Well established in Huyton and West Derby, estate agency Whitegates is now using digital technology to open a ‘virtual’ Liverpool city centre branch. Tony McDonough reports
One of Liverpool’s best-know estate agencies, Whitegates, is to open a ‘virtual’ Liverpool city centre branch.
Whitegates West Derby and Huyton have been in existence since the mid-1980s and have operated in the traditional local office way. It says its new virtual model will complement its traditional approach.
Now part of the Property Franchise Group, Whitegates will utilise virtual technology to compete with the internet brands that have gained traction over the last few years. It will offer online valuations and viewings, 24/7 live chat, 3D photography and matterport walk-through features, which allow for virtual viewings.
Once the city centre virtual branch opens in May it will be followed by virtual branches for Maghull, Crosby, Allerton and Prescot. The new branch will have a dedicated member of staff assigned to it.
The pandemic and subsequent restrictions has prompted Gail Roberts and her team at Whitegates to think differently about how they expand into new territories. She said: “I have worked in the industry for 35 years and have owned and operated my own branches in Liverpool since 2001.
“We have seen growth over the last 12 months. The city being granted freeport status, the Bramley Moore Dock stadium development, and the Knowledge Quarter will I believe see Liverpool emerge from the pandemic, with reasons to be very optimistic about the future
“This will harness our unparalleled local experience and our traditional face to face friendly customer service, while utilising the benefits of modern internet technology. This will allow tenants and buyers the ability to clearly see properties in a dynamic way, from the comfort of their own homes or office.
“We have seen great interest in these technologies over the last 12 months and believe that people have embraced the greater freedom this offers in their search for a new home.”