Market Report - June 2017

“A fine balance”   Anyone with an interest in the property market generally understands the influence of supply and demand on house prices. Just like any other “commodity”, if everybody wants something that is in generally short supply, the price...


TOO HOT TO HANDLE?

“Phew, what a scorcher” as the tabloids would say. The current hot weather is a mixed blessing; if you’re on holiday, then the warm sunny days certainly bring out the best of the British coast and countryside. But if you’re working either outside or in a...


Election Special Market Comment

The unexpected hung parliament might appear to have once again cast a shadow over the housing market. Or maybe not! We know that the stability and strength proposed by Theresa May might not be delivered after all. But is that really so bad for a market already in danger...


Market Report - May 2017

  “Up, Down or Sideways”   Election periods usually add a degree of confusion to the property market, but this effect appears to be less pronounced this time around. Indeed, the level of sales agreed nationally is actually 2% up on that recorded during...


“Open House”

The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price. However, your agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market. One of the...


“The Market’s Picking Up”

Analysing and understanding the UK property market is notoriously difficult. Conflicting reports and biased perspectives often confuse people who simply want a degree of reassurance that their purchase or sale is well-timed. Many people who currently have no intention of moving...


Market Report - March 2017

“The Market Opportunity for Sellers” This year’s spring market can hardly be regarded as a typical. Traditionally, spring has always been regarded as the busiest time of year for the property market. And whilst you might have read headlines about the strength...


Valuation vs Value

“Valuation vs Value” Estate agents’ market valuations are usually free, and because of this, it is very tempting for prospective sellers to invite a number of agents to comment and then select the agent that suggests the highest likely sale price for the...


Pick a Letter

“Pick a Letter” There are many styles of estate agency operating in the Watford area, and picking the right one to sell your property can be daunting. Different agencies provide a variety of services, yet so many people are unaware of the indirect benefit that...


Market Report - February 2017

Market Report - February 2017 “Slow Growth with Strong Demand” Everyone knows that the balance of supply versus demand exerts the greatest influence over property values. Yet, as we approach the spring market we find ourselves in a situation where the annual rate of...


“Avoid Virtual Tours”

Some agents have introduced a number of concepts and innovations which they hope will impress you enough to sell your property through them, yet we do not believe that every apparent “tool” at an agent’s disposal is necessarily to your best advantage. For...


Accompanied Viewings

"Accompanied Viewings” It is incredible that so few agents regularly accompany buyers around a property, leaving it to the seller to do all the work! No only does this strike us as poor service, but accompanied viewings from a well-trained sales negotiator have a far...


Proactive Approach

"A Proactive Approach Essential”   Estate Agents are generally an up-beat type. Selling property to the right buyer, quickly and at an impressive price requires a “can do, will do” approach that is unlikely to be found in a pessimist. Agents with a...


Moving v Selling

Many estate agents put substantial emphasis on their ability to find a buyer, and they highlight this as a primary reason to sell through them. However, we believe in going far beyond this. In many ways, finding a buyer is the easy bit! Most switched-on agents have access to...