After two decades of negotiating property moves on behalf of clients, Murrays Estate Agents is about to use its expertise in making a move of its own. Here, Richard Murray, who is the senior partner at the agency, discusses the opening of a new office in Stroud and how the agency is keeping up with the times
We are very pleased to have acquired these premises, literally on the doorstep from our old office, and to be moving into them now that refurbishment and fitting out is complete.
We have been monitoring the footfall in our three county offices and have noticed that while Minchinhampton and Painswick have sustained a good volume of people through the door, Stroud has seen a decrease in visitors, but a huge increase in internet-related enquiries.
Nearly all first point of contact is done via phone and the need for a big shop window in London Road has switched to a much more impressive and wider window in the shape of a new website.
Our bright open-plan premises, immediately next door to our current office, will offer the excellent services that Murrays has always been proud to offer. Bespoke marketing tailored towards the internet will enable a tailor-made service to suit each client, whether it's in the more traditional style of full marketing material or just an internet presence. This allows a much more attractive and adaptable fee structure, yet retains all the benefits and expertise from our excellent motivated team.
Murrays has always adopted a progressive attitude to modern technology and business practices and the ways in which both of these elements can contribute to improving its own performance and ultimately the service that it offers its clients. The relocation of our Stroud office reflects that philosophy.
Currently there is a radical transformation taking place in town centres across the country. Increasingly consumers are turning to 'click and collect', window shopping is losing its appeal and consequently footfall is massively reduced. This is particularly so in estate agency where the opportunity for armchair shopping is enormous and much preferred to traipsing around agents offices. The internet can be used from first enquiry right through to completion of the sale and purchase of a home.
Computers and related devices are now very much part of everyday life, enabling businesses to be more effective and efficient.
Murrays Estate Agents is celebrating its 20th year in business. The move into the new premises is taking place this week. Business continues as normal. Visit www.murraysestateagents.co.uk.