core fundamentals'.

Some of the most successful estate agency brands have established a very clear purpose that transcends their commercial aspirations. Creating lasting brand loyalty amongst customers, who may only transact once or twice in their lifetimes, requires a clear purpose and identity. What the agency actually stands for will have as much, if not more, influence in the choices consumers make over shiny new processes, frameworks, tools, and concepts. But are agencies now pursuing innovation at the expense of cultural tenets and what are the dangers of abandoning identity in pursuit of the next cool idea? We speak to industry stalwart Peter Rollings, former managing director of Foxtons and Chief Executive of Marsh & Parsons, about how agencies can move with the times whilst retaining their ‘core fundamentals'.

Recent digital innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence and virtual reality are having a major impact on how larger real estate businesses market their properties. Whilst many larger agencies and housebuilders have been quick to embrace these new technologies, there are still a significant number of smaller operators that have yet to take advantage. We speak to Matt Fleming, Founder and Executive Chairman of property marketing powerhouse AF Oliver, about how agents can optimise their marketing strategies to stand out.

The overwhelming majority of all property searches are now done online and many estate agencies have recognised this evolution by embracing advances in technology to make the homes on their books stand out. Whilst high-quality photography is more essential than ever, not everyone has upped their game accordingly. The OnTheRecord podcast returns for its second season, with our first episode shedding light on the common mistakes that agents are making with their photos. We speak to John Williams, Sales Director at Fourwalls, about the lessons learnt from a career that saw him set up Foxton's their in-house photography department and oversee the expansions of Fourwalls' in house team of nationwide photographers. 

A strong brand identity, in any sector, allows a company to promote its key messages and reach out to customers more effectively than without one. But what about branding for estate agents, rather than just agencies? Should an agent focus on a personal brand as well as a company brand and does it really make a difference? In the final podcast of the season, OnTheMarket Chief Executive Jason Tebb is joined by Daniel Daggers, former Partner of Knight Frank's Private Office and founder of DDRE Global, to discuss the importance of personal branding and technology in the sector. Daniel, who is also widely knows as 'Mr Superprime', talks about is hobbies and interests away from work, his recent experience competing in the Maccabiah Games, shares insight into the greatest challenges of his career and offers advice for the next generation of agents. 

Never before have estate agents had so many solutions to choose from when they're marketing properties, nurturing leads or engaging with their clients. But which innovations are truly ‘best in class' and why?   OnTheRecord is a podcast that will share OnTheMarket's unique insights into the industry's digital transformation from the perspective of an agent-backed, technology enabled portal at the forefront of many of these innovations, along with the personal stories of the founders who are driving change. In each episode CEO and former estate agent Jason Tebb speaks to leading figures in the sector, providing listeners with ideas to help their agency take advantage of the latest technologies available to help their businesses grow, thrive and create an edge over the competition

Following our recent podcast looking at the state of the conveyancing sector in the UK, the sixth episode of OnTheRecord explores how people from across the property, legal and finance sectors are working together to improve the home buying and selling process for consumers. OnTheMarket Chief Executive, Jason Tebb, speaks to Glynis Frew, former Chief Executive and Managing Director of Hunters, about her work representing The Property Franchise Group on the Home Buying & Selling Group and look back on lessons from her accomplished career in estate agency. 

The fifth episode of OnTheRecord focuses on the state of UK conveyancing, how new technology is streamlining the process and the areas in which fresh solutions are still required to improve the buying and selling experience. We take a closer look at the reasons why estate agents, consumers and legal professionals are still left frustrated, as well as exploring whether panel managers are the cause of many of those problems.  

The fourth episode of OnTheRecord focuses on the issue of gender diversity in the estate agency sector. The ranks of women holding senior leadership roles in the property industry are growing but are estate agency firms doing enough to ensure that change is not merely superficial? OnTheMarket CEO, Jason Tebb, is joined by Amy Reynolds, Area Director at Chestertons, to chat about how the sector has adapted to changing attitudes towards equality and diversity within the workplace. Amy discusses her experiences as a woman in property when she began her career and how things have changed as a senior leader at Chestertons. She also sheds some insight into the lessons learned during a twenty year career that has seen Chestertons transform into a business leading the way in innovation, environmental awareness and equality in the workplace. 

The third episode of OnTheRecord focuses on the age old ‘quantity or quality?' lead debate that rages on in every sector as well as estate agency. In the current low-stock property environment, lead generation is even more important that it has ever been, as agents scramble to find properties to market, while demand continues to outstrip supply. OnTheMarket CEO, Jason Tebb, is joined by Iain White, estate agency consultant, coach and mentor, as well as founder of the innovation collaboration group (ICG), to discusses how agents can get the balance right. Iain shares his observations of how many well-known property firms he interacts with are approaching nurturing leads. Iain also sheds some insight into a career that spans three decades, including over 20 years at Romans, where he was a key part of their growth strategy, as well as his successful years at Countrywide.  

The second episode of OnTheRecord focuses on the current state of the UK residential property market and the growing awareness of ‘off-market' properties as demand continues to outstrip supply. OnTheMarket CEO, Jason Tebb, is joined by Henry Pryor, buying agent and one of the most recognised property market commentators around, whose thoughts regularly feature on TV, radio and newspapers. The duo explore how off-market properties are sourced, debate whether the role of a search agent is more important now than before and discuss the role technology plays. Henry is well known for successfully calling the market before the last financial crisis, so what does the future hold?

In the inaugural episode of season one, OnTheMarket CEO Jason Tebb speaks to Bob Scarff, MD of Callwell. They discuss his journey in the industry, his views on proptech and how the estate agency sector continues to transform. After having worked in property for 40 years, notably leading the Estate Agency Division at Countrywide, Bob started Callwell in 2016 with the aim of providing agents with complete lead control. Jason and Bob share their views on PropTech, its impact on the working lives of estate agents and how adopting new technology can benefit the sector.