Two estate agencies rejoin the Relocation Agent Network following new ownership
Welsh firm FBM and Lincolnshire agency DDM Residential say 'new vision' behind RAN persuaded them it was time to become members once again.
Two estate agencies, including one of the UK’s oldest, have revealed that they are rejoining the Relocation Agent Network (RAN), citing its new leadership under Simon Whale and Richard Durrant following its acquisition from Dwellworks by Realogist a year ago.
The two agencies are Welsh firm FBM, which was founded in 1833, and Lincolnshire outfit DDM Residential.
These latest member additions are part of the Realogist-backed plan to strengthen and grow the RAN family, which was founded in 1994 and helps vendors and buyers connect with affiliated agents across the UK.
RAN uniquely offers FBM an additional source of income through the exchange of referrals.
Kelly Gardner (main pic, left), Director of FBM, says: “We are elated to return to RAN, particularly as the new owners have a truly progressive vision for the network that is firmly in line with our own goals for the future.
“Joining this highly selective group enhances our competitive edge, as we stand shoulder to shoulder with the industry’s finest.”
FBM and DDM will now, like other RAN members, be distinguished as the exclusive RAN agent in their localities, “neutralising competition from corporate agents who tout their large branch network as an advantage” says Simon Whale
Richard Durrant (pictured left), MD of RAN, adds: “FBM embodies what we look for in an estate agency – professionalism, local market expertise, and outstanding service.
“Their return to our network reaffirms our mission to support and celebrate the cream of the crop of independent agents around the country.”
Opportunities
Tim Brace, Director of FBM says: “Being an RAN member once again opens up a world of opportunities for us and our clients”.
Whale (pictured left) adds: “I couldn’t be happier with FBM giving us the nod, as one of my first experiences with RAN all those years ago was meeting with Tim’s partner Dom Subbiani at the RAN conference.
“Dom was tragically struck down with Huntingtons Disease in 2017, leaving Kelly and Tim to carry the torch and so it’s a dream come true to work with FBM again, lots of people talk the talk about the importance or relationships I’d like to think that people know its core to who I and the new RAN is all about.”
The other firm to join RAN, DDM Residential, is Northern Lincolnshire’s largest independent agent with five offices.
“We are absolutely delighted to be coming back on board with RAN,” says David Gardner, MD of DDM Residential.
“Although we disappeared in 2019 we have always kept an interest on how the network has managed to stay relevant in the industry. Not only have we come back but we’ve also managed to increase the size of our coverage to include previous key areas held by a friendly competitor.”
