The GetAgent algorithm and taking your branch to new heights

One of the key questions we receive from agents is about our algorithm. How do GetAgent, an impartial comparison service, calculate the top six performing agents (shortlist) in vendor’s local areas?

In this article, we discuss the inner workings of our core product, the Estate Agent Comparison Tool, sharing insights that will help you best showcase your skills and performance to the thousands of vendors that come to our site.

How our Comparison Tool works

To get the most out of our service, it's important to understand how it functions.

The tool collects data from various sources to calculate the top performing agents in a vendor’s local area. It’s purpose-built for homesellers who want a reliable way of choosing the best estate agent to manage their sale - but that’s not all.

Our comparison service is also an honest source of marketing and revenue for local agents who want the best market share, and know their results can speak for themselves.

But how does the tool actually compare agents? Let’s take a look under the hood.

The algorithm

The tool is powered by a sophisticated algorithm which considers several metrics when deciding which estate agents appear within a vendor's top six local agents.

These metrics include:

• How long the agent’s listings are on the market before being SSTC.
• How many properties the agent has listed within the local area during the last six months.
• The average percentage of asking price achieved for sales within the last two years

We update the tool regularly to ensure that rankings remain reliable and fair by reflecting the most recent data available.

In action

As soon as a vendor enters their postcode into our system, the algorithm gets to work. Collating data from the Land Registry and property portals, the tool shortlists the top six agents operating within a radius of the vendor’s address.

Vendors are free to browse their shortlist and find agents that meet their requirements. Our data is presented in a digestible format, providing vendors with a clear understanding of how each agent performs in every metric.

To make things even easier for vendors, we highlight which agents perform best in each of the given metrics:

• Fastest - The agent whose listings SSTC the fastest on property portals.
• Most experienced - The agent who has listed the most properties.
• Best valuer - Highest average percentage of asking price achieved.

How to increase your shortlist appearances

We take pride in the impartiality of our Estate Agent Comparison Tool - data is the backbone of our product, and it's what sets us apart. We believe that using facts is the best way to evaluate an agent's performance and provide the most value to vendors.

While there are no shortcuts to increasing shortlist appearances, there are some opportunities for agents to gain insights into their performance, maintain the accuracy of their stats, and garner some extra visibility.

1. Visit your Branch Dashboard

Registered agents are able to visit the Branch Dashboard - the hub for all things GetAgent. Here, you can showcase your skills and help verify your performance data.

Improve my stats

In this tab, you can add extra detail to our understanding of your performance by verifying whether you’ve sold or listed properties we’ve matched to your agency.

Agents who are attentive to their stats, can better safeguard their rankings by reinforcing the validity of our data.

Check out your competitors

We also recommend checking out the Competitors tab, where you can see how you compare to other agents in your postcode.

By paying close attention to your competitor’s performance, you can track your branch’s strengths and shortcomings, and plan for the future. Receive direct insights into their market share, listed properties, average sale time, and asking price achieved.

There’s also a printout available that can really showcase how your performance compares with competitors - a super useful visual for securing those all-important instructions from potential vendors.

Customise your branch

Additionally, the dashboard lets you tailor how your branch appears to vendors and GetAgent visitors. Customise your ‘elevator pitch’, available services, professional bodies and accolades, to increase the level of interest you receive from visitors to our site.

2. Consider sponsoring a postcode area

Some branches ensure they appear in front of as many vendors as possible by choosing to sponsor an outcode (this is the first part of a postcode). This involves selecting a specific outcode and paying to feature as a ‘Sponsored agent’, appearing just above the shortlists of vendors from that area.

Please note that this is not the same as appearing within a vendor’s top six agents - but this extra visibility could prove useful with the potential for extra leads.

3. Do what you do best!

We understand that estate agents are dedicated professionals who work hard to deliver results for homesellers. We appreciate the effort that goes into each and every sale, and that's why we base our comparisons on the most relevant data.

To ensure your branch appears on our shortlists, we recommend focusing on what you do best. Accurately evaluating properties, developing effective marketing strategies, and delivering exceptional customer service, all contribute to your branch's success.

By continuing to excel in these areas, you can increase your chances of being recognised as a top-performing estate agent.

Stay ahead of the curve

Agents play a crucial role in helping homeowners achieve their property sales. That's why we're committed to providing a reliable, data-driven tool that helps vendors find the best local agents for their needs.

By understanding how our Estate Agent Comparison Tool works and consistently providing excellent service, you can increase your chances of being selected as one of the top six agents in your area.

So, keep up the great work! We look forward to continuing to support you in your success.