12 | Q4 2020 Jun20285 Experts in Customer Service The property market is experiencing somewhat of a boom lately and Sam Smith, Managing Director of hybrid estate agency Yooodle, tells us more about its unique offering and how it is poised for further growth. Founded in 2017 by Benjamin Willmore, Yooodle is what is known as a hybrid estate agent meaning it conducts business digitally and from their very unique offices but no physical high street presence. Focusing on residential sales, letting and property management, Yooodle benefits from both founders having extensive knowledge and experience of working in the corporate and independent side of the estate agent industry. It was their recognition of a gap in the market for an agent to use customer service and cutting edge technology to provide a smoother, and more positive, customer experience, which led the firm to come to fruition. Sam Smith, half of the dynamic duo who is spearheading the business, tells us more about what sets the firm aside from competitors. “Not operating on the high street means we can be digitally focused on the marketing of our clients properties, what we save on costs we pump back into our marketing. Gone are the days of agents having loads of people walking into the branch to register, 95% of all enquiries are via online mediums,” he begins. “We place the customer at the heart of everything we do and the experience they have in using us is really important.” The firm’s focus is to provide exceptional service and to deliver results that exceed customer expectations, something they provide with award-winning marketing to ensure it can secure the very best sales or letting price for properties. So far, this strategy is proving to be the key to success as recent Google reviews show that Yooodle is ranked as the top estate agency in its geographic area of Weybridge – a location known for having some of the most sought-after postcodes in the UK, with excellent transport links to London and Surrey, plus a number of exceptional independent and state schools. Yooodle’s top-notch customer journey comes from having experienced leadership at the helm and a stellar team of dedicated staff to help drive the business forward. The two directors have a combined career spanning more than 40 years, whilst the firm’s employees have more than 100 years’ experience behind them. “It is all about being able to add that personal touch. Local knowledge is key too and our team are all Weybridge residents, so they know the best schools, restaurants and places to visit – there is an awful lot to be said for that.” It goes without saying that there have been challenges over the last three years since Yooodle was created. Since the business opened its doors, the firm has had both Brexit and Covid-19 to deal with, both of which have had an effect on the house sales market. “I don’t think anything could have prepared us for 2020 and the effects of lockdown,” explains Sam. “There was so much uncertainty, but as a dynamic independent business we have managed to navigate this positively” Since lockdown restrictions have eased, the lettings market has continued to hold its own, with lots of applicants moving into the Home Counties from the capital city of London, looking for more value for money, outside space and having more room to work from home being top priorities. “Obviously the stamp duty relief introduced earlier in the year has had a positive effect on the market, but we are seeing challenges with the first time buyer market, mainly around the lending criteria changing as banks are nervous in this side of the market unless they have a minimum of a 20% deposit, which is a stall ask especially in our local market with house prices in Weybridge and the surrounding area already being some of the highest in the UK. “We are being cautious, our lettings business continues to see consistent record performance and we have a seen a 20% increase on the sales side YTD from 2019, however with the Stamp Duty relief due to end in March 2021 we need to be sensible as tough market could be on the horizon post March.” Sam explains that the pandemic has proven that Yooodle’s way of working didn’t require any sudden changes to how they operate and, although a little more cautious, the firm is still planning growth, especially in the lettings and property management sector. In fact, it has recently launched a bespoke PRS and Buildto-Rent department to support the portfolio and institutional landlord side of the industry. “Going forward, we are looking at further technology solutions for the sales and lettings side, improving the process and streamlining our services to ensure we are a business set for the future.” Contact: Sam Smith Company: Yooodle Web Address: www.yooodle.co.uk
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