Being an independent lettings agent is certainly not for everyone, especially in a highly competitive city like London. Unlike working at an agency, this career choice often comes with more entry barriers and higher risks that commonly make new joiners abandon this pursuit sooner rather than later.
So what is driving professionals to become independent agents? The realization that with high risks come higher rewards. When persistent and once consolidated, independent agents tend to earn considerably more than their counterparts in agencies and manage their business in very efficient ways. Several factors contribute to this but three stand out without question:
- Full commissions — As solo negotiators closing a deal, independent agents earn the total amount of the commission rather than a fraction of it. It may have required more administrative work, lead sourcing, conducting viewings and the investment of personal funds but the pay-off is well worth the effort.
- Flexible working hours — Independent agents have the flexibility to work their own hours. Being their own boss allows them to operate with tremendous flexibility when compared to a traditional negotiator who would be required to work office hours. On the flipside, being your own boss also means working overtime on busy days.
- Ease for business mobility — It’s not uncommon for independent agents to operate across postcodes. Unlike agencies covering a specific area, independent agents tend to work with properties all over the city, allowing them to follow surging demand or supply in areas different to the ones they’re in.
As expected, being an independent agent also comes with challenges that many are not able to overcome in the long run. These include increased operational costs, overwhelming administrative work, limited number to supply and high reliance on lead-generating platforms. This is where Scraye comes in, offering a wide range of tools and solutions to independent agents at no extra cost:
- Free access to supply — Upon sign-up, agents have the opportunity to book viewings and earn 1–10% commissions on all properties listed on the platform.
- Risk free listings — Independent agents can list their own property on Scraye, receive free marketing materials for them and only pay a fee if they find a successful applicant using the platform.
- Administrative support — Scraye takes care of paperwork and referencing for all transactions made on the platform, freeing an agent’s time significantly.
- Extra earnings — An agent can earn more money when using Scraye by listing high-demand properties, conducting viewings for the platform, referring agencies and more.
With a clearer layout of what being an independent agent in London is and brings along, those considering this career path can capitalize on the pros and mitigate the cons.
Interested in learning more or want to start a career as an independent agent? Join our Independent Agent Network (SIAN). For more information how to join visit scraye.com/agents, email hello@scraye.com or call 020 3936 9107.
