After more than a decade working in the property sector locally and nationally, Richard Ladd has gone home to launch ‘Roost’.
The debut entrepreneur has brought forward a fixed rate estate agency package, and having enjoyed a better-than-expected soft launch, is looking to open an office in his native Cleethorpes in the new year.
For now he is operating from home in Humberston, using digital platforms to push the 20 houses he already has on his books, having already secured four sales.
Mr Ladd, who returned from working in Manchester and Edinburgh and joined Crofts five years ago, has scrapped the commission model - aware of the lure of national online agents.
Describing it as a lifelong ambition achieved in setting up Roost Estate Agency, he said: “This is something that is needed right now in this current climate, when people need to save money.
“Estate agents generally work from commission whereas we will be offering a fixed fee package which is payable on completion or as an upfront payment with a 50 per cent discount. It’s low cost and low risk.”
Fees of £500 or £999 apply whether the property sells for £100,000 or £1 million, and he is pleased with how popular it is already proving.
He is offering a traditional estate agents service, including marketing, and liaising with solicitors and surveyors.
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Mr Ladd has also secured grant support to help set up IT equipment, having approached Investment Hub NEL.
“I didn’t even know that I was eligible for a grant until I spoke to the Investment Hub so it was great to receive money to support my venture, especially as it didn’t cost me anything more than a phone call,” he said.
Sarah Brattan, Investment Hub manager, said it was one of several business supported.
“We’re thrilled to have been able to help so many local businesses during these difficult times. Encouragingly, there have been signs of renewed business growth within our region, and the Hub team are here to help businesses unlock the door to funding and finance opportunities.”