In what it claims as a world first, online agent eMoov has launched a verification checking service of all those who request viewings via its platform. The aim is to improve security for sellers, who do their own viewings.
Emoov say this integration with new system Veridu “is a big step in combating the security and safety risks associated with the house viewing process” by ensuring potential buyers have been “verified”, and provides a photo of people wanting to book viewings.
Vetting the suitability of buyers is a key advantage traditional agents have trumpeted over their online competitors.
Speaking about the innovation, Emoov chief technology officer Ivan Ramirez mentions “the fight against fraudulent activity” as “something that seems particularly rife” in the UK.
He added that eMoov’s approach is to “improve the user journey” and not just offer “aesthetic” benefits.
We reached out to various tech companies to verify the “world first” claim. Comments we received included “that’s really rather clever” and amazement that Emoov had created a piece of “genuine innovation”.
Speaking to a lettings agent on whether the technology would be useful, we were told: “It’s always concerning when strangers want to turn up to your home. This way you get an idea of who wants to visit. And some sense that checks are being made.”
They added: “It’s actually very clever, especially because Emoov leave viewings to the vendors.”
Another commentator said: “Quirk’s system would also work well for some high street agents.”
There was no evidence found of this ever having been done before.
This writer, who has often been a critic of online agents being quick with the press release send button, is pleased that for the first time an online agent has real technology to talk about.
And a piece of technology that can be universally accepted as very useful.
The question that this now poses is: will technology like this make people comfortable selling their own homes and render the wave of ‘hybrid’ agents redundant?
We reached out to various tech companies to verify the “world first” claim. Comments we received included “that’s really rather clever” and amazement that Emoov had created a piece of “genuine innovation”.
Yes, that last part of the sentence completely amazes us too 😉
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Bacteria here 😉
So I have had a look and these would be my observations:
I expect that Emoov’s Veridu digital footprint system relies on you registering via your Facebook / Google / Twitter profiles, but, of course, you can still register without these simply by telephone and email details, leaving the registered as unknown as the next person. At no point will this be a check on the credit worthiness of the individual nor of their actual financial viability to proceed.
Still, kudos for trying to innovate and keep those column inches rolling…
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Err, maybe nobody at eMoov have used BorrowMyDoggy? Similar technology set up last year.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Good spot – it would be interesting what additional simple tech could be lifted from other industries.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Bar Humbug! More importantly, rather useful data that may fuel someone like Uswitch methinks. Information is power, power is money.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register