LocalAgentFinder is a leading comparison platform that enables property owners to compare local real estate agents or property managers for their sale or leasing requirements. The business, led by Matt McCann, the former CEO of iSelect, is continuing to explore its strategic options including an Initial Public Offering (IPO) as part of its growth strategy.
Mr Harrod is the current CEO of Pro-Pac Group (ASX: PPG) and from 2008-2013 built Salmat (ASX: SLT) into the country’s leading multi-channel communication services company.
The Chairman of LocalAgentFinder, Pat O’Sullivan welcomed Mr Harrod’s appointment: “It’s a wonderful vote of confidence into the LocalAgentFinder business model to have a person with such a deep understanding of real estate, consumer behaviour and data driven marketing, join the board of LocalAgentFinder.
“While LocalAgentFinder continues to experience strong growth in terms of agent registrations and visitors using the platform, Grant will be able to provide invaluable insights into both these audiences that will inform the business’ thinking and targeting strategies moving forward.”
Pat O’Sullivan was appointed Chairman of LocalAgentFinder in May and is also a Director of CarSales (ASX: CAR), iSentia (ASX: ISD) and APN Outdoor (ASX: APN).
Grant Harrod believes that LocalAgentFinder has the potential to further cement itself as the first port of call for Australians looking to compare real estate agents before listing a property: “Outside of the proven leadership team, what drew me to the LocalAgentFinder business was its simple value proposition for agents and vendors of real estate.
“Agents can be objectively compared against their peers while benefiting off these comparisons through leads that required no prospecting on their behalf.
“Agents are increasingly using agent comparison platforms to grow their businesses, displacing traditional prospecting methods which have proven ineffective in recent times,” said Grant Harrod.
“On the flip side, vendors have access to insights on an agent such performance data, independent homeowner reviews and fees and commissions to help them make informed decisions about who is the right agent for them to list with.
“Property is typically the most valuable asset one owns and the right agent can maximise the value of this asset, so comparing agents makes perfect sense for vendors looking to achieve the highest sale price,” said Grant Harrod.
