Leading estate agent warns of nightmare stories from sellers who list homes through online retailers

Berkeley Shaw managing director John Baybut has warned of the nightmares faced when opting to use online estate agents.

The leading Merseyside estate agent explained that sellers have been forced to move from online retailers to the high street due to such poor service.

Berkeley Shaw have been operating within the region for over 30 years, with offices located in Crosby, Formby and Liverpool city centre.

The company also recently acquired Keppie Massie Residential to further expand their portfolio within the city.

Mr Baybut said: “Increasingly we are seeing disappointed sellers who are coming through our doors with nightmare stories of really poor service from online-only estate agents.

“Sellers are lured into the online-only estate agents by the low fees but what they get in return is a detached service from agents who are uncontactable when they are needed most.

“These horror stories are a recurring theme when it comes to selling most people’s biggest asset, experienced staff and local knowledge are absolutely paramount to ensuring the best possible results.

“We have a track record of adding value and securing the highest price for our clients and we do so as a result of our knowledge and understanding of the area in which we operate.”

The Financial Times reported that total properties sold in 2021 reached 1.5 million, more than in any year since 2007.

During this boom, the limitations of online estate agents are potentially highlighted by the fall in share value of the UK’s biggest online agent Purple Bricks, which has fallen 93% since 2017.

During the same period, Berkeley Shaw has grown by 10 times revenue and opened 3 additional offices.

Berkeley Shaw recently completed a listing on Victoria Road, Formby, with a record 8 day turnaround from viewing to completion.

Mr Baybut added: “Our ability to complete sales in record time are down to a whole multitude of factors including our network of contacts in legal and surveying meaning we can make transactions in rapid time.