Five smart ways to sell your property

Find out how to prepare, present and promote your home on sale. By Graham Norwood.

Ignore cliches about fresh flowers and the smell of coffee. In today’s market, vendors need genuine advice from experienced property professionals on how to best prepare, present and promote their home on sale. London Property asked five of the capital’s top experts for their views as the spring sales market gets into full swing.

1. External Preparation Is Key: “Get this part right and you’re half way there. Leave this part out and you’re in for a long, slow sale process,” warns Miles Meacock of Strutt & Parker’s new Notting Hill office. He says basics like cleaning windows, painting the front door and rectifying any major outside decoration defects may appear cosmetic but are absolutely vital. If you have a driveway or lawn, ensure it is meticulous at all times.

2. Internal De-cluttering Really Matters: Avoid bedrooms looking like junk stores and ensure the garage truly has space for a car. “Never have too many objects as this can give a false impression about size of space and make people form an instant dislike if they can’t see a room for all the objects,” suggests George Franks of Douglas & Gordon. Some agents can advise on this themselves, while others recommend you use a professional ‘home stager’ or ‘house doctor’.

3. Choose The Right Estate Agent: “Most estate agents have valuers – the person who will pitch for your instruction – and negotiators. It’s the negotiators who will meet potential buyers, not the valuers, so insist on meeting them and make sure you like their approach,” suggests Jo Eccles, Director of Sourcing Property, a buying agency in London. The best agents will offer professional photography of your home and will outline their approach to local or sometimes national media advertising – and set out what internet property portals their properties appear on.

4. Get The Price Right: Most estate agents say London’s market is strong but buyers are discerning and informed, so outrageous asking prices simply delay and deter. “We’re not in a bull market. Do your research, take advice from an agent you trust and don’t get carried away. There are very few wealthy buyers who are foolish. So overcook the price and you’ll miss the market,” warns Roarie Scarisbrick of buying agency Property Vision.

5. Finally, Be Ready For Your Own Purchase: Your estate agent will concentrate on marketing your home so you can spend time appointing a solicitor, anticipating any problems thrown up by survey findings and local council searches and scouring for your next home. You should be prepared to move rapidly yourself if it helps entice a buyer. “Get a long-term fixed mortgage as soon as you can to make sure you are in a position to buy, too,” advises James Grillo of Chesterton Humberts.

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Life in the fast lane

Peter Mead suggests that keeping things ticking over is key to reducing the risk of an aborted sale.

Homebuyers have had to toughen up in recent years, with close to one-third of potential sales falling through. The collapse of a sale can happen for any one of a number of genuine reasons, but the fact that there’s a perfectly good explanation doesn’t make it any less disappointing.
Experience shows that the longer a sales process takes, the greater the chance of something going wrong.
For this reason it’s vital that sellers keep the pot boiling once the ‘For Sale’ flagboard has acquired that crucial ‘Sold’ flash across one of its corners.
Here’s the London Property Magazines guide to keeping a sale on track.
• Get ahead to stay ahead
Do as much paperwork up front as is humanly possible. Remember Home Information Packs (HIPs) and how they were going to reduce the number of aborted sales? The legal requirement for such packs was suspended in 2010, but even though there’s no longer an obligation for sellers to provide them it’s clearly beneficial to provide potential buyers with as much information about a property as possible.
The sooner that information is available, the more informed the buyer will be, the quicker they can make a decision and therefore the sooner a sale can go through.
If there is constant to-ing and fro-ing between buyer, the estate agent acting on a vendor’s behalf and the vendor, it follows that the process will be slower.
• Don’t sit on anything
When the agent comes through with any type of query make it a priority that you respond as promptly as possible. If it’s a message on the phone, get back as soon as you become aware of the query and if a written response is needed then try to do so via email and with follow-up hard copies via first-class post the same day.
This also applies when your legal team start the conveyancing process. Answer correspondence without delay because lack of response will frustrate everyone. An exasperated buyer is not going to hang around if she or he is being kept waiting. They have their pick of the properties at the moment and you’re in competition with many other vendors in the current housing market climate.
• No such thing as ‘I don’t know’
If you don’t have the answer to a question concerning your property make it your business to find out – and quickly. Fire off a ‘holding’ answer so that the person who has posed the question knows that you are on the case and then shuffle your ‘to do’ list to reflect the importance of the incoming query.
Have paperwork and guarantees relating to work on the house in one place and have scans ready for emailing.
• Be the buyer
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes before your property is even on the market. Have a good look round and see what would put you off buying the place. If it’s a minor repair or a relatively inexpensive piece of redecorating then it’s well worth doing, simply to remove as many obstacles as possible.
Have a trusted friend go round with you and don’t be offended when they point out things that would deter them from putting in a bid. They might spot things that you would overlook through your familiarity with the building.
• Be available
Let everyone know the best number on which to contact you, which email address is likely to secure the fastest response and if you’re heading off on holiday make sure you’ll still be contactable.
• Monitor and check
Keep a keen eye on how smoothly things are moving forward. Maintain constant dialogue and take a keen interest. If, for example, someone is out when you call and you have to leave a message, don’t assume it will get through. Make a follow-up call to ensure that it has.
• Have the end in mind
It’s reasonable to set a realistic deadline. Discuss completion dates early on, before you’ve even agreed a sale, in order to focus other people’s minds. Be understanding, but be firm.
• Have finances in place
If your purchase depends on your sale, it’s in your interests to have the mortgage lender poised and ready to authorise your loan to keep the wheels turning in that direction.
• Don’t overlook minor details
How easy are you making it for your agent to arrange viewings? Having a spare set of keys will not only smooth the viewing process but it will also enable surveys and other specialists to gain access without trouble.
• Keep everyone in the picture
The chain is the bane of any property sale, so ensure that ‘your people’ are speaking to ‘their people’.

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High value viewers

Peter Mead looks inside the mind of a first-time buyer to see how best to secure a sale.

First-time buyers are back on the horizon. This is great news for the market because without them selling a property is much more challenging. Even if you’re not selling to a first timer directly it’s likely that any chain you find yourself in will be underpinned by that crucial element.
If you do find a first-time buyer breezing through the front door full of enthusiasm then it pays to understand what’s going on in their mind. A full appreciation of their anxieties or indecisiveness could lead you to provide encouragement and reassurance – and more importantly it could smooth the way for them to proceed with an offer on your place.
First-time buyers aren’t necessarily looking for the lowest-price property on the market. They could have been carefully nurturing bonus payments over a few years, they might have received an inheritance or they could simply be in a very strong financial situation and are now intent on getting an apartment or house in a highly-desirable location – one that is very smartly turned out and which is ‘just what we’re looking for’.
However, having drawn up a list of ‘must have’ features it’s likely that they’re realising that compromises will need to be made – that they are not going to find a property that ticks all their boxes.
This is where your empathy can come in. People respond to stories, and when they see what a warm atmosphere you have created it goes some way towards earning you the right to make recommendations.
Find out what shortcomings your property has, in their eyes, and then you can get to work by sharing how you initially might have felt the same way as them when you first viewed the property. By describing how the property won you over you will be revealing some great narrative.
If there are ten items on their list, for the sake of argument, you could ask if they have found all ten present in any other properties they have viewed. It’s likely they’ll concede that they haven’t, which is why they are still looking.
So ask if they have considered prioritising their requirements and if they had to pick a top five from their list, what would they be? Do they correspond with five features in the property you’re selling? When it emerges that they do, the buyer is not only viewing your property in a different light but is also warming to you as a person with whom they’d be happy to deal. After all, you’ve just shared some helpful advice.
You could also run through your own list of plus points just to underline how many plus points you have appreciated during your time in the property – some of which might not have been fully appreciated since, being first-time buyers, they might not have even considered.
The property’s particulars drawn-up by the estate agent will have listed them, but it won’t do any harm for you to highlight them during the viewing.
Any buyer will want to maximise their spending power but the first-time buyer will be particularly keen to stay close to their budget. So a home that needs improvement will not excite them. That’s not to say they won’t have long-term plans to make the place their own, but research shows that a home’s move-in condition is a major consideration for first-time buyers.
One reason for this is that if a buyer is striving to meet the larger deposit currently required by most lenders they will have less money to play with when they first move in.
One final consideration when dealing with first-timers is price negotiation. Buyers know that it’s a challenging time for vendors so don’t be surprised to receive lower-than-anticipated offers. There are two reasons why first-time buyers are likely to come in well below your asking price. Firstly, they will undoubtedly be viewing properties beyond their budget – because it’s what people do. And secondly, they realise how valuable they are in a vendor’s eyes since there is no downward chain beyond them.
The first of those factors is just a fact of life and the second is a key consideration. If your property has lingered for a while without any interest or if you’ve been involved in the painful breakdown in a chain of sales then maybe it’s a factor in their favour – and yours, ultimately, if it means you can proceed with the purchase you’ve set your heart on.

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Talking on air

Natasha Higgins meets Andrew Ellinas founder of Sandfords and finds out about his unlikely past career

Rarely do you come across a radio presenter turned estate agent. It’s possible, most things are, but unlikely. So when I meet Andrew Ellinas, founding owner of Sandfords, who tells me he went from presenting Jazz FM’s Breakfast Show in the nineties, to selling houses in the noughties, I’m intrigued.
“I worked for the BBC, I presented Jazz FM’s Breakfast Show for two years, I worked on political shows, sports shows, showbiz – anything really. At times it was interesting, at times dull. I’ve interviewed U2, Cliff Richard and Phil Collins and made a guest appearance in Rugby’s Town Centre where I stood for an hour signing photographs of myself. As to why people would want my photo still baffles me,” he says, amused.
Andrew receives me at his Regent’s Park office on Gloucester Place, which he runs with two other partners. It’s a rainy Tuesday morning and the tourists huddled outside the Sherlock Holmes Museum nearby, look especially weary. Nonetheless, the office is brilliantly located on the periphery of Regent’s Park and a stone’s throw away from bustling Baker Street. Andrew’s other business partner is based at Sandfords’ offices in Marylebone.
“I set up the agency because I needed to start making money,” says Andrew matter-of-factly. “Radio doesn’t pay very well and I had a young family to support. I would never have been able to give it up completely, though, so I still do some work at the weekends but it’s now become more of a hobby”.
As a teenager Andrew was passionate about music. “I loved discovering great songs. Being able to tell my listeners why a piece of music was so good was a dream come true. The job was very creative – it was just you and a pile of records; you had to entertain people for a given period of time”.
After finishing his A-Levels at University College School in Hampstead, Andrew studied law at Brunel University. He was supposed to go on to take his Part II exams at Lancaster Gate but decided that until he started, he would furiously apply to jobs in radio as “that’s all I was really interested in doing”. Lucky for Andrew, just days before he was due to start at Lancaster Gate, he was offered a job as a presenter for the United Biscuits factory in-house radio station (UBN) which he readily accepted.
“The problem with radio is that after you’ve been hosting your programme for about five years, the audience gets bored of you, you get bored of the show and it’s time to move on. Radio takes you to all different parts of the country and it can be very taxing on family life.” So, he decided to follow plan B.
Thanks to Andrew’s Greek father, a successful property investor and developer, Andrew knew a significant amount about the industry. Thus with no negotiating experience, Andrew opened an estate agency in Archway, called it Sandfords – his mother’s maiden name, and embarked on a career as an estate agent. “We were a small team of five. We opened in 1985 and for many years I was still presenting alongside being an agent.”
“Things were so straightforward back then,” says Andrew nostalgically. “I remember mail merging my letters and people couldn’t understand how I did it. Our first office computer cost £5,000 and was much less powerful than a standard calculator today.” Andrew believes that the modern way of doing things in his industry has become overly complicated as a result of technology.
Another bone of contention for Andrew is that he would like to see the industry become properly regulated: “This would enhance its reputation and eradicate cowboy outfits and underhand deals”.

“Radio is not something you
can shake off. It becomes an inherent part of you, at the
same time I love the day to day buzz of the property market”
Andrew Ellinas

Sandfords, on the other hand, operates at the top end of the market and proof of its success was the need to expand seven years ago when a new office was opened in Marylebone after the main headquarters moved to Regent’s Park in 1995. “Our core market is Regent’s Park. We’ve already sold three houses in the park this year. We have a leaflet that goes through people’s letterboxes that reads: ‘If we haven’t already sold your house, we’ve probably sold your neighbours’.”
As for Andrew, his role today is mainly centred around what he calls ‘the jobs that need doing’ to keep the company running: “I head up marketing, IT, finance, HR, and anything else that no one else wants to do. My fellow Directors tend to do the property valuations and our negotiators do the viewings.”
So, almost 30 years on, does Andrew see himself as more of a radio man, estate agent or bit of both? “Deep down, I am a bit of both. Radio is not something you can shake off. It becomes an inherent part of you, at the same time I love the day to day buzz of the property market”.
Given the chance to do it all over again, would he have chosen a different path? There’s a long pause. “No. I wouldn’t have played it any differently,” he answers.

Sandfords
020 7723 9988
sandfords.com

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Why it pays to hold your nerve

Peter Mead reassures sellers that patience will be rewarded, and warns against succumbing to a quick sale offer that comes at any price.

You know the feeling – you’ve had your property on the market for a fair few weeks and many people have been through the door.
They’ve enjoyed your agent’s accompanied viewing, complete with eloquent commentary extolling the virtues of your home’s every aspect, inside and out.
Potential buyers have left with the right noises emanating from their mouths, but in your heart you have a suspicion that they were just being polite and nobody has been back for so much as a second sniff, least of all made an offer.
You have done your utmost to present the property at its best, having de-cluttered and de-personalised to the point where there isn’t so much as a hint of your family circumstances.
Your current agent is urging patience and perseverence, affirming that the price is right and that their continued efforts on your behalf will bear fruit before too long.
But you’re concerned that the doom and gloom merchants have got it right – that nobody in their right mind would buy a property in your location in London at that price and that in any case the market is ‘flat’ right now and nothing is shifting.
And to top it all, you have some time pressure which means you do need a sale.
You might be tempted to turn to a company whose flyer caught your eye, offering to buy your property promptly and for cash. It is beginning to strike you as the best option to at least get things underway.
Businesses offering this kind of service are on the increase and they’ve been around for a while now. They specialise in tracking properties that have lingered on the market for longer-than-average and they seem to have a knack of knowing when sellers are reaching the stage where desperation is threatening to kick in.
However, that sale will come at a price – a pretty hefty one.
The bottom line is that they will be in a position to have the patience that you apparently can’t afford, so will buy your property at a very low price and then sit on it until they can sell at the proper market value, giving them the largest possible profit margin.
The National Association of Estate Agents is keeping an eye on this development and while naturally keen to protect the interests of its members, they are nonetheless interested in the wider integrity of the industry as a whole and don’t want to see sellers getting a poor deal.
A sale should not come at any cost, they argue.
They warn of cold callers appearing at the doors of sellers and then offering to buy properties ‘as seen’ within one working day.
Websites are also making similar offers and the problem is that people with financial issues will be tempted to explore this option without carefully considering the full implications.
The issue affects property owners at all levels of investment – not just at the bottom end of the market, although it is those who are most likely to be targeted and who are most likely to feel vulnerable enough to accept ridiculously low offers simply due to the pressure being piled on to make a quick decision after being told ‘you must act now or lose this offer forever’.
Sweeteners will be included, such as the offer of legal fees being included. But if sellers are feeling the pressure and aren’t thinking clearly they won’t appreciate that the fact that the fees being paid are more than offset by the sale price sacrifice being made.
An estate agent is obliged to give a fair market valuation and you will have had the opportunity to compare one with the other. As part of that service sellers should have been shown sale prices achieved by similar properties in similar locations, as well as the time taken to reach completion. Not so with the quick sale merchants.

“[they] will buy your property at a very low price and then sit on it  until they can sell at the proper market value, giving them the largest possible profit margin”

So be encouraged that anyone who finds themselves needing a sale within a set period has other options open to them, before going down the route of selling at a rock-bottom price.
Maybe the property was originally on the market under a sole agency agreement, so when crunch time arrives it’s worth thinking about getting more agents on board. Even if that means a percentage increase in the fee taken by the agent who actually secures a sale, it will still represent a far better deal than the company offering their ‘take it or leave’ valuation.
The wider exposure through additional window adverts, website press advertising and even editorial features could well mean hitting your ideal buyer.
If the current agent is not reaching the right market the fact that another agent could sell the property and secure a fee could prompt an added push by both.
Another option might be to re-visit the original valuation. If you are being unrealistic then even a slight reduction might tempt someone into a viewing – even people who have been before and who have yet to find a place could be tempted to call back if they know you’re open to offers.
Again, take a look at the evidence the agent presented to you, regarding current trends in the area.
An alternative route might be to go to auction.
Either way, it’s crucial that you hold your nerve and don’t fall prey to the unscrupulous ‘cash sale if you decide now’ ultimatum. Ask yourself how you would feel if you see a ‘sold’ sign a month down the line, only to discover from Land Registry that the sale price was a small percentage lower than the asking price you had in mind, and yet considerably more than that being offered to you by the quick sale merchant.

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Q&A

With Jo Walker Group Lettings Director Goldschmidt & Howland speaking to Natasha Higgins

How long have you been in the property industry?
I’ve been in the industry for 13 years and have worked in St John’s Wood, Little Venice, Hampstead, West Hampstead, Temple Fortune and Highgate.

What three tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Negotiators need to have a strong work ethic as lettings is a fast paced and highly-competitive industry. Opportunities arise every day and maximising those to achieve results requires hard work. Be willing to learn and develop yourself, knowing about those hidden gems of the geographical area you work in or having a good understanding of the lettings process demonstrates professionalism. Love what you do – there’s nothing worse than an unenthusiastic agent!

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
For me, it’s guiding and assisting landlords through the complexities of letting. There is so much legislation that applies to the lettings industry and being able to properly advise your landlords simply adds to the service you provide.

Favourite restaurant?
Roka in Charlotte Street (right)

Why would you recommend Goldschmidt & Howland?
We have 125 years of providing a high level of service; we are experienced and always willing to go the extra mile.

What advice do you give families when renting?
The majority of families who register with us have already carried out their research so know where they want to be in terms of proximity to a school or recreational facility. We do however have families asking for information on the local area which is why my earlier point of knowing your patch really matters.

Favourite park?
Regent’s Park (right) or or Waterlow Park.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
The market is strong but investors should always research the area and type of property they want to invest in.

What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
At Goldschmidt & Howland we are fortunate enough to work with so many impressive properties all of which are unique in their own right.

Goldschmidt & Howland
g-h.co.uk
020 7504 0328

TO LET: Glenmore Road, Hampstead, NW3 £2,250 per week (unfurnished)

A charming three storey Edwardian family home set within this desirable tree lined location moments from Belsize and Hampstead village. Offering superb living space this stunning property boasts six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fantastic 30ft reception room. Retaining many period features including original cornicing, fireplaces and high ceilings the property further benefits from a dining room with double doors leading on to a great sized private garden, utility room and ample storage in the basement.

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Q&A

With Bambos Haralambous, Group Sales Director Goldschmidt & Howland, speaking to Natasha Higgins

How long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in?
Over the past 12 years, I’ve worked in North West and West London; the areas our offices cover: NW3, NW8, NW6, W9, W2, NW1, NW10, NW8.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
Our markets are robust and desirable, therefore safe. Investors in our locations understand that demand drives pricing and are less focused on yields, knowing that capital growth remains constant.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
People! We are fortunate to work in an industry where we meet such interesting and diverse people. Our role is also one of real value – being part of a process that rewards both sides.

Favourite restaurant?
The Carob Tree (right).

Why would you recommend Goldschmidt & Howland?
Service, delivering on our promises and treating people with respect, all of which results in the best possible price.

What three tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Be prepared to work hard, act with integrity and listen. So many agents forget that this is a service industry, going the extra mile to ensure both parties are content is a fundamental part of our role.

What are the classic mistakes vendors make when trying to sell their properties?
Alongside ensuring the price is correct, too much emphasis is put on fees when deciding on which agent to partner with for the sale of their home, whereas in reality, the fee is factored into the calculation when deciding on whether or not to accept the offer. All agents are not the same: exposure, database and service ought to be the deciding factors.

Favourite park?
Primrose Hill (right)

What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
All of the properties we deal with are impressive in one way or another, from exceptional studio apartments, to large regeneration schemes of 10,000 residential homes.

Has the sales market changed much in the last five years?
Prices have risen, as they have throughout all the most desirable pockets of London, with an increased demand which is further fuelled by the overseas economic uncertainty.

Goldschimdt & Howland
g-h.co.uk
020 7504 0311

For sale: Windmill Hill,
Hampstead Village, NW3
Guide Price £3,950,000, Freehold
Literally abutting Hampstead Heath, a very special Grade II listed low built detached 18th century Georgian home with a garage in this highly sought after peaceful Village location. Believed to have originally been built as two separate houses and currently arranged as a maisonette with a separate flat. Retaining much of its original charm and character this fine property, although requiring work, offers the discerning buyer a unique opportunity to own part of Hampstead history.

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Q&A

With Alison Vassiliou, Director of lettings Winkworth St John’s Wood, speaking to Natasha Higgins

winkworth.co.uk
020 7586 7001

Alison, how long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in?
For 26 years, in St John’s Wood and Hampstead.

What tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Learn the business, know your area inside out and be prepared to work hard.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
The satisfaction of providing an excellent service to both landlords and tenants.

What advice do you give families when renting?
Research your area and see as many properties as you can, if you find one you like grab it!

Has the lettings market changed much in the last five years?
Yes, the industry has become far more professional.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
Everything.

What are the classic mistakes landlords make when trying to let their properties?
Landlords have become far more aware of what is required of their property, however, they can often be blinded or misled over the pricing of their property.

Favourite book?
Nineteen Eighty-Four (right) by George Orwell.

Favourite museum?
Victoria & Albert Museum.

Favourite pub?
The Hand & Flowers in Marlow.

Favourite gadget?
My iPhone.

Favourite ever album?
Purple Rain by Prince (left).

Favourite holiday destination?
Italy.

Favourite restaurant?
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxford is one of many.

Favourite city?
London.

Favourite park?
New York City’s Central Park (below).

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Q&A

With Richard Woolf, Director Winkworth St John’s Wood, speaking to Natasha Higgins

winkworth.co.uk
020 7586 7001

Richard, how long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in?
For over 30 years, mainly working in St John’s Wood and its environs.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
It’s a seller’s market.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
In the very cosmopolitan area in which I work its meeting people from around the globe.

What advice do you give families when buying?
See as many properties as you can through a reputable agent.

Has the sales market changed much in the last five years?
Technological innovation and compliance requirements have meant we have had to adapt to a constantly changing working environment.

What tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Be prepared to work hard consistently and never give up. Every day is a new opportunity.

What are the classic mistakes landlords and vendors make when trying to let/sell their properties?
Each situation is unique and the vast majority of our clients are intelligent and market savvy. Although we can only guide clients, we regard it as our role to try to ensure that as many errors as possible are avoided.

Favourite art gallery?
The Royal Academy.

Favourite pub?
The Flask in Highgate.

Favourite holiday destination?
Ecuador (right).

Favourite city?
London.

Favourite book?
Mila 18 by Leon Uris.

Favourite gadget?
Bicycle mounted Garmin.

Favourite ever album?
Selling England By The Pound by sixties rock band Genesis (left).

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate!

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Q&A

With Dominique Levy of Wayne and Silver, speaking to Natasha Higgins

020 7431 4488
wayne-silver.com

Dominique Levy

Dominique, what areas of London have you worked in?
I have been based in Hampstead for many years but have worked in different areas around London. The beauty of our agency is that we have a strong affiliation with property owners who have portfolios in many different parts of London; this enables us to give a diverse opinion of the market in different areas.

What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
I have been fortunate to deal with many unique properties. Recently I let a property in Chelsea Harbour. I loved the fact that every window I looked out of, I saw the river Thames. The view was very impressive.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
I deal with many different types of people and properties and no day is ever the same!

Why would you recommend your agency?
We provide a personal and bespoke service. Your property is dealt with in a prompt and professional manner with attention to detail because we are personally involved advising you on the progress. The personal service to your property will always remain.

What tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Personal passion for property, persistence and an enthusiasm to keep going until you get the result you want!

What are the classic mistakes landlords make when trying to let their properties?
Property owners sometimes feel that marketing their property with many agents increases their chances of renting quicker, however I feel it has an adverse affect. People like exclusively and something that is rare…like Diamonds! I think that having an exclusive agency coupled with the right marketing will generate the most interest for properties on the market.

Favourite city?
London – we are very lucky to live in a beautiful city!

Favourite designer?
Mark Jacobs.

Guilty pleasures?

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Anything to do with Oreo cookies (left)!

Favourite park?
I recently ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon and found parts of Kensington Gardens beautiful.

Favourite holiday destination?
Cannes in the South of France.

Favourite restaurant?
Sumosan.

Favourite book?
The Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.

Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke

Favourite song?
Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke (left).

Favourite film?
Pretty Woman.

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Q&A

With Oliver Tyrrell Senior Property Consultant, Life Residential, East London, speaking to Natasha Higgins

liferesidential.co.uk
020 7476 0125

Oliver Tyrrell

Oliver, how long have you worked in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in?
Eight years; in Fulham, Hammersmith, West Kensington and the Docklands.

What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
A six bedroom house located in the Peterborough Estate in Fulham.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
Not knowing what the day has in store.

Why would you recommend your agency?
At Life we are professionals. We provide the correct advice to our clients and make sure we do everything to achieve them the best possible price and provide the best possible service above our competition.

What three tips would you give someone looking to become an
estate agent?
1, Have a smile on your face; 2, Give what you believe to be the right professional advice to you clients; 3, Never underestimate the effect that you can have on someone or a situation.

What are the classic mistakes vendors make when trying to sell their properties?
Being fooled by estate agents that their property is worth more than it actually is, therefore it has the opposite effect and doesn’t generate any interest or offers.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
Bargains are few and far between so don’t be afraid to pay slightly more for the right apartment in a good location. The demand for tenants is strong so the rental value is likely to rise therefore the annual rental yield will increase.

Has the market changed much in the last five years?
Dramatically. We have experienced all the different markets in the last five years, but now the high demand and limited supply is driving the market forwards.

The Guggenheim

Favourite art gallery?
The Guggenheim Museum (left).

Favourite pub?
The Lord Stanley, Camden Town.

Favourite park?
Primrose Hill.

Favourite book?
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Favourite holiday destination?
Cancelada, Spain.

Favourite city?
London.

Favourite gadget?
iPad.

Live at Leeds by The Who

Favourite ever album?
Live At Leeds by The Who (left).

Favourite restaurant?
Shampers, Kingly Street

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Gin & Tonic.

The post Oliver Tyrrell of Life Residential speaking to Natasha Higgins appeared first on London Property.

Q&A

With Jack Spellman, Lettings Manager, Life Residential, East London, speaking to Natasha Higgins

liferesidential.co.uk
020 7476 0125

Jack, how long have you worked in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in?
Just over six years; in The Docklands and Central London.

What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
An executive three bedroom penthouse, overlooking the Thames.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
Showing people that not all estate agents are out to rip you off!

What advice do you give families when renting?
Check the agent you are dealing with is reputable; enquire about all fees in advance.

Why would you recommend your agency?
We actually care, we’re honest, and we’re a state of the art agency, with traditional customer service values.

What three tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
1, Be honest.
2, Make it your business to know everything about the area you work in.
3, Never ‘blag’ anything, find out the correct answer and go back to people.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
London is a safe haven for long term property investment.

Has the market changed much in the last five years?
The last five years saw the lettings market grow due to unavailability of mortgages, this is starting to ease now, which should further stimulate the sales market.

What are the classic mistakes landlords make when trying to let their properties?
From a lettings perspective, ignoring what the market is telling you and holding out, losses incurred during void periods are never recovered.

Cape Town showing Table mountain from the harbour

Favourite city?
Cape Town (left).

Favourite pub?
Twelve Pins (where I watch my beloved Arsenal FC).

Favourite park?
The park in the little village I grew up in. Tranquil.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Afternoon naps.

Tate Modern

Favourite art gallery?
Tate Modern (left).

Favourite gadget?
iPhone, couldn’t live without it.

Favourite restaurant?
Any Seafood!

Favourite holiday destination?
Ibiza.

Favourite book?
Bounce by Matthew Syed.

Favourite ever album?
Thriller by Michael Jackson

The post Jack Spellman, Lettings Manager, Life Residential, East London, speaking to Natasha Higgins appeared first on London Property.

Q&A

With With Carl Underhill, Director, Hamptons, Hampstead office, speaking to Natasha Higgins

hamptons.co.uk
020 7717 5157

Carl, how long have you been in the property industry?
I can hardly believe it myself but I am in my 30th year in the industry! Obviously I was an extremely young man when I started…

What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
 I have been lucky enough to have sold some wonderful houses over the years, but a couple do stand out. Manor Lodge in the Vale of Health was a hidden gem and had the most wonderful gardens. For sheer ‘kerb appeal’ however, it has to be the only truly double-fronted house in Church Row, right at the heart of the Village and with possibly the finest drawing room I have ever seen.

What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
There is a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that you have helped people through what can be an extremely stressful process, in finding their new home. And it is extremely gratifying to be asked back in to help, when its time to move on again.

Why would you recommend your agency?
Well, I am very proud that we have just been awarded ‘Best Large Agency’ for the second year running, so that’s got to be one reason! However there is much more to it than that. We combine a very successful mix of traditional agency skills and experience, alongside award winning technology and innovation. Our aim is to provide an unrivalled service to our customers and I believe we succeed.

What should a property investor know about today’s market?
Investors should understand that their rental yield may not be huge, but it will earn them more than having their money on deposit in the bank and the capital appreciation over the next few years should be extremely good.

What three tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Be prepared to work hard; be polite and helpful and be punctual!

Has the market changed much in the last five to 10 years?
The last five to 10 years have probably seen the most extreme changes I have ever witnessed. From the crazy heights of 2006 & 2007 where we had 10 buyers for every house to the depths of 2008, when buyers had virtually disappeared and prices had dropped dramatically. What the market needs is stability and a greater volume of transactions and thankfully this is exactly what Hamptons is predicting for the next few years!

Carl, what are the classic mistakes vendors make when trying to sell their properties?
It is extremely important that a property is well-presented for viewings, but I think sometimes people can feel a little intimidated if a house is too pristine and immaculate, particularly if they have boisterous children. They need to be able to picture themselves living in a home, not a ‘show house’.

What advice do you give families when buying?
Try and think of your new property as your long term home, rather than a short term investment. If it fits your lifestyle, is close to good schools and you can afford it – buy it!

Favourite ever album Carl?
Songs in the Key of Life (left) by Stevie Wonder.

Favourite holiday destination?
The South of France, but anywhere warm.

Favourite restaurant?
Villa Bianca in Hampstead.

Favourite book?
The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow.

Favourite pub?
In winter The Holly Bush and in summer The Freemasons.

Favourite park?
I grew up in the shadow of ‘Ally Pally’ or Alexandra Park as it should be known (right).

Favourite gadget?
My iPhone.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Easter eggs. I literally cannot resist them. Roll on Easter.

Favourite art gallery?
The Louvre (left).

Favourite city?
Sorry to be boring, but I genuinely have to say London.

The post Carl Underhill, Hamptons International – Q&A appeared first on London Property.

Q&A With Nik Stylianou, Residential Sales Director, Chesterton Humberts, Islington speaking to Natasha Higgins chestertonhumberts.com 020 7359 9777 Nik, how long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in? I have been in the property industry for the best part of 15 years. How time flies when […]

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Q&A With Louise Nicholson, Lettings Director, Chesterton Humberts, Islington speaking to Natasha Higgins chestertonhumberts.com 020 3468 1157 How long have you been in the property industry? 14 years – a lot of fun and stress later I’m still here and now a Director for Chesterton Humberts! What areas of London have you worked in? North […]

The post Q&A – With Louise Nicholson, Lettings Director, Chesterton Humberts, Islington appeared first on London Property.

Q&A With Caroline MacLean, Lettings Manager, Napier Watt, speaking to Natasha Higgins napierwatt.co.uk 020 7935 0011 How long have you been in the property industry? Ten Years. What areas of London have you worked in? Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Marylebone What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with? In terms of price: selling a £32m house […]

The post Caroline MacLean Q&A – Caroline MacLean, Lettings Manager, Napier Watt appeared first on London Property.

Q&A With Lynsey Schipper, Lettings Manager, Lurot Brand, speaking to Natasha Higgins lurotbrand.co.uk 020 7590 9955 How long have you been in the property industry? Close to ten years, incredibly! What areas of London have you worked in? Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster. What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with? Some of the houses in […]

The post Lynsey Schipper, Lettings Manager, Lurot Brand, speaking to Natasha Higgins for her Q&A appeared first on London Property.

Q&A With Stuart Birke, Head of Lettings Residential Land 020 7408 5156 residentialland.com Stuart, how long have you been in the property industry? Over 30 years. What areas of London have you worked in? I have covered all the prime Central London postcodes such as Mayfair, Knightsbridge, St John’s Wood, Hampstead, Primrose Hill, Chelsea and Kensington. […]

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Q&A With Alice Forrester, Sales Manager, Winkworth, Highbury 020 7989 7000 winkworth.co.uk Alice, how long have you been in the property industry? I have worked for Winkworth for two years and previously worked for another agent for a year. What areas of London have you worked in? I worked in South London and now work […]

The post Alice Forrester, Sales Manager, Winkworth, Highbury – Q&A appeared first on London Property.

Olia Dmytryk - Q&A With Olia Dmytryk, Residential Sales Manager, Lord Estates, George Street 020 7486 2321 lordestates.com Olia, how long have you been in the property industry? 17 years. What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with? Harrowby Court in Marble Arch. It’s not a typically desirable block but one of the flats had […]

The post Olia Dmytryk, Residential Sales Manager, Lord Estates – Q&A appeared first on London Property.