Case Studies
Home Finder: The London MoveMr & Mrs P. wanted to relocate from London to Devon following their retirement. They wanted to downsize from their 5-bedroom Wimbledon home to a more manageable 3 bedroom character property with stabling, large gardens and a paddock. They had visited Devon on many occasions enjoying family holidays but did not know the area intimately.
They wanted help and reassurance to focus on the right areas which would help to meet their needs.
We listened carefully to make sure we fully understood Mr & Mrs P's needs not just now but their anticipated needs in the future as well. We discussed the merits of numerous search areas before focussing on the South Devon 'A38 Corridor'.
We searched the market visiting numerous properties to identify suitable options. Background checks on the chosen properties were conducted to get a better understanding of any underlying issues at the house and in the area. Once we had established a short list we invited Mr & Mrs P. to Devon for a two-day viewing trip. We arranged suitable accommodation and provided them with extensive notes, photographs and videos of the chosen properties.
Mr & Mrs P. were surprised by some of the properties we visited as they challenged some of their own pre-conceptions. After narrowing down the list further we re-visited two houses for an in depth viewing.
Following further discussion it was decided that one of the properties fully met with their needs and that it time to negotiate with the vendor. We struck a deal which saw 16% reduced from the asking price.
Once the deal was done we then updated Mr & Mrs. P on a weekly basis to let them know how the sale was progressing. We organised a suitable removal and storage company to facilitate the move from London and finally we were there on the day they moved in to check everything was alright.
Mr & Mrs. P. are thrilled by their new life in Devon. The money they saved on the house purchase has contributed to the purchase of two horses and associated tack.
Go to Market: Getting the best deal
Mrs. S was keen to sell her home of more than 30 years. In that time she had no need to interact with any of the local estate agents and legislation regarding the sale of property had changed considerably.
We met Mrs. S. at her property to discuss her requirements. Above all she wanted to achieve the very best price for her property.
We then researched the local market to understand who the most effective local agents were before inviting them to pitch for the business.
Mrs. S visited friends on the day the agents came to view the property meaning they could provide us with honest and direct feedback that would help prepare the house for sale.
After speaking to all the agents we drew up a report highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the property. The agents commission fees, length of terms and advertising strategies. Using this information we then chose the most appropriate agent. We then put our terms to the agent, a sliding commission scale that rewarded over performance and a short term to ensure we had the flexibility to use an alternative agent during the peak selling season.
I am glad to report that Mrs. S. made her sale in just 5 weeks at a price above her asking price and considerably in excess of what she thought her home might be worth.
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