Asda is set to launch an estate agent set up that will enable shoppers to browse for their new homes whilst in the supermarket. Properties for sale are going to be shown on touch-screen terminals inside ASDA supermarkets .
Asda intends to undercut other estate agencies by keeping their costs low. Rates are to be confirmed, yet Asda claim sellers can save up to £2,000.
The Homes@Supermarkets scheme is to be piloted in ten ASDA branches in the North-East from July. The scheme will go nationwide if the pilot is successful.
The screens will show a database of properties and enable interested parties to register buyer interest. Customers can type in their details should they want to sell their home.
An independent company, Homes@Supermarkets, is going to employ estate agents, surveyors, conveyancers and call-centre staff to manage all sales via a call centre which will handle phone and e-mail enquiries.
Customers are to be allocated a single named point of contact for e-mail or telephone contact. There is to be no walk-in centre for meeting staff.
Homes@Supermarkets staff are to contact interested party by phone for arrange viewings. They are to visit potential vendors to value properties and take photos to upload on to the database. The service is to offer a one-stop shop of estate agents, surveyors and solicitors. Customers needing mortgages are to be referred elsewhere.
