Optimhome is tackling the crisis by eliminating fees associated with real estate agencies

By Batipole Edition Published on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 02:00 PM

Photo credits : Optimhome

Summary for decision-makers

Optimhome positions itself as a "new generation" real estate network, without agencies, allowing for a significant reduction in fixed costs and the application of commissions half those of traditional agencies. In just three years of operation, the network founded by Frédéric Pitout has succeeded in attracting 800 agents, with a target of 1 agents by 000. This innovative business model responds to the current crisis in the real estate sector by offering quality services while guaranteeing profitability. Optimhome agents, in the absence of traditional agency structures, benefit from greater flexibility and increased negotiating power, which allows them to effectively support clients in their real estate projects.

Proximity is at the heart of Optimhome's model, fostering a relationship of trust between agents and individuals. Agents visit clients directly to better understand their needs, while ensuring legal compliance by signing sales agreements with a notary. With more than 20 properties listed on its website, Optimhome offers considerable visibility to buyers. This innovative network, with a turnover of €000 million in 9,3, proves that cost sharing and digitalization can transform the real estate sector.

With a turnover up 165% compared to 2008, the Optimhone real estate network seems to have found the magic solution to counter the current real estate crisis. By dematerializing agencies and thus eliminating the costs inherent in their operation, it allows its agents to be closer to their clients and generate higher revenue.

Batipôle Editorial

Optimhome: a real estate network without agencies with reduced commissions

Optimhome, the real estate network

Optimhome is a "new generation" real estate network, without agencies. This concept, which significantly reduces fixed costs, allows for commissions half those of traditional agencies, while offering the same guarantees and a better level of service. Three years after its launch, this network, originally from the south of France, already has 800 agents and is aiming for 1.000 by 2011.

Many "traditional" real estate professionals are struggling financially, and the economic climate has further weakened their situation. Forced to cover the fixed costs inherent in their agency structure, while also ensuring the salaries and commissions of their agents, they have no choice but to charge high commission rates.
This is why in France, almost 50% of transactions are still carried out without an intermediary, with individuals preferring to deal directly with each other.

A CONCEPT BETTER ADAPTED TO CURRENT ECONOMIC REALITY
Based on this dual observation, Frédéric Pitout created Optimhome, a network with a different operating mode that helps reconcile individuals with real estate professionals.
The absence of agencies allows Optimhome's agents to benefit from reduced overhead costs and greater flexibility in time management. This allows them to charge lower agency commissions without impacting the profitability of their business.
For example, in 2009, Optimhome's best employees achieved monthly turnover of more than 60.000 euros in the midst of the real estate crisis, with one of them even exceeding 100.000 euros.

A LOCAL NETWORK AT THE SERVICE OF THE CUSTOMER
More available than traditional real estate agents, the agents affiliated under the Optimhome brand provide better service to their clients by visiting their homes directly. The network's strength lies in its concept of proximity and support, which strengthens trust and the relationship between the agent and the individual. The latter feels better understood in their expectations and better supported in their project.
Furthermore, to comply with the regulations governing the activity of a mandated agent, Optimhome signs all sales agreements with a notary, thus providing real legal security to its clients.
Finally, the Optimhome website (www.optimhome.com), which lists all properties for sale throughout France (more than 20,000), provides great visibility and a real choice for future buyers.

800 AGENTS AFTER THREE YEARS OF OPERATION
After only three years of operation, the network already has 800 agents in France and aims to build a team of around 1.000 independent agents in 2011. The brand (created in 2006 and launched as a network in 2007) achieved a turnover of 9,3 million euros in 2009, an increase of 165% compared to the previous year.

> Low initial investment (mobile phone, computer, scanner, etc.). No entry fee. Initial training: €325 excluding VAT. The unique feature of the concept is the pooling of expenses. Thanks to the economies of scale achieved, the agents have access to a very wide range of services and tools for €325 excluding VAT per month (advertising fee).