Diary of an estate agent: Twickenham

One client has to pull out but it's not all doom and gloom in the office... 
14 February 2018

Monday
Into the office early to get organised.This time of year is always quite exciting for us, as the number of new properties coming on to the market really begins to pick up after Christmas and depressing January.

At our morning meeting there is a real buzz about an exciting new-build development that has recently come on to the market.

Right next to Twickenham station and starting from £600,000, these apartments are a great opportunity for first-time buyers using the Help to Buy scheme, for young working professionals, or for those looking to start a family. We are keen to start booking in viewings as soon as possible.

Tuesday
The branch is in full swing after a flying start to the week and we begin the day chasing viewings from yesterday for feedback.

I speak to one potential buyer regarding an apartment he was possibly interested in from the weekend, and I have good news for him, because the seller is prepared to decrease the guide price by £50,000.

So the buyer makes his offer and the negotiations begin. Within the next few hours, various conversations take place and we are close to putting the deal together. One final call to the buyer and he is delighted that the vendor has agreed to take the offer.

Wednesday
Not the best news to start the day — one of our clients has had to pull out of a purchase. He has been offered a new job and he’s having to relocate up to Manchester.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as we have a back-up buyer. We call the vendor to update and advise on the next step and this time it’s good news, the sale to the new buyer is under way and in solicitors’ hands within 24 hours.

The afternoon looks even more positive. An exchange of contracts has gone through on a very popular property, a two-bedroom Victorian cottage in the Strawberry Hill area.

Houses here normally go for above the £1 million mark, which is way above the average £700,000-£750,000 in Twickenham.

Strawberry Hill is a great spot for young families, with some of the best primary schools in the country, such as Archdeacon Cambridge’s and St James’s. With the bonus of only a 23-minute commute to Waterloo, who wouldn’t want to live here?

Thursday
It’s all go today with back-to-back appointments from 9.30am till 7pm. But there is a particular market appraisal this afternoon that I’m excited about, a new property, again in the highly popular Strawberry Hill area, which could lead to a new instruction.

The build is a lovely Thirties detached house that has been refurbished to a very high standard. The vendor has spent over £100,000 on improvements and a loft extension.

Along with the 120ft garden, this will be a fantastic hit and we instantly have a client on our backbooks who we know would love it. After valuing the property, the vendor signs with us on the spot.

Friday
Happy Friday! Today is normally my day for admin tasks, as I look to confirm more appointments for tomorrow. Saturday is our busiest day of the week.

As I mine the database for new buyers and set up further market appraisals, the weekend and a few beers at the pub come round quickly. It’s time to celebrate the end of a good week.

  • Michael Gearing is sales and lettings director at Your Move (020 8891 3444).

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