Property portals are a necessary element of an estate agent’s marketing package and while some now have great dominance, new portals regularly appear, set to take the world by storm – but disappear in a cloud of disappointment.

Although the giant portals offer an excellent service, they have shortcomings – search for a home by the sea; a fishing or hunting property; you will have a long task.

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Waterside Properties agency launched 25 years ago to cater for a specific market, people wanting to buy, sell or rent a home by the water. It now has 10 offices, some wholly-owned, others franchised; most are located along the South Coast, covering large stretches of coastline.

Waterside Properties branches are property-type specific, handling the sale and rental of homes by the water, whereas most agents handle all properties within their area. However, in expansion discussions, the management team at Waterside concluded that the logistics involved and an absence of detailed local knowledge, limited how far afield their offices could effectively operate and service their clients’ needs – so a large proportion of the UK coastline was not being served.

Waterside’s solution was to offer carefully selected independent agents an opportunity to link up, with national advertising and multi-branch coverage that was very attractive to vendors and buyers.

Now these members may list all their waterfront instructions on www.watersideproperties.com and enjoy a wide range of innovative marketing initiatives.

Network membership is granted on an exclusive basis to an agent within their area of operation, helping them to enhance their reputation as the local expert in waterside homes and therefore the ‘go to’ choice for these vendors and landlords.

SAILING THROUGH

• No commission share for sales or lettings resulting from website generated enquiries.

• Opportunities to refer clients to other members, with commissions.

• Free advertising in Waterside Life, our glossy magazine – with 500 free copies.

• Free display of properties on the Waterside stand at the London and Southampton Boat Shows – only a 20 per cent commission share for introductions that result in a sale.

• 
Exclusive Membership – only one agent in each geographic area comes aboard.

• Properties in all waterfront locations; sea, coast, river, lake, marina, canal etc.

• Specialist departments for boat sales, Dutch barges and lodges.

• Strength in numbers – members feel connected to each other .

• 
Named 4th best alternative to Rightmove by The Guardian.

Nick Byrne, Network Director, says members find that the network concept really works, “When a member is on a valuation, trying to secure the instruction over his competitors, it is an extremely powerful instruction-winner.

“The Waterside Network reaches a different customer base from the usual portals, with most leads generated by www.watersideproperties.com and our high profile at the International Boat Shows – the only residential agency/network to exhibit.

“Only Waterside members can say to clients, “Instruct me, and your home will be on display at the London and Southampton Boat Shows and on a website dedicated to the sale of properties by the water.”

Gareth Forrest, Town & Country Estate Agents, Plymouth says, “We joined two years ago, our clients have seen real benefits and access to a wider audience than we could achieve as a single office. We extract the most from our membership by working closely with Waterside Affiliates on joint instructions, regional advertising and referrals. I was sceptical as to how much benefit my business would see – two years in, I am delighted to stand corrected!”

With nearly 30 offices the Waterside Network is growing, operating in London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Cornwall, North Wales and Anglesey.

Finally – the people at Waterside are estate agents themselves! They readily understand what members need from the Waterside Network marketing platform.

For further information about membership of the Waterside Network, contact Network Director Nick Byrne on 02392 777073 or email: [email protected]