New agency operates online but says 'we're no budget company'

An estate agency that has just launched in south Devon says it is giving its customers the advantages of a 24-hour service via the internet and social media but insists it is not to be classed as another budget online operator. 

Saunders & Lingard covers most of the tourist and resort areas of south Devon and says the three agents behind the company - Sue Saunders, Sara Fiddes and Rob Lingard - have nearly six decades of experience of valuing and selling properties between them.

They list properties for sale and to let on their own website and on Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation and say that while in the past ‘estate agent availability’ meant having a convenient high street office, in the current landscape not having a physical branch is in fact an advantage.

The trio say that they use email, telephone and social media seven days a week - including on Bank Holidays and at Christmas - but insist they are not a budget operation.

“Many of these [budget online] agencies only run a laptop valuation, with no local knowledge and no property visit. Sue, Sara and Rob know the importance of maximising value for clients selling their home. The team are committed to truly appraising your home based on local know how and market understanding and offer the full range of traditional estate agency services” says a launch statement from the company.

“Many a time we have taken control of a situation from an unhappy client using one of the basic online agency services and we have secured viewings within 24 hours of valuing the property and achieved the maximum property sale value for the client, which considerably exceeded the laptop valuation” explains Fiddes.

As of yesterday the agency’s website was listing 70 properties for sale and two to let.