NetMovers
NetMovers is a commission free internet estate agent. The business model of the company marks a shift in internet estate agency as was the first commercial website to operate by representing web users and not estate agents. The company launched in May 2003 and belongs under the umbrella company Reach Global. Web users can upload properties for a fixed charge and NetMovers take no commission from the sale of the property. NetMovers offer a variety of properties to its users, including residential, commercial, overseas and park homes.
Objectives
The aim of the project from its inception in 2003 was to be one of the first commercial website on a large scale to utilise the internet and change the way property is bought and sold. This change was to be made by providing an alternative to the high commission fees charged by traditional high street estate agents. Due to online advertising NetMovers has been able to shift the focus of payment away from the seller. In offering the client a one off payment, internet estate agency is establishing itself as an alternative within the property market. The project is built upon the attitudes of the new ‘internet generation’ that demand instant action and results and find internet estate agency a more convenient option to the ‘paper’ based high street version.
Operations
A central feature of NetMovers website is seller confidentiality; all seller details are kept hidden when viewing property details. NetMovers works with other internet portals to help ensure maximum exposure of the properties listed on the site.
The website features property related adverts located on the right hand side of search results. Search results are then ordered based on the proximity to the searched location. Access is free to web users, who can upload a property for a fixed charge or alternatively request further information and arrange viewings for no charge.
Developments
The fourth version of the website, launched in 2007, aimed to offer an ‘easy to use’ simplicity through the updates of features such as interactive maps and buyers guides. Developed versions of the site have attempted to improve this usability.
NetMovers was developed by Biproduct, a UK based Internet Development Company based at the Reach Global headquarters, in Church, Lancashire. NetMovers also have an office based in London which specialises in the London property market.
Responses
In 2009 the Financial Times wrote about the successes of the company and credited it as ‘thinking outside the box’.
In 2009 The Guardian discussed NetMovers efforts to help climate change by offering a setting to view property based on energy efficiency.
Objectives
The aim of the project from its inception in 2003 was to be one of the first commercial website on a large scale to utilise the internet and change the way property is bought and sold. This change was to be made by providing an alternative to the high commission fees charged by traditional high street estate agents. Due to online advertising NetMovers has been able to shift the focus of payment away from the seller. In offering the client a one off payment, internet estate agency is establishing itself as an alternative within the property market. The project is built upon the attitudes of the new ‘internet generation’ that demand instant action and results and find internet estate agency a more convenient option to the ‘paper’ based high street version.
Operations
A central feature of NetMovers website is seller confidentiality; all seller details are kept hidden when viewing property details. NetMovers works with other internet portals to help ensure maximum exposure of the properties listed on the site.
The website features property related adverts located on the right hand side of search results. Search results are then ordered based on the proximity to the searched location. Access is free to web users, who can upload a property for a fixed charge or alternatively request further information and arrange viewings for no charge.
Developments
The fourth version of the website, launched in 2007, aimed to offer an ‘easy to use’ simplicity through the updates of features such as interactive maps and buyers guides. Developed versions of the site have attempted to improve this usability.
NetMovers was developed by Biproduct, a UK based Internet Development Company based at the Reach Global headquarters, in Church, Lancashire. NetMovers also have an office based in London which specialises in the London property market.
Responses
In 2009 the Financial Times wrote about the successes of the company and credited it as ‘thinking outside the box’.
In 2009 The Guardian discussed NetMovers efforts to help climate change by offering a setting to view property based on energy efficiency.
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