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Fri 22 Jan 2016
Traditional “For Sale” and “Sold” signs are still driving house sales despite the rise of the internet, according to a leading Warwickshire estate agent.
Although ehB Residential has seen online browsing increase, particularly between Christmas and New Year where online browsing has risen by 20 per cent over the last two years, signage still has an important role to play.
Clive Thompson, office manager at ehB Residential explained: “It may surprise many people now we’re in the digital age, but we still receive many calls and visits from people off the back of seeing ‘For Sale’ signs.
“Signs are still a key tool for us because they spark interest in the local community in different ways. Buyers can be driving down the road and see a property they like, or hear via word of mouth from a friend.
“For Sale signs can also trigger a copycat effect. A sign going up in somebody’s front garden often causes neighbours to consider their own position on the property ladder.”
The West Midlands is one of many areas experiencing a strong property market. According to the National House Building Council (NHBC), around 11,000 new homes were built in the West Midlands last year, up 14 per cent on the previous year.
The UK’s property market is tipped to continue its upward curve for the foreseeable future. Up to 1.3 million housing transactions are set to take place this year, up from 1.22 million last year, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
To help cope with demand, Chancellor George Osborne has already pledged money for 400,000 new homes to be built by 2020, as initiatives like the Help to Buy and Starter Homes schemes are helping first time buyers to get on to the property ladder.
Edward Bromwich, managing director at ehB Residential, added: “The property market is very strong and we have been investing across the business to ensure we are at the forefront of people’s minds when buying or selling a property.
“As well as giving our website and offices a modern feel, we’ve revamped our boards for the first time in ten years to be bolder and clearer. Alongside the standard post and square board we are also introducing some new, traditional hangman post and portrait boards.”
ehB Residential is a leading Warwickshire estate agents based in Warwick and Leamington Spa, and for over 25 years, has specialised in sales, lettings, property management, land and new homes.
"Chris and the team at eHB have provided my wife and I with an amazing service. Given we are the other side of the world in Sydney, selling a house in the UK can be challenging/daunting. Chris made sure that the whole process was incredibly smooth. eHB provided us with sound advice, have been very efficient and quick to follow up any queries. We have also used eHB to rent the property for the last 7 years and it's been a great experience. The vetting and qualification process for both tenants and buyers has been sound. We have had amazing tenants and we had a great long list of potential buyers that were well qualified. Chris and the team got the house off the market in record time, for a great price. I would highly recommend eHB for both sale and rental. Thanks for your great efforts guys, it's been a pleasure working with you. Cheers."