##Online Estate Agent BetterMove Launches Franchise Programme
Online estate agent BetterMove has taken inspiration from across the pond and launched a unique franchisee programme, which will enable people to set up their own estate agency operation without having to worry about the usual risks associated with starting a business.
The new initiative follows a similar theme to US realtors, where agents build a personal profile in their area to build relationships with customers and drive business. BetterMove’s programme has been designed to offer franchisees the opportunity to manage their own exclusive property territories under the BetterMove brand, in an area where they already have intimate knowledge and contacts.
Clare Painter, Director at BetterMove, said: “It’s something that works incredibly well in America and is a logical next step for us as an online estate agent offering a personal service. We want the focus to be more around the individual agent, allowing each franchisee to become the synonymous name with house buying and selling in their territory.
“Becoming a BetterMove franchisee will allow people to generate unrivalled revenue streams, whilst benefiting from the backing of industry experts and the most cutting-edge property selling tools and technologies available. Our online model enables sellers to take advantage of lower costs, whilst also benefitting from being looked after by a local agent who knows their area inside out.
“Franchisees also benefit hugely from operating under an established brand and the high level of back office support we provide. We look after all the time consuming paperwork, so they can concentrate on selling houses and earning a great salary. It really is a win-win solution.”
In return for an initial franchise investment fee and ongoing management commission on completed sales, franchisees will receive an exclusive property territory – typically containing 100,000 households – and full training in all aspects of marketing and selling properties. Franchise partners will also receive a liveried vehicle, all the equipment needed to appraise and value a property and full back office support from BetterMove’s centralised team. On-going training will be provided too, to ensure franchisees acquire recognised industry qualifications.The franchisee will then be in charge of building up a customer base and generating their own revenue stream, which will be made up of fees from selling properties and referral fees from approved suppliers.
Richard Langrick, Managing Director of the Albion Franchise Associates, added: “Starting your own business can be a daunting prospect, but franchising is a tried and tested way of acquiring a proven and successful business, enabling you to quickly establish yourself as a credible professional with the backing of a national company.
“We have worked with BetterMove to develop a franchise system that will allow franchisees to offer the very best estate agency services - combining the best of traditional and online services and technologies.”
BetterMove is an online business and because the price of having a high street presence has been stripped out of its cost base, clients who sell properties through the company benefit from much lower fees than traditional estate agents charge – typically just one per cent of the sale price.