Franchisor Q&A: estate agency is looking for people with personality

Meyers Estate Agents helps property owners sell quickly with more affordable costs. Principal Mark Meyer explains all

The UK’s first 24/7 hybrid agency, Meyers Estate Agents is a fast-growing home-based business that has been voted in the top three per cent of UK estate agencies.

The multi-award-winning franchise helps property owners sell quickly with more affordable costs. We caught up with ex-ski and snowboard instructor turned estate agent Mark Meyer to find out more:

Why did you set up Meyers?

I was a traditional estate agent for 25 years but knew there was a better way. The business is more about personal relationships and customer care than where the office is based.

So 15 years ago, with the help of my wife Claire, we set up in our garage. The rest is history. We’re now in nine locations and have exceeded £1 billion in instructions.

What makes Meyers different?

We are online, but not online! In other words, we don’t have the overheads of high street locations and pass these savings onto our clients.

We take advantage of all the online sales tools to advertise properties, but unlike the faceless online agencies we’re based in the community and our knowledge of the local area is second to none. This means we can focus on helping property owners sell fast with more affordable costs.

Are you recruiting new franchisees?

Yes. Even given the challenges of the past 12 months, property prices are up between 6-10 per cent on the previous year and the current stamp duty holiday means the market is particularly buoyant.

Whatever wobbles happen in the economy, property generally remains steady and many people are looking for that kind of stability at the moment.

During the pandemic, we have taken on three new franchisees plus a self-employed associate and are now expanding further. One new franchisee earned her franchise purchase fee back within just six weeks.

What are the benefits of being a Meyers franchisee?

Firstly, it’s a family-friendly, flexible franchise opportunity. We work hard, but understand that work-life balance is important.

Also, we keep the set-up cost low, as agents mainly work from home, so there are minimal overheads.

Although we welcome those with property experience, it’s not necessary as all training is provided and our system is really easy to learn. Some of our successful agents have previously worked as hairdressers and firefighters.

As agents become more successful, they take on other self-employed staff to enable them to grow their territories.

What kind of franchisees are you looking for?

Property is a people business. We offer the highest levels of service to our customers, so we’re looking for people with personality. Energy, ambition and people skills are important.
We know that those with exceptional local knowledge and connections will be successful and, of course, they must have the desire to run their own show.

How important is community involvement?

Local knowledge, community connections and regionally targeted marketing are key.

However, we think it’s also important to give back to the communities we work in. All our franchisees work with a local charity of their choice and as an organisation a proportion of our profits go to Mind, the mental health charity, to support projects that help people living with depression, isolation and loneliness.

At a glance Meyers Estate Agents

Established:

Meyers was founded in 2011 and started franchising in 2014

Number of franchised outlets:

9

Location of units:

  Currently across south UK and expanding

Investment range:

£25,000-£30,000

Minimum required capital:

£12,500+VAT franchise fee

Contact:

info@meyersestates.com