In today’s market, selling a house has never been easier. There is such a demand for properties. So why would people pay expensive commission to a traditional estate agent?
The founders of Moovingo, Tony Deane and Jack Brady want to take on the rather expensive, traditional world of estate agents. This is their story so far.
Why would people use Moovingo instead of a traditional estate agent?
Our fees. Property owners can sell their home with us for as little as €1,500 with no hidden extras, versus the percentage fee of a traditional agent which is always a significant amount. Our technology approach drives the efficiency to allow us the price at this level. We are not constrained by the high overheads of a retail unit.
How do you advertise the properties on your books?
We create an engaging advert and use traditional and modern platforms to drive buyers to the property. Professional photos and floorplans come as standard along with the property placed on Daft, MyHome and their affiliate websites. Daft and MyHome are the two hottest destinations to attract buyers. Sellers will also receive a ‘For sale’ board to draw buyers browsing the neighbourhood.
To boost a property, sellers can avail of premium ads on Daft or MyHome, or we may suggest a personalised online campaign involving the two most significant marketing machines in the world Google and Facebook. Similarly, if a property has a story to tell we use our contacts in the media to get it printed and online. Newspaper ads and other traditional options are also available. The Moovingo brand also drives people to our website via radio, out-of-home and across the web, this combination attracts a healthy mix of buyers in a variety of categories.
“We want to educate the market that there is an alternative to paying a hefty commission fee.”
What’s the current state of the market?
It’s a seller’s market. With Kenler, a new homes development we are launching in early 2018, 73% of the registrants are first time buyers.
Did you receive funding when starting?
We have invested our capital. Both Jack and I come from families who’ve been in the property sector for over 30 years, so we have had lots of resources and experience behind us and working with us.
Describe your team.
Moovingo is led by an experienced team. Tony brings ten years of experience in property, technology and finance companies – work that’s taken him from Dublin to New York, to London, and back again. Jack’s background is all real estate, having spent several years working for an established Dublin agency. With experience and know-how that extends across both commercial and residential property, Jack brings the insider’s edge to Moovingo. We also have a tech team developing the platform further and marketing and communications team helping to get the message out.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a new business owner?
Our service is not something people require on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. That is a mental challenge as a lot of our resources are needed to educate the market that there is an alternative to paying a hefty commission fee.
Any changes you’d make to the business landscape in Ireland? (access to finance, talent, etc.)
None as of yet.
What’s your ‘North star’ ambition?
To have agents located all over Ireland and when people think of selling their property – they think Moovingo.
Who in business do you admire?
The Collison brothers, Stripe.
If you knew the world was going to end five days from now, what things would you do?
Bring Christmas forward.
