Diary of an estate agent: Oxford

A clown makes an unexpected visit to a house...
Copyright: Weef Created for Homes & Property 19/09/2018 One time use only.
19 September 2018

Monday
After a torrid journey home from Gatwick marred and flight delays, I return from holiday wondering if there is a remedy for post-holiday blues.

Back in the office I tackle a week’s worth of emails I read an update from a vendor of a gorgeous house near Woodstock who had agreed to bridge a loan for their buyers to complete the sale!

I’ve never experienced a ‘solution’ like this before, but vendors are ever creative when it comes to sealing a deal – especially if there is a chain involved. We’re seeing buyers selling up and renting locally while they house hunt, leaving them ready as cash buyers to make an offer as soon as their dream house comes up.

Tuesday
Every agent has a catalogue of amusing incidents, but mine was bolstered somewhat unexpectedly as I was showing a couple around a farmhouse near Abingdon.

All was going well, and they were impressed with the ground floor; however, it was not until we viewed the bedrooms that the wife got the fright of her life. In the middle of the room stood a life-size clown figure staring ghoulishly at us.

Before I could react, she screamed - at an eardrum-bursting decibel - and scarpered.

Sadly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, they passed on making an offer. Note to self, ask prospective buyers to disclose all phobias – and always do a sweep for any unexpected clowns.

Wednesday
Starting the day north of the city in the much-loved Cotswolds, I show a London couple some options of weekend homes - not an uncommon request from Londoners.

The ongoing appetite for homes in villages surrounding Chipping Norton tells us that the Soho Farmhouse effect remains an influential force. Both London and international buyers still long for that pretty-as-a-picture property.

The chocolate box cottage that we view near Burford goes down a treat. The biggest reaction came from a roll top bath in the master suite; “It’s just like a boutique hotel room!”

Thursday
Thursday morning begins with loud cheering. Could it be a client win? A sale? Better, our cricket team had beaten our local rival agency.

The victories keep coming with an offer on a barn conversion although the buyer, who was trying to sell their home, is waiting on his buyer. This continues until we reach a flat at the bottom of the chain.

To secure the sale, the vendor at the top of the chain decides that he fancies a pied a terre and buys the flat!

The champagne flows come the afternoon at the Bucks County Show for our annual client reception - an apt venue to celebrate the day’s successes.

Friday
I meet a couple from Dorchester-on-Thames looking to move back to the city (which city???) . While the rural dream remains alive more families are boomeranging back to the centre.

Kids want the freedom to socialise and see friends, while parents want to avoid ferrying their children back and forth across the countryside.

We begin at a house ten minutes from Westgate Shopping Centre that has been occupied by tenants. I call ahead to check the house is vacant.

The viewing goes well until I swing open the door to the master bedroom, expecting gasps over the gorgeous décor, but the only gasps are at the sight of a tenant asleep in bed! After many polite apologies from all parties, we leave the property.

I receive an unexpected call from the client that afternoon. Anticipating complaints, it appears that even the tenant couldn’t put them off, and they make an offer. What an end to the week!

I’ve learnt some valuable lessons this week -a tenant in bed won’t prevent a sale, but clowns are a deal breaker.

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