Follwells.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website, Follwells.co.uk presents itself as a professional estate agency focused on selling and letting properties. They highlight their commitment to qualifying buyers, managing property chains, and providing local expertise. While the site appears functional and provides essential contact information, a deeper dive reveals areas where it could enhance its trustworthiness and transparency, particularly from an ethical standpoint.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Professionalism: Appears professional with clear navigation and calls to action.
• Information Availability: Provides core services like ‘For Sale’, ‘To Let’, ‘Valuation’, and ‘Survey’.
• Contact Information: Readily available email and phone number, along with a registered address.
• Social Media Presence: Links to Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram are present.
• Customer Reviews: Mentions “client stories that matter” but the “Write a Review” link leads to a dead end (`
  Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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#`). This is a significant red flag for transparency.

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• Privacy & Legal Policies: Links for Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Terms & Conditions are present, which is good for compliance.
• Transparency: Lacks visible, verifiable external reviews or testimonials from reputable platforms, which is crucial for building trust in the property sector. The broken review link is a major detractor.
• Ethical Considerations: While estate agency services themselves are generally permissible, the lack of accessible and verifiable customer feedback on the website is a point of concern for a discerning consumer. Ethical businesses thrive on transparency and accountability, and a robust, easily accessible review system is paramount.

For those seeking to buy, sell, or let property, transparency and verifiable trust are non-negotiable. While Follwells.co.uk covers the basics, the absence of genuinely integrated and verifiable customer testimonials, alongside the broken review link, means it doesn’t quite hit the mark for a truly robust and trustworthy online presence. In an industry where significant financial transactions are involved, an agency’s digital footprint should inspire absolute confidence.

Here are some excellent alternatives for property services and related ethical professional support in the UK:

• Rightmove: As the UK’s largest online property portal, Rightmove is the go-to for finding properties for sale and rent. Its key features include extensive listings, detailed property information, and direct contact with estate agents. The average price is free for users searching for properties, with agents paying for listings. Pros: Massive inventory, user-friendly interface, comprehensive search filters. Cons: Only a listing platform, not an estate agent itself.
• Zoopla: Another major UK property portal, Zoopla offers similar services to Rightmove, including sales, rentals, and property value estimates. Key features include local market insights and agent directories. Average price is free for consumers. Pros: Good market data, strong competition to Rightmove, useful for research. Cons: Still a portal, doesn’t directly manage transactions.
• Purplebricks: An online estate agent offering a hybrid model of fixed-fee services for selling homes. Key features include local property experts, online dashboard for managing viewings, and professional photography. Prices typically start from £999 for sales. Pros: Potentially lower costs than traditional agents, good online management tools. Cons: Less hand-holding than a full-service traditional agent, reliance on self-service aspects.
• Hunters Estate Agents: A well-established traditional estate agency with a strong network of branches across the UK. They offer sales, lettings, and property management. Key features include personalised service, local market knowledge, and face-to-face support. Prices vary based on commission, typically 1% to 2% of sale price. Pros: Personalised service, strong local presence, experienced agents. Cons: Can be more expensive than online models.
• OpenRent: A platform for landlords to advertise properties directly to tenants, cutting out traditional letting agents. Key features include tenant referencing, tenancy agreement generation, and rent collection services. Prices vary, starting from £29 for basic listings. Pros: Very cost-effective for landlords, direct communication between landlord and tenant. Cons: Less suitable for those who prefer full agent management, requires more landlord involvement.
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): For property surveys and valuations, RICS is the professional body for surveyors. They provide a directory of qualified professionals. Key features include independent and regulated expertise, various survey types (e.g., HomeBuyer Report, Building Survey). Prices for surveys typically range from £400 to £1,500 depending on property size and survey type. Pros: Highly reputable, regulated professionals, essential for informed property purchases. Cons: Service is specific to surveys, not estate agency.
• The Property Ombudsman: While not an estate agent, The Property Ombudsman is a free, independent service that resolves disputes between consumers and property businesses in the UK. This is crucial for consumer protection and ensuring ethical practices within the industry. Key features include impartial dispute resolution and consumer guidance. Price: Free for consumers. Pros: Provides vital consumer protection, ensures accountability. Cons: Only resolves disputes, doesn’t offer property services directly.

Follwells.co.uk Review & First Look

When you land on Follwells.co.uk, the initial impression is one of a clean, professional, and relatively modern estate agency website. The layout is intuitive, guiding you through the “Discover the right way to sell your home” narrative. They make a bold claim: “When we say sold, we mean sold,” aiming to instill confidence. This is a powerful statement in an industry where many sellers experience frustration and prolonged listing times. The site emphasises its focus on your “move, your timescale and the security of your sale,” a key concern for anyone involved in property transactions.

The homepage quickly presents the core services: valuation, details on properties “For Sale” and “To Let,” and links to their “About” section and “Blog.” This immediate access to core functions is good. They talk about qualifying every buyer and managing the chain, which sounds like a proactive approach—something any homeowner would appreciate.

Initial Impressions of Design and User Experience

The design feels contemporary, with a simple colour scheme and clear typography. Navigation is straightforward, with a ‘Menu’ button revealing quick links to all main sections. The presence of social media icons (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) in the footer suggests a modern agency trying to engage across multiple platforms. The inclusion of a registered address and company number at the footer is a standard, reassuring practice for UK businesses, indicating transparency regarding their legal entity.

However, a critical eye quickly spots areas for improvement. While the design is clean, it lacks any dynamic elements that truly highlight their unique selling propositions beyond the bold claims. The “Speaking of real people… It’s the client stories that matter” section is a prime example of missed opportunity. It sets the expectation for compelling testimonials, yet the “Write a Review” link leads nowhere (#). This is a fundamental flaw, as genuine, verifiable customer feedback is absolutely paramount in building trust, especially in high-stakes transactions like property sales. Without external verification or easily accessible internal testimonials, this section feels hollow.

The Role of Transparency in Online Presence

Transparency is the bedrock of trust, particularly for online businesses in regulated industries. For an estate agency, transparency means not just having policies (which Follwells.co.uk does have, with links to Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Terms & Conditions), but also actively showcasing proof of their claims. When a website claims “It’s the client stories that matter” but fails to provide those stories or a functional way to leave them, it raises questions. Kompare.co.uk Review

Consider this: In the UK, consumers are increasingly reliant on reviews before making significant financial decisions. According to a 2023 study by BrightLocal, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. For property services, this figure is likely even higher due to the financial commitment involved. The absence of easily discoverable, genuine testimonials or links to reputable review platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or Feefo, significantly undermines the site’s credibility. It implies either a lack of existing positive feedback or an oversight in showcasing it, both of which are concerning.

follwells.co.uk Cons

While Follwells.co.uk offers a professional facade and essential information, there are several key areas where it falls short, particularly regarding trust and transparency—critical elements for an ethical property business. These drawbacks are significant enough to warrant a cautious approach for potential clients.

Lack of Verifiable Customer Reviews

One of the most glaring deficiencies on Follwells.co.uk is the complete absence of easily verifiable customer reviews or testimonials. The homepage prominently states, “It’s the client stories that matter,” and even includes a “Write a Review” button. However, clicking this button leads to a dead link (#), which is highly problematic. In today’s digital age, consumers expect to see genuine feedback from past clients.

• Impact on Trust: Without verifiable reviews, potential clients have no independent way to assess the quality of service, the efficiency of their processes, or their success rate. This creates a vacuum of trust, making it difficult to differentiate Follwells from less reputable operators.
• Industry Standard: Most legitimate estate agents in the UK proudly display their Google reviews, Trustpilot scores, or testimonials directly on their site, often linked to external platforms where authenticity can be verified. The absence of this standard practice on Follwells.co.uk is a significant red flag. A study by Statista in 2023 indicated that 87% of UK consumers use online reviews to make purchasing decisions. For property, this figure is likely even higher given the high-value transaction.

Missing Performance Metrics or Case Studies

Beyond just reviews, a highly effective and trustworthy estate agency often showcases its successes through tangible data. This could include:

• Average time to sell a property: How quickly do they get properties under offer?
• Percentage of asking price achieved: Do they consistently help sellers achieve their desired value?
• Number of properties sold/let annually: A clear indication of their activity and market share.
• Specific case studies: Detailed accounts of challenging sales or unique properties they successfully managed, illustrating their expertise.

Follwells.co.uk makes broad claims like “When we say sold, we mean sold,” but provides no supporting data or examples to back these assertions. This lack of concrete performance metrics makes it difficult for potential clients to gauge their effectiveness compared to competitors. According to a report by Accenture, 70% of B2B buyers consider case studies and testimonials most effective for buyer journey. While Follwells targets B2C, the principle of proving claims with evidence remains vital. Zorro.co.uk Review

Limited Detailed Service Descriptions

While the website lists its core services (For Sale, To Let, Valuation, Survey), the level of detail provided for each is somewhat superficial. For instance, what exactly does their “Valuation” service entail? Is it a quick online estimate, or a comprehensive in-person assessment? What are the different types of “Survey” they offer, and what do they cover?

• Clarity for Consumers: Detailed service descriptions help consumers understand exactly what they are paying for and what to expect. This clarity builds confidence and reduces potential misunderstandings. For example, if they offer a “managed chain” service, what are the specific steps involved? How do they “qualify every buyer”?
• Competitive Disadvantage: Many competitors offer clear breakdowns of their service packages, including what’s included, optional extras, and transparent fee structures. Follwells.co.uk could improve by providing more granular information, enabling potential clients to make more informed decisions. A survey by HubSpot found that 90% of consumers find custom content useful. Detailed service descriptions fall into this category, empowering the consumer.

Lack of a Comprehensive Fee Structure

One of the biggest questions on any property seller’s or landlord’s mind is the cost. While it’s common for estate agents to offer bespoke fee structures based on property type and service level, a complete absence of even average fee percentages or examples of how their pricing works is a notable omission.

• Transparency in Pricing: Ethical businesses are upfront about their potential costs. Even if exact figures require a consultation, providing a range or explaining their commission structure (e.g., fixed fee, percentage of sale price, tiered) would significantly enhance transparency. The current approach necessitates contacting them simply to understand the basic financial commitment, which can be off-putting for some.
• Comparison Difficulty: Without any pricing indication, it’s impossible for a potential client to compare Follwells.co.uk’s services against competitors who are more transparent with their fee structures. This lack of initial information can lead to frustration and may drive prospective clients to more forthcoming agencies.

No Clear “About Us” Beyond Basic Information

While Follwells.co.uk has an “About” section, it primarily focuses on general statements about their values (“real people with local expertise”) rather than providing deeper insights into the team, their experience, or the history of the company.

• Building Rapport: In the property industry, trust in the individuals handling your sale or purchase is crucial. Providing profiles of key team members, highlighting their experience, local knowledge, and qualifications (e.g., NAEA Propertymark qualifications) can significantly build rapport and trust.
• Company Story: A compelling company story—how they started, their mission, their milestones—can resonate with clients and help them feel more connected to the brand. This is a common practice among leading agencies. Research from CEB (now Gartner) shows that emotional connection with a brand leads to 3x higher customer lifetime value. Sharing a story fosters that connection.

follwells.co.uk Alternatives

Given the identified areas for improvement, particularly concerning transparency and verifiable trust, it’s prudent to explore alternative estate agency and property services that offer more robust and transparent platforms for clients in the UK. When dealing with significant financial transactions like property, clarity, and proof of good service are paramount. Skylineremovals.co.uk Review

Rightmove & Zoopla: The Property Portals

For anyone starting their property journey in the UK, Rightmove and Zoopla are the indispensable starting points. They are not estate agents themselves but comprehensive property portals where the vast majority of UK properties for sale and to let are listed by various agents.

• Rightmove:

  • Key Features: UK’s largest property website, extensive search filters, property alerts, school checker, historical price data.
  • Pros: Unrivalled number of listings, user-friendly interface, highly reliable for market overview.
  • Cons: Only a listing platform, doesn’t directly facilitate transactions or agent services.
  • Why it’s a good alternative: It’s where you’ll find the widest selection and can compare offerings from numerous agents, including those with strong public review profiles.

• Zoopla:

  • Key Features: Comprehensive listings, property value estimates, local market insights, agent directories, moving hub.
  • Pros: Strong alternative to Rightmove, good for research and market intelligence, integrated tools for valuation.
  • Cons: Similar to Rightmove, it’s a portal, not an agent.
  • Why it’s a good alternative: Provides additional data points and a different set of tools for comparison, ensuring a broad market view.

Hybrid & Online Estate Agents

These options often combine online efficiency with elements of traditional service, typically at a fixed fee, offering cost savings compared to traditional commission-based models. They generally have robust online platforms for client management and transparent review systems.

• Purplebricks: Overnightprints.co.uk Review

  • Key Features: Fixed fees for selling, local property experts, online dashboard for managing viewings and offers, professional photography included.
  • Pros: Potentially significant cost savings, transparent pricing, convenient online management.
  • Cons: Less hands-on traditional service, requires more client involvement in certain aspects (e.g., conducting viewings yourself if you opt for it).
  • Why it’s a good alternative: A well-known brand with a strong online presence and a clear pricing structure, offering a more modern approach to property sales. They heavily feature customer reviews on their platform.

• Strike:

  • Key Features: Offers to sell your home for free (terms apply, with optional paid extras), local experts, online portal, professional photography.
  • Pros: Can be genuinely free for basic services, strong customer service focus, modern approach.
  • Cons: Optional extras can add up, still a relatively new model compared to traditional agents.
  • Why it’s a good alternative: Challenges the traditional model with a bold “free” offering, backed by a strong focus on online efficiency and customer satisfaction, often evidenced by visible reviews.

Traditional High-Street Estate Agents with Strong Digital Presence

For those who prefer a more traditional, face-to-face approach but still value a robust online presence and verifiable trust, established high-street brands are a solid choice. Many have excellent online review profiles and detailed service descriptions.

• Hunters Estate Agents:

  • Key Features: Extensive UK network, sales, lettings, property management, local market expertise, personalised service.
  • Pros: Established brand, strong local presence, experienced agents, often have robust review profiles on Google and other platforms.
  • Cons: Generally higher commission-based fees compared to online agents.
  • Why it’s a good alternative: Offers the comprehensive service of a traditional agent with the backing of a national brand and often transparent online reviews.

• Savills:

  • Key Features: High-end property sales and lettings, global reach, expert valuations, bespoke property advice.
  • Pros: Renowned for premium properties and exceptional service, highly experienced professionals.
  • Cons: Caters to the upper end of the market, higher fees.
  • Why it’s a good alternative: If you are in the luxury market, Savills represents the gold standard in professionalism, extensive market knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, often reflected in their public reputation and client testimonials.

Consumer Protection and Ethical Oversight

Beyond choosing an agent, understanding where to go for oversight and protection is crucial for ethical engagement in the property market. Aramisrugby.co.uk Review

• The Property Ombudsman (TPO):
  • Key Features: Free, independent service for resolving disputes between consumers and property businesses.
  • Pros: Provides vital consumer protection, ensures accountability for registered agents, impartial resolution.
  • Cons: Only for dispute resolution, not a property service provider.
  • Why it’s a good alternative: Essential for any property transaction. Ensures that if issues arise, there is a formal, ethical channel for resolution. Always check if your chosen agent is registered with TPO.

Choosing an alternative boils down to prioritising transparent, verifiable service, whether that’s through a massive listing portal, a fixed-fee online agent, or a reputable traditional high-street brand. The critical takeaway is to seek out platforms that openly share customer feedback and clearly articulate their services and costs, ensuring you’re making an informed decision for such a significant life event.

How to Assess the Legitimacy of an Online Estate Agent

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of property, distinguishing legitimate and trustworthy online estate agents from those with less transparent practices is paramount. When considering a significant financial transaction like buying or selling a home, thorough due diligence on your chosen agent’s online presence is not just good practice—it’s essential.

Checking for Regulatory Compliance and Affiliations

The UK property industry has several key regulatory bodies and redress schemes that legitimate estate agents must be members of. This membership provides a layer of consumer protection and signifies adherence to professional standards.

• The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or Property Redress Scheme (PRS): All estate agents dealing with residential property in the UK are legally required to be part of an approved redress scheme. Look for their logos clearly displayed on the website. You can also independently verify membership on the TPO or PRS websites. For instance, The Property Ombudsman resolves over 30,000 enquiries and investigates around 5,000 complaints annually, highlighting the importance of this safety net.
• National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA Propertymark): While not legally mandatory, membership in NAEA Propertymark indicates that agents adhere to higher standards, are qualified, and have professional indemnity insurance. Many reputable agents proudly display this logo.
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations: Estate agents are legally obliged to comply with AML regulations. While this might not be overtly visible on a website, a legitimate agent will ask for proof of identity and funds during the initial stages.

Verifying Contact Information and Physical Presence

A trustworthy online business, even one operating primarily digitally, should have clear and verifiable contact details.

• Registered Address: Check for a physical registered office address. Follwells.co.uk does provide this in the footer. Use online tools like Google Maps or Companies House to verify if this address corresponds to a legitimate business premises.
• Phone Numbers and Email Addresses: Ensure the phone number is a standard UK landline or mobile, and test it if possible. A professional email address (e.g., info@companyname.co.uk) is also a good sign, as opposed to generic ones like Gmail.
• Companies House Registration: Every limited company in the UK is registered with Companies House. You can search for the company number (Follwells.co.uk provides 06201442) on the Companies House website to verify its registration status, directors, and financial filings. This is a fundamental step in confirming legitimacy. Companies House registers over 600,000 new companies annually, making it the definitive source for company verification.

Scrutinising Online Reviews and Reputation

This is arguably the most crucial step for consumer trust. Legitimate businesses actively encourage and display genuine customer feedback. Bornprimitive.co.uk Review

• Third-Party Review Platforms: Look for links to reputable review sites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Feefo, or AllAgents. Do not rely solely on testimonials presented directly on the agent’s website without external verification. Check the quantity and quality of reviews on these platforms. Are there consistent patterns in positive or negative feedback?
• Social Media Activity: Check their social media profiles (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram). Are they active? Do they engage with comments? Look for customer comments or interactions, as this can offer a candid view of their public reputation.
• Absence of Reviews: A complete lack of reviews or a disproportionately small number of reviews for a business claiming significant activity should raise a red flag. Similarly, if all reviews are overly positive and lack specific details, they might be fabricated.

Website Security and Professionalism

Basic website hygiene speaks volumes about a business’s professionalism and attention to detail.

• HTTPS: Ensure the website uses HTTPS (indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar). This means communication between your browser and the website is encrypted, protecting your data.
• Professional Design and Functionality: A poorly designed website, broken links (like the “Write a Review” link on Follwells.co.uk leading to #), or frequent errors can indicate a lack of professionalism or a rushed setup, which might extend to their business practices.
• Clear Policies: Presence of clear and easily accessible Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Terms & Conditions pages. These documents outline how your data is handled and the legal terms of engaging with their service.

By meticulously checking these aspects, potential clients can build a comprehensive picture of an online estate agent’s legitimacy and trustworthiness, thereby safeguarding their interests in one of life’s most significant transactions.

follwells.co.uk Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of an estate agent is fundamental, yet Follwells.co.uk currently offers no explicit details on its website regarding its fees for selling or letting properties. This lack of transparency stands in contrast to many modern estate agencies, particularly online and hybrid models, which often provide clear, upfront pricing information or at least a guide to their typical charges.

What is Missing from the Website Regarding Pricing?

On the Follwells.co.uk homepage and within its listed services (e.g., “For Sale,” “To Let”), there are no indications of:

• Commission Rates: Traditional estate agents typically charge a percentage of the final sale price (e.g., 1% to 2.5%). Follwells.co.uk gives no range or example of this.
• Fixed Fees: Many online and hybrid agents offer a fixed fee for selling a property, regardless of its value. There’s no mention of a fixed fee option.
• Letting Fees: For landlords, details on tenant finding fees, management fees (e.g., a percentage of monthly rent), or tenancy agreement fees are absent.
• Additional Charges: There’s no information about potential extra costs for professional photography, EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates), floor plans, premium listings on portals, or conveyancing recommendations.
• Valuation Fees: While they offer a “Valuation” service, it’s unclear if there’s a charge associated with this initial assessment. Often, initial valuations are free, but this isn’t specified.

The absence of any pricing information means that a prospective client must contact Follwells.co.uk directly to inquire about costs. While this encourages direct engagement, it can be a barrier for those who prefer to do their research and compare options transparently before making initial contact. Dolceterra.co.uk Review

Why Price Transparency Matters in the Property Sector

In the UK, the estate agency industry has faced scrutiny in the past regarding fee transparency. Regulations have been put in place to ensure consumers are well-informed.

• Consumer Expectations: Modern consumers expect clear and accessible pricing. A 2023 survey by Statista highlighted that 82% of UK consumers consider price transparency important or very important when making purchasing decisions. For high-value services like property sales, this expectation is even higher.
• Comparison Shopping: Without published fees, it’s impossible for potential clients to compare Follwells.co.uk’s value proposition against competitors like Purplebricks (fixed fee from £999), Strike (basic free service), or traditional agents who might quote 1% to 2% commission. This lack of comparative data places the consumer at a disadvantage.
• Building Trust: Transparent pricing is a strong indicator of an ethical business practice. It suggests confidence in their value proposition and a commitment to openness. Conversely, the absence of pricing can lead to suspicions about hidden costs or a lack of competitiveness. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has consistently advocated for greater transparency in pricing across various sectors to empower consumers.
• Ethical Considerations: For a property service to be considered fully ethical, it must adhere to principles of clear communication and fairness. Withholding basic pricing information until a direct inquiry is made, while not illegal, could be seen as a less consumer-centric approach compared to those who proactively publish their fee structures.

What to Expect When Getting a Quote

If you do decide to contact Follwells.co.uk, you should be prepared to ask specific questions to get a comprehensive understanding of their fees. These might include:

1. What is your commission rate for selling a property, or do you offer a fixed fee?
2. Are there any upfront marketing costs or withdrawal fees?
3. What’s included in your standard service package (e.g., photography, floor plans, online portal listings)?
4. Are there any additional charges for premium listings, accompanied viewings, or specific legal services?
5. For landlords, what are your tenant find fees, and what percentage do you charge for ongoing property management?

Ultimately, while Follwells.co.uk might offer competitive pricing, the lack of its clear articulation on their website is a significant drawback, hindering immediate assessment and comparison for potential clients.

How to Engage with follwells.co.uk (And How to Protect Yourself)

Engaging with an estate agent, whether online or traditional, involves entrusting them with a significant financial asset. While Follwells.co.uk provides basic contact methods, understanding the process and, crucially, knowing how to protect your interests is paramount. This section outlines how you might interact with Follwells.co.uk and, more broadly, essential steps for safeguarding yourself when dealing with any property service.

Initial Contact and Valuation Request

Follwells.co.uk prominently features a “VALUE MY HOME” button, leading to a valuation request page. This is likely the first point of contact for many potential sellers. Teepeecreations.co.uk Review

1. Online Valuation Form: Expect to fill in details about your property (address, type, number of bedrooms, condition).
2. Follow-Up Contact: A legitimate agent will typically follow up with a phone call or email to discuss your property in more detail and arrange an in-person valuation. This in-person visit is crucial for an accurate assessment and for you to meet the agent face-to-face.
3. Preparing for Valuation: Have any relevant documents ready, such as property deeds, recent utility bills (to confirm address), and details of any renovations or improvements made.

Protecting Yourself:

• Get Multiple Valuations: Do not rely on a single valuation. Obtain at least three valuations from different local estate agents (including a mix of traditional and online/hybrid if possible). This helps you understand the true market value of your property and prevents you from potentially under-pricing or over-pricing.
• Ask About Their Valuation Process: How do they arrive at their figure? Do they use comparable sales data, local market trends, or their own experience?
• No Obligation: Confirm that the valuation is free and comes with no obligation to instruct them.

Discussing Services and Fees

Once a valuation is complete, the agent will present their services and proposed fees. As noted, Follwells.co.uk does not publish its fees, so this discussion is vital.

1. Detailed Service Breakdown: Ask for a comprehensive list of what is included in their service package (e.g., professional photography, floor plans, EPC arrangement, online portal listings, accompanied viewings, sales progression).
2. Fee Structure: Get absolute clarity on their fees.
   • Is it a fixed fee or a percentage of the sale price?
   • Is VAT included or extra?
   • Are there any upfront costs?
   • Are there withdrawal fees if you decide not to sell or switch agents?
   • For lettings, understand all landlord and tenant fees.
3. Contract Terms: Request a copy of their terms and conditions (contract) to review before signing anything. Pay close attention to:
   • Sole Agency vs. Multi-Agency: A sole agency agreement means only one agent sells your property for a set period, often with a lower fee. Multi-agency allows multiple agents but usually has a higher fee. Understand the implications.
   • Contract Length: How long is the agreement for? What is the notice period if you want to terminate?
   • Exclusivity Period: If it’s a sole agency, understand the period during which they are the exclusive agent and if commission is still due if you sell privately within a certain timeframe after termination.

Protecting Yourself:

• Read the Contract Carefully: Do not sign anything you don’t fully understand. If necessary, seek independent legal advice.
• Negotiate Fees: While not always possible, fees can sometimes be negotiated, especially on higher-value properties or if you’re a returning client.
• Compare Contracts: Don’t just compare fees; compare the terms of contracts from different agents. A slightly higher fee might be worth it for better terms or a more comprehensive service. According to Citizens Advice, contract terms are a leading cause of consumer complaints against estate agents.

Ongoing Communication and Sales Progression

Once instructed, clear communication from your agent is essential.

1. Regular Updates: Expect regular updates on viewings, buyer feedback, and market interest.
2. Sales Progression: A good agent will actively manage the sales chain, liaising with solicitors, buyers, and other agents to keep the process moving. Ask Follwells.co.uk how they “manage your chain” to keep it on track.

Protecting Yourself: Suefoord.co.uk Review

• Maintain Records: Keep a record of all communications, especially significant conversations, offers, and decisions.
• Be Proactive: Don’t hesitate to chase your agent for updates if you haven’t heard from them.
• Trust Your Gut: If you feel communication is poor or promises are not being met, address it directly with the agency. If unresolved, consider escalating the issue through their internal complaints procedure.

Complaints and Redress

Even with the best intentions, issues can arise. Knowing the formal channels for complaints is vital.

1. Internal Complaints Procedure: All legitimate estate agents should have an internal complaints procedure. Request a copy of this.
2. Property Redress Scheme: If an issue cannot be resolved through the agent’s internal process, you can escalate it to their registered redress scheme (The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme). This is a free, independent service.
3. Trading Standards: You can also report serious issues to Trading Standards, particularly if you suspect unfair trading practices.

By following these steps, you can engage with Follwells.co.uk or any other estate agent with greater confidence, ensuring you are well-informed and protected throughout your property journey.

Follwells.co.uk vs. Competitors

When evaluating Follwells.co.uk, it’s crucial to benchmark its online presence and stated offerings against the broader UK estate agency market. This comparison highlights areas where Follwells.co.uk performs adequately and where it notably lags behind competitors, particularly in the realm of transparency and digital integration.

Traditional High Street Agents (e.g., Hunters, Connells)

• Service Model: Like Follwells.co.uk, these agents primarily offer a full-service, traditional approach with physical branches. They handle valuations, marketing, viewings (often accompanied), negotiation, and sales progression.
• Online Presence: Most established high street agents now have strong online presences. They feature detailed property listings, online valuation tools, and clear contact information.
• Key Differentiators:
  • Local Office Network: Competitors like Hunters boast extensive networks of local branches, providing a tangible local presence and direct accessibility that Follwells.co.uk implies but doesn’t explicitly highlight beyond its single registered address.
  • Review Integration: A major difference is the seamless integration of third-party reviews (e.g., Google, Trustpilot) on competitor websites. For example, search for “Hunters Estate Agents reviews,” and you’ll find numerous verifiable ratings and testimonials. Follwells.co.uk’s broken “Write a Review” link is a significant disadvantage here. According to a BrightLocal survey, 81% of consumers check Google Reviews before visiting a business.
  • Team Transparency: Many traditional agents introduce their local team members with profiles, experience, and photos on their “About Us” pages. This builds personal trust. Follwells.co.uk’s “About” section is more generic.
  • Pricing Indication: While not always fully disclosed, many traditional agents will give a typical commission range on their sites or in introductory brochures, which Follwells.co.uk currently lacks.

Hybrid Agents (e.g., Purplebricks, Yopa)

• Service Model: These agents blend online convenience with some traditional elements, often operating on a fixed-fee model. They rely heavily on sophisticated online dashboards for clients to manage their sale.
• Online Presence: This is their core strength. Their websites are highly interactive, detailed, and designed for customer self-service and information access.
• Key Differentiators:
  • Transparent Pricing: Hybrid agents like Purplebricks explicitly state their fixed fees (e.g., from £999), making cost comparison straightforward. This is a stark contrast to Follwells.co.uk’s unstated pricing. The CMA report on Estate Agents in 2017 highlighted opaque fees as a consumer concern, advocating for clear upfront pricing.
  • User Dashboards: Clients get access to online portals where they can track viewings, offers, feedback, and sales progression in real-time. Follwells.co.uk doesn’t indicate if it offers such a feature.
  • Extensive Reviews: Hybrid agents are often review-heavy, with thousands of reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, directly linked from their sites. This provides immense social proof. For example, Purplebricks has tens of thousands of reviews on Trustpilot with a high average rating.
  • Technology Integration: They leverage technology for virtual tours, instant online valuations, and sophisticated marketing tools.

Online-Only Agents (e.g., OpenRent for Lettings)

• Service Model: Primarily self-service platforms, often for landlords listing directly to tenants or for sellers managing most of the process themselves. Fees are minimal.
• Online Presence: Highly functional and streamlined websites focused on facilitating direct transactions.
• Key Differentiators:
  • Cost: Unbeatable on price, as they cut out most agent-involved services. Follwells.co.uk, as a full-service agent, cannot compete on this level.
  • Direct Control: Clients have maximum control over their listings and interactions.
  • Niche Focus: Often specialise (e.g., OpenRent primarily for lettings).

Overall Comparison Summary

Feature	Follwells.co.uk	Traditional Agents (e.g., Hunters)	Hybrid Agents (e.g., Purplebricks)	Online-Only (e.g., OpenRent)
Service Model	Traditional Full Service	Traditional Full Service	Online + Local Expert	Self-service / Platform
Physical Branches	Yes (one registered address)	Yes (multiple branches)	Limited / Local Experts	No
Pricing Transparency	Low (not published)	Medium (often general ranges)	High (fixed fees published)	High (minimal fees published)
Verifiable Reviews	Very Low (broken link)	High (Google, Trustpilot integration)	Very High (extensive)	Variable (platform-specific)
Online Dashboards	Not apparent	Sometimes	Yes (core feature)	Yes
Team Profiles	Not apparent	Often	Sometimes	N/A
Lead Generation	Website contact forms	Website, walk-ins, phone	Website, online forms	Website, direct listings

Conclusion on Comparison:
Follwells.co.uk positions itself as a traditional estate agent with a modern website. However, its online presence, while functional, falls short compared to both established traditional competitors and agile hybrid models, particularly in critical areas of pricing transparency and verifiable customer feedback. In an age where digital trust is built on openness and social proof, Follwells.co.uk has significant ground to cover to match the industry’s best practices. Potential clients should be aware of these gaps and consider alternatives that offer more comprehensive and transparent online information before making a decision.

FAQs

What is Follwells.co.uk?

Follwells.co.uk is a UK-based estate agency that offers services for selling and letting residential properties. They operate with a physical registered address in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. Turnerandsons.co.uk Review

Does Follwells.co.uk have a physical office?

Yes, Follwells.co.uk lists a registered address at 35 Ironmarket, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1RP, which indicates a physical presence.

How can I get a valuation for my home from Follwells.co.uk?

You can request a home valuation by clicking on the “VALUE MY HOME” button on their website and filling out the online form. They will then likely follow up to arrange an in-person assessment.

Does Follwells.co.uk publish its service fees?

Based on the website review, Follwells.co.uk does not explicitly publish its service fees or commission rates for selling or letting properties on its homepage or linked service pages. You would need to contact them directly for this information.

Are there customer reviews available on Follwells.co.uk?

While Follwells.co.uk mentions “client stories that matter” and has a “Write a Review” link, clicking this link leads to a dead end (#), meaning there are no immediately verifiable customer reviews displayed directly on their website.

Is Follwells.co.uk regulated?

Like all legitimate estate agents in the UK, Follwells.co.uk is required to be part of an approved property redress scheme, such as The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or Property Redress Scheme (PRS). It’s advisable to verify their membership with one of these schemes for consumer protection. Battshilldistillers.co.uk Review

How can I contact Follwells.co.uk?

Follwells.co.uk provides an email address (email@follwells.co.uk) and a phone number (01782 615530) in its footer for direct contact.

Does Follwells.co.uk offer property surveys?

Yes, the website lists “Survey” as one of its quick links, indicating that they offer or facilitate property survey services.

What types of properties does Follwells.co.uk deal with?

Follwells.co.uk primarily deals with residential properties for sale and to let, based on the services highlighted on their homepage.

Does Follwells.co.uk use social media?

Yes, Follwells.co.uk has links to its social media profiles, including Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, in the website footer.

Can I view properties for sale or to let on Follwells.co.uk?

Yes, the website has dedicated sections for “For Sale” and “To Let” properties, where you can browse their current listings. Endoftenancycleaninguxbridge.co.uk Review

Is Follwells.co.uk a national or local estate agent?

Based on its single registered address in Staffordshire and focus on local expertise, Follwells.co.uk appears to operate as a local or regional estate agent primarily serving the Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding areas.

Does Follwells.co.uk offer online management tools for sellers or landlords?

The website does not explicitly mention or display any online dashboards or portals for clients to manage their property sale or letting process, viewings, or offers.

What should I look for in an alternative to Follwells.co.uk?

When looking for an alternative, prioritise agents with transparent pricing, easily verifiable customer reviews (e.g., on Google, Trustpilot), clear service descriptions, and membership in a recognised redress scheme like The Property Ombudsman.

How can I check the company registration details for Follwells.co.uk?

You can check their company registration details (Company No: 06201442) on the UK’s Companies House website for public records of the business.

Does Follwells.co.uk provide an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?

While the website doesn’t explicitly state they provide EPCs, any legitimate agent will either arrange one for you or advise you on obtaining one, as it’s a legal requirement to sell or let a property in the UK. Investas.co.uk Review

What are the main pros of Follwells.co.uk based on its website?

The main pros include a professional and intuitive website design, clear contact information, and apparent focus on personalised service and chain management.

What are the main cons of Follwells.co.uk based on its website?

The main cons are the lack of transparent pricing, the absence of verifiable customer reviews (with a broken review link), and a general lack of detailed performance metrics or team profiles.

Does Follwells.co.uk have a blog?

Yes, the website includes a “Blog” link in its quick links section, suggesting they publish articles or news related to the property market.

Is Follwells.co.uk suitable for someone looking for a fixed-fee estate agent?

The website does not indicate whether Follwells.co.uk offers fixed-fee services. You would need to contact them directly to inquire about their specific pricing models, which are more commonly associated with online or hybrid agents like Purplebricks.

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