Member Article

Cardiff property experts Four Walls Online launch fully interactive online Property Platform

Multi-award winning estate agency Four Walls Online has launched its fully interactive Property Platform, to bridge the gap between online and high-street estate agency. The ‘Bricks versus Clicks’ way to sell a home is a highly contested subject in the world of high-street and online estate agencies, with high-street favourites claiming better net sales prices and their online competitors offering low-cost, upfront fees. Four Walls, based in Cardiff City Centre, is truly different - insisting that the two models are not mutually exclusive.

In 2016, Home Owners Alliance predicted the rise of the ‘hybrid’ estate agency model which is both online and local, and Four Walls Online is an early example of this new agency, with the added security that it has more than 40 years unrivalled experience across the full spectrum of the property market in Cardiff and the surrounding areas.

Four Walls Online is Rent Smart Wales ARLA, NAEA, and ALMA accredited. The team comprises fully qualified property professionals who are committed to delivering outstanding customer service and adhere to the very highest standards in the industry whilst driving forward best practice, particularly in the online property market. From its studio on Newport Road, the agency has just launched its interactive Property Platform for sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants. Users can log in anytime day or night from any device to progress the sale or let of their property, including scheduling viewings, negotiating offers, and managing payments.

Francesca Coles, Four Walls Online Agency Manager explains: “95% of property searches begin online, so choosing an online agent is a smart decision – but we also know from our research that online services aren’t for everyone… whilst a vendor might be happy to handle their own viewings, they may prefer our experienced property professionals to handle sales progression for them – so we help our customers tailor their package to suit their needs and budget. The savings we’ve made as a result of launching our Property Platform, we’re passing directly to our customers by offering some of the most competitive prices around, with the added value of exceptional customer service delivered by our professional, local team in Cardiff. Basically, we’re trying to change the way you think about estate agents – online or otherwise.” After weeks of beta testing to check functionality and hone user experience, the online Property Platform was launched on 3rd July. Four Walls Online has already processed three Sales and ten new lets through the platform and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Mr & Mrs Frayling in Cardiff chose the Four Walls Complete service, instructing the professional team to handle the sale for them: “Fantastic! We just need this one word to describe how well we’ve been looked after, from the start of the selling process to every interaction since. From the valuation and discussion about the services Four Walls Online offer, to the imaging and sales brochure, we’ve been completely impressed with the whole process and services on offer. Our agent Laura has been superb, always checking each viewers’ suitability and ability to proceed before the appointment and keeping in touch afterwards with feedback and to advise on next steps… and we achieved a full asking price offer in less than 2 weeks! We totally recommend Four Walls to look after your sale and wouldn’t hesitate in using them again.” First time Landlord Adrian Guignard from Penarth is also pleased with the professional service he has received:

“As a first time landlord I needed a lot of advice and help. Thankfully, Tom and the team at Four Walls were always ready to help. The photos and online marketing they did was first rate, resulting in a let agreed in less than a week. It’s a great service and completely stress free for me – I know I’m meeting all the new regulatory requirements because Four Walls is a fully licensed and accredited agency.” Four Walls Online has truly ethical roots as part of Cadwyn, and is the not for profit organisation’s response to the need to generate income from professional lettings and sales in order to support its commitments to funding and developing communities. Chris O’Meara, Chief Executive of Cadwyn explains: “Having rented, managed, maintained and developed property in Cardiff over the last 40 years, Cadwyn has a wealth of expertise which we’re now harnessing to change the status quo in the professional sales and lettings market. We’re living proof that estate agents can be fair, ethical, and customer focussed – whilst raising funds for social tenant services and improving communities. We’re playing a strategic part in exciting projects like The Mill and The Wharf, and being able to sell and let properties through Four Walls Online completes Cadwyn’s capabilities in Cardiff’s property market…meanwhile the launch of the new Property Platform is driving forward best practice in the online property market too, offering our customers choice, flexibility, and the opportunity to save money.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Four Walls Online .