Online web-based estate agency launched

"We have seen the market crying out for a change," said eAgent director, Mike Bennett, who has been in the real estate business for nearly 20 years.

"It makes sense to lower the costs of selling a property in the current economic climate and many businesses are waking up to the benefits of operating online. By taking the business onto the Internet, eAgent is able to offer the same service as a traditional estate agency without the large overhead costs demanded by travelling expenses, expensive prominent offices and wasted advertising and is, therefore, able to offer the exceptionally low commission of 2% on a sale."

The holding company and directors of eAgent are very experienced and all agents are qualified and registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board and have obtained their NQFL4 and/or L5 qualifications. Each agent will function as an account manager, dealing with a small number of properties, enabling him to focus on giving excellent service to clients. One account manager will deal with the transaction from start to finish, ensuring continuity and a good relationship with the client.

Functions as a traditional real estate agent

The account manager will perform all the same functions as a traditional real estate agent from the valuation of the property (through a desktop electronic evaluation, which is the same procedure the banks follow to determine bonds) to the listing of the property on dozens of property websites, including the major property portal, Property 24, strategising other marketing methods, arranging viewing of the property by the seller to prospective buyers, dealing with offers and concluding the final sale.

eAgent's financial partner, Ooba, will prequalify and organise finance for the prospective buyer if necessary. When the contract has been concluded, eAgent will arrange for its local representative to meet all parties and complete a final sale agreement. Thereafter eAgent's approved attorneys will see to the conveyancing and transfer of the property and eAgent will arrange electrical, gas, water and entomologist certificates.

Home sellers have waited a long time for an alternative method of selling their homes to using the real estate agent, who charges between 6% and 8%. eAgent offers the same service as a traditional agent at just 2% commission - a saving of up to R40 000 on a R1 million property.

eAgent promises excellent service, good communication, comprehensive feedback and expert negotiating skills to ensure that the highest possible price for your property is obtained. The account manager is there every step of the way to give ongoing help and advice ensuring that the all-important human element is still present in the negotiation and transaction of property with eAgent.

"We realise that computers can't negotiate," said Bennett, "and we have structured our business to ensure that we are only using technology to streamline the process, not to replace the estate agent altogether. It's the best of both worlds."

For more, go to www.eagent.co.za