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N W

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my expertise in the industry

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its a busted flush in my view

From: N W 28 March 2022 11:12 AM

what a load of tosh this article is. We haven't seen hordes of fall thro's (some, but predominantly changing personal circumstances and health issues with both buyers and sellers). To imply that more fall thros are happening as a result of poor information is poor journalism and an article purely aimed at selling a service in my view. As an agent of 38 years we are always up front about everything that we know - flooding, knotweed, structural issues where known, neighbour disputes etc Come on EAT, your quality control on articles is poorly lacking these days

From: N W 22 March 2022 09:51 AM

flood risk the environment agency (or software if you have it) Tenure - Land Reg data restrictive covenants also Land reg data

From: N W 14 March 2022 16:32 PM

As long as fools with money to burn keep ploughing in money to this lost cause then it will keep on going (plenty of fools out there as the Bruce Brothers took the cash and ran just in time) Hopefully it will die a death soon for the failed model that it is. Yes it was a disruptor, but only because it was supported by people with little idea of the property market and the actual costs for running a professional operation. (give me a few hundred million and I can disrupt anything....... but it doesn't mean its for the good or for a long term solution once the money runs out) Hopefully it wont be the last to die a death on the alter of mediocrity

From: N W 10 March 2022 10:15 AM

particularly with the present cost of energy!

From: N W 10 March 2022 10:02 AM

so far its not hitting the property market though its the topic of conversation on every valuation (but so far not with any buyers....) . Ultimately, if fuel prices hit £2 a litre and all the other impacts then on cost of living etc, this will have a dampening effect no matter what anyone says. In times of uncertainty, consumers batten down the hatches and wait for the storm to blow over.... Those who will continue to buy will be those under pressure with their own sale pushing them to move but ultimately that will balance itself out anyway as more properties come to the market in the months ahead (those already committed to selling, probate sales and those who financially have to sell no matter what).

From: N W 08 March 2022 11:31 AM

though to be fair if anything is coming up for sale now we are still getting the same high levels of enquiries, viewings and offers even anything launched since Ukraine etc (though that may not have hit home into the property market yet). Interest rates no issue as most people in fixed rates so not seen any changes payment wise and having spoken with my FA this morning I understand you can get a five year fixed for 2% if you are worried.

From: N W 03 March 2022 16:49 PM

do the job properly then and we wont have to chase...… The fact that you don't think conveyancers can lie shows how limited your understanding really is of the actual world around you. I remember one solicitor blatantly lying to both myself and the client...… We had a conference call between us, the solicitor and the client...… the solicitor was pushed into a corner where they could no longer deny that that they hadn't lied and after a long pause..... he said "Oh F... Off!" and put the phone down (I looked at my client and they said "ok you were right" and fired him immediately...…… As I have said before, there is good and bad in every profession but please don't keep sticking your head in the sand and stating "it never happens, solicitors are regulated so they would never do such a thing....". as it is blatantly incorrect.

From: N W 23 February 2022 09:50 AM

been doing this for years......

From: N W 23 February 2022 09:40 AM

I think its called capitalism John. You pay for services and info?

From: N W 22 February 2022 10:10 AM

if you haven't got in house software for this then in the main most of us go onto Land Reg every time but to be honest as part of your due diligence (to check the owners are who they say they are etc) you should be doing this anyway just to cover yourself (had the odd occasion with tenants making claim they own a property - saves us a journey every time it happens and a frank conversation with them for not telling us the truth)

From: N W 21 February 2022 13:14 PM

been doing it for decades

From: N W 21 February 2022 11:24 AM

Thanks for the reply....... I guess one persons claptrap is another persons reality (but you do you) I'm also guessing you are thinking that I am wet behind the ears, don't have much experience, haven't got much involved with conveyancing (and its wild and wonderful mystic arts.....) and that I probably only push work to conveyancing panels for money and don't consider what is best for our clients every time..... OK then...... having sold property for almost 40 years I think I understand the conveyancing process pretty much by now. It isn't complicated but a good system and structure in place certainly helps. Though to be fair if I went into the law it wouldn't be my first, second or even third choice, its a pretty dull and soul destroying job these days I guess and anyone who does it then good luck to them. I'm also wily enough by now to know the difference between a solicitor avoiding a question because they don't want to tell me (I do teach my staff on how to look for the easy tell tale signs). Good questioning generally quite quickly gives you an idea. You know, when a solicitor says that a Local Search Enquiry is being dealt with (which quite often means its not actually left their desk or even been looked at) so never letting that hang there and asking when it was applied for, what date are they anticipating it back etc etc then chasing on the dates given. We also find that following up a conversation with a solicitor with an email for the record (and if we really do suspect they are not telling us or the client the truth then copying the client in) usually concentrates the mind. You also sort of imply that solicitors don't lie and that they only tell us what they want to tell us....... having been lied to by solicitors more times than I care to remember your statement is clearly an uneducated version of actual reality. I accept that using the term lie is quite harsh (many solicitors are very very good and its not fair to tarnish a whole industry) but i can categorically prove that many do lie. As a result many solicitors have subsequently been fired by their clients after we have given them the evidence (trust me i would never have called out the clients solicitors to that extent unless we had absolute proof as i don't want to get sued - I'm not that stupid) I even had one case recently where the solicitor told his client (Trustees) that I was marketing the property and that I had an offer.......... I haven't actually even been instructed yet. I actually cant think of why the solicitor would even make such a statement as there is no benefit to anyone that I can see... However, clients have the information and I have advised them how to reel him in so that he has nowhere to go once they corner him on it (in hand at present). The list is actually almost endless. You also seem to be of the view that I send lots of work to conveyancing sheds and don't declare fees........ Personally i try and avoid conveyancing sheds like the plague. I prefer to deal with traditional legal firms wherever possible. However, do i sometimes refer to a solicitor that pays a referral fee, yes sometimes but its pretty rare (probably less than 3/5% of my transactions) as my sole preference is actually to pass a client to the best solicitor that i think will look after them and understands their property (no point passing a property sale with 20/50 acres to someone that cant handle it or understand the different complexities with larger country homes etc, rights, fishing, sporting, ag ties, existing overages etc etc. Oh and yes, if we are liable to a fee its made clear to our clients even before they instruct us to sell their home that a fee may be paid and what it is as per the exact guidance of the Ombudsman and our code of practice.. I work in a part of the industry where all of my clients pretty much know me, some homes i have sold 4/5/6 times in almost forty years for consecutive home owners. Most of my clients know where i live and see me 7 days a week. When you are that close to your customers, you have to do everything by the book (which would be true wherever I worked). I want a customer for life, not just for one sale and a fast buck. Of course there are good and bad in all professions and the legal and property profession are not exempt from this. Its interesting though that I have been lied to with great regularity by the legal professions and far less by the property profession……. One is regulated and one is not….. Regulation doesn’t seem to have made a difference to the legal profession at all. I do however hope that in the fullness of time that the Property Industry is regulated. I had wanted that when I first started in agency at the age of 17 and still have hope that it may be done before I retire.

From: N W 21 February 2022 09:46 AM

me thinks you may be a Lawyer with a huge chip on your shoulder....... Regulation may be necessary (not sure I have ever not felt that) but even if we were regulated it wouldn't stop someone having a party in their office (or drugs but we actually don't know how valid that really is at present) and of course regulation has worked so well for the legal profession......... we still get lied to almost every other day by lawyers who haven't done their job properly or have implied they have done more than they actually have to cover themselves. Its actually become a bit of a sport our end, funnelling the offending lawyer into a spot where they actually have to come clean with us and their client that they haven't actually done what they say they have...... Had a few lawyers swear and put the phone down when the penny drops that we have them cornered and that the game is up (solicitor normally fired by the client the next morning) Of course there are some truly wonderful lawyers out there and we are delighted when they are acting for clients, but the number is not huge Yep regulation has gone so well for the legal profession......

From: N W 18 February 2022 10:35 AM

there are some good solicitors though so many have really struggled over the past 20/24 months. Had one lie to a client yesterday....... (not a small lie quite a big whopper) we are just now helping the client get their ducks in a row to catch the offending solicitor out and then see whether that leads to a formal complaint or perhaps something more serious....

From: N W 03 February 2022 10:21 AM

all sounds good but they wont deliver on it - talk is cheap with all politicians and with this lot its an art form...…..

From: N W 02 February 2022 14:58 PM

April 1st? That came around quicker than I thought.....

From: N W 01 February 2022 12:50 PM

From: N W 28 January 2022 14:49 PM

they have freedom of choice.... they just cant discriminate (and certainly no agent can act for them if they decide to discriminate as this makes the agent vulnerable as a result)

From: N W 24 January 2022 12:55 PM

cant comment on the cladding issues as I have none in my neck of the woods but these firms say they pay up to 90/95% of the "market value" but rarely pay more than 80/85% and in todays market who says "their market value" is even correct anyway.

From: N W 19 January 2022 10:26 AM

Good advert and better than most of the portals normal tripe. However, this site is unlikely to go anywhere as not enough traction and not enough trust between the agent (clients) and the owners (Bruce Brothers).

From: N W 21 December 2021 11:12 AM

we are and we do but in truth most members of the public don't care....... they just want the house sold, the best fee (value for money) and the highest price and as they all think selling will be easy see little added value in the difference that real experience and expertise can make (a bit of a broad brush comment but it is an overall sentiment). I could have 20 times the experience and qualifications of a competitor and whilst some will see the value in that, the majority don't as they assume that an agent who started yesterday or the week before is suddenly an expert....

From: N W 17 December 2021 11:43 AM

From: N W 16 December 2021 16:19 PM

but if you look on the government web site it clearly states estate agents and auction houses.

From: N W 30 November 2021 15:23 PM

OTM works great for us. Good enquiries sales and rentals and proactive sales team always wanting to help us improve what we do with it (just had an email in from local rep in past 10 minutes wanting to set up a Zoom call to help us keep on top of making the most of it...) BOOMIN...... not heard any good feedback, almost no one is getting enquiries and i fear it is a trojan horse....

From: N W 23 November 2021 13:56 PM

yawn...........!

From: N W 15 November 2021 14:49 PM

THEY DONT REALY CARE IF THEY NEED EVIDENCE FOR A PRICE INCREASE BUT TRY AND GIVE A VENEER OF "WERE WORTH THE MONEY...." Despite ripping their customers off with huge increases every year, year in, year out.

From: N W 12 November 2021 10:07 AM

despicable, throw away the key! Why anyone could ever contemplate doing such a thing to anyone let alone a vulnerable and frail lady is beyond me (trouble is they are the easiest for people like this to pray on)

From: N W 10 November 2021 15:56 PM

sounds like they are up against it.... hopefully not long now before those supporting it realise its a trojan horse.....

From: N W 08 November 2021 09:50 AM

Well said Richard

From: N W 05 November 2021 12:22 PM

its called gambling I guess. Speculators hoping that the likes of purplebricks disrupt the market. What most of them forgot about was that you also have to be a viable business without the ongoing injection of gullible investors funds. An awful lot of investors have lost a lot of money in their ill considered gamble - Other than the Bruce brothers, who on reflection, got out at the right time and knew that it was a model unsustainable for the long run.

From: N W 05 November 2021 08:02 AM

to be fair I managed my first office at 19 and my second office at 21 and have never looked back 37 years later......

From: N W 04 November 2021 17:50 PM

some of us actually predicted during the first lockdown the market taking off (after about week 3/4 from memory) due to our own observations on the level of enquiries coming in and increasing week on week and having taken detailed research from behavioural economists at the time (despite many predicting 10/20/30% falls in prices at the time). These predictions were made even before stamp Duty was fully announced. However, Stamp duty then supercharged the market beyond everyone's wildest expectations.

From: N W 01 November 2021 11:58 AM

had a wonderful case recently where it valued the property at £1.35 Million...….. but is actually worth £525,000 if you were lucky (that was an interesting conversation with the potential vendors....)

From: N W 27 October 2021 10:10 AM

Not convinced....... would be interesting to know the actual data v properties also sold twice in same time scale and their re sale price as properties that we have sold twice in the same period (albeit of course a much smaller sample) have gone up in price no less than those with better EPC ratings. The only exception would possibly be those properties required to have a higher EPC rating where they are more likely to be purchased by an investor buyer, but most of the increase in price has been general market conditions rather than a change in EPC ratings.... and the figures quoted by rightmove are not being reflected in our sales)

From: N W 25 October 2021 08:04 AM

this person really doesn't understand property, prices, portals and averages.....

From: N W 20 October 2021 10:36 AM

As an organisation its only "battered" due to those at the top. Your average surveyor is a highly competent and hard working individual who would adhere to almost all of those standards anyway. I fear this is a "Bojo style" master class in pointing the finger elsewhere to deflect from where the real problem is....... at the very top and it needs a big broom and hearty sweep out. The RICS reputation has only been damaged by the incompetents at the top, nowhere else.

From: N W 11 October 2021 13:54 PM

What a load of tosh! As an agent of over 37 years experience and one who has auctioned property personally, the claim that Informal Tender (sealed bids) does the industry and sellers a dis service is dare I say it "laughable" The advantage with an auction is security of sale but apart from that, it rarely (in todays market almost never) secures the highest paid price possible out of the market. The weakness with an Auction is that the highest bidder only has to pay slightly more than the highest budget of the next lowest bidder (As a result the top bidder never really has to pay the maximum price that they might have paid if pushed all the way to the maximum of their budget). Having sold many many properties by sealed bids over the years, even more so over the past 18 months, the prices presently being achieved by sealed bids can be £20/£50/£100/£150/£200 and dare I say it even almost £400K above the next highest bidder (figures that would never have been achieved in an open Auction environment as the top bidder could never have been pushed to this level once the reserve had been passed as no 2nd under bidder would have had the ability to chase the figures this high. Yes I have had a sealed bid process where all three offers were the same and yes I have had two where the buyer then changed their mind (but a very small percentage in comparison to the numbers of properties successfully sold this way) and we went straight back to the next bidder who was still looking and happy days. My only regret is that I hadn't on all of these sales built in a performance fee for securing such high sales prices over and above the guide prices (we do now but I missed a trick on that for many months) With due respect to Auction House and others (who I know and have a lot of respect for), the claim that sealed bids does the market and sellers a dis service is absolute balderdash (if I had sold most of these homes by Auction i would have actually not done my job properly and then done a dis service to the sellers)

From: N W 08 October 2021 08:25 AM

what absolute drivel...... the compensation doesn't even cover the hassle, inconvenience and costs caused to the injured party. Chuck them in jail or make them pay far more to learn a very stark lesson and seize assets from them if they have any. If crime doesn't pay. then it will deter a higher percentage of offenders

From: N W 07 October 2021 12:24 PM

agree with most of the above (Andrew's comment) other than the fact that "it is a sad fate for property clients to be using an 1980 agency model in 2021". Our service is nothing like it was in 1984 when I first started in agency - we offered a rolls Royce service then and 37 years later we still offer a rolls Royce service but one that is based around the market of 2021 and looks polls apart from what we did in 1984. our service in 2/5 and 10 years (if I'm not retired) will have leapt again as evolution continues to drive our businesses. we mine data, use all social media channels, allow clients to book appts and valuations and or viewings online - we use video - virtual tours - but still offer personal service, knowing our clients inside and out, acting for many over and over again and being their local go to expert for all property related matters year in year out. That's not to say that what we offer wont change, it will and I look forward to being part of that journey but it is a service that will be hard to beat unless selling property becomes totally free (and then god help the sellers when they realise they have saved a few thousand only to lose tens of thousands by not being professionally looked after).

From: N W 06 October 2021 16:38 PM

not sure I need to know about Bojo's Beaver fascination..... (sorry, its been a long tough day already)

From: N W 06 October 2021 14:03 PM

Tough questions to answer for the buyer, agent and solicitors......... it could get interesting but only if its not swept under the carpet as per usual.....

From: N W 05 October 2021 14:06 PM

the seller still pays...... as buyers will knock of the commission off the purchase price (which probably explains why they have only achieved asking price on 99% of sales....... as most of ours are selling at asking price or above in the present market)

From: N W 28 September 2021 12:04 PM

some days I wear a suite and some days country attire and other times smart casual - depends on who I'm seeing and what they expect from me. No point turning up to a Farmhouse in a pin stripped suite! (the farmer will make you pay heavily of you do - did it once aged 19...… he made me go through as much muck as possible with a rye smile..... then asked if I would help him calf a cow..... I rolled up my smart shirt got the bailer twine out and a fulcrum and got stuck in...…. I got the business a few years later as a result but it was a salutary lesson at a young age and an expensive dry cleaning bill).

From: N W 22 September 2021 13:02 PM

That's true - its not a job that gets given to anyone with any ounce of anything about them that's for sure (whichever party) However, good luck with finding anyone in this government full stop with any brains or common sense...…. that could fit the bill (Perhaps Kevin Hollinrake but I cant think of anyone else)

From: N W 15 September 2021 14:55 PM

well said Richard

From: N W 08 September 2021 15:07 PM

face to face is coming back...… More and more people now want face to face meetings with their agents rather than by Zoom. Zoom has been great and served a real purpose (and may do again) but right now, we are still very much a people business and that's where it is heading back again!

From: N W 01 September 2021 11:39 AM

some agents are charging £250 to £350 plus..... which is in my view jut taking things way too far - £100 to £150 is reasonable in my view but the solicitor still has to make money

From: N W 26 August 2021 09:28 AM

STEVE. The general public do read these reports.... just spoken to a buyer who has just read it.... their view was "what a complete load of rubbish.... everything still selling, not enough for sale and its still a fight to secure a property, who writes such inaccurate articles...."

From: N W 25 August 2021 09:36 AM

spot on Kristjan!

From: N W 20 August 2021 17:27 PM

sounds like a good plan - 2 excellent firms and with good management in place to overcome the bumpy issues of any merging. Good Luck to one and all!

From: N W 18 August 2021 11:03 AM

whilst I don't like SDLT, in truth its difficult to argue against it based on the potential alternatives, fairness etc. Thought your comments were very well put and balanced!

From: N W 18 August 2021 09:30 AM

sorry Mike but wouldn't go near that sort of product at all

From: N W 02 August 2021 09:41 AM

OTM was the solution at the time (Ill get my hard hat) but alas, when the opportunity was there too many ignored it. Hey Ho - Agents had the chance and as usual blew it in their squabbles, suspicions and dare i say it, lack of fore thought..... Ill get my coat!

From: N W 30 July 2021 14:30 PM

heaven forbid that agents are busy and cant respond in 15 minutes as they are actually out at a genuine and real valuation......

From: N W 28 July 2021 09:22 AM

Would agree with your comment that cars will be hired (just done an article to that effect and how living in the countryside for example may change as a direct result with elderly people staying longer in their homes and just hiring the car or "drone car" to get where they need to go. Thus overcoming health issue if they cant drive and also the lack of capital appreciation with a vehicle sat doing nothing 90% of the time) not sure about the rest - I certainly don't see people paying for viewings unless the present fee structure changes completely. Certainly charging a viewer to view a property right now seems wrong when your fee to do such viewings is paid for as part of your sales fee. Otherwise agents are trying to have it both ways and in the long run that wont work (and why should it)

From: N W 27 July 2021 18:07 PM

couldn't agree more - its asking for trouble and I would avoid such a service/charge like the plague!

From: N W 27 July 2021 09:30 AM

It's not something that is practical in my view. However, no shows are infuriating and if anything have picked up within recent weeks. If someone doesn't turn up then we make a clear note on their file so we can see this if they book another appointment so we/colleagues are aware. If they do it a couple of times with no genuine reason, then after a chat, if it happens again, they are removed from our database or we just don't send them anything. They can learn the hard way when someone else buys the next suitable property before them and if they complain "sorry, no we didn't send it to you as you never turned up to viewing appointments so we didn't take you seriously anymore............ next..."!

From: N W 26 July 2021 09:41 AM

alas most customers still refuse to pay anything up front if they can avoid it (even after much persuasion as to the benefits of doing so) and also most solicitors then advise their clients not to do this anyway.......

From: N W 22 July 2021 10:12 AM

as opposed to you a Sunday sport reader?

From: N W 19 July 2021 15:43 PM

criticism is one thing........ Racism is however totally another! If adults cant accept disappointment (so its been 55 years, so what!) then it says a lot about certain sections of our society and their own personal inadequacies and issues (they need to grow up!)..

From: N W 12 July 2021 11:42 AM

I said the same to myself last night at the end of the penalty shoot out its sad that such a beautiful game is always ruined by such supporters.

From: N W 12 July 2021 11:10 AM

Hi Jan No selling a property in todays market is not difficult but we are not always in this type of market. Having said that, just had a case where an agent was selling a property with 11 acres. we have just been asked to take the sale over, we are now selling it with 6 acres, kept the price the same so our clients have the remaining land as a bonus and had over 20 viewings and its going to sealed bids next week...... I think that makes a difference! (its called knowing your market and truly understanding what will work best for the client)

From: N W 09 July 2021 13:49 PM

That's a fair point - good and bad in every industry for sure. I have however almost never come across a new agent with no past experience who hasn't created issues for their clients (normally its their enthusiasm over riding actual common sense and knowing what really is the best advice for a client on more complicated sales not having actually had the experience to know how to overcome such issues) One recently left our village to go back to their original profession - everyone loved their enthusiasm but alas more often than not it lacked genuine substance other than a sales pitch

From: N W 09 July 2021 12:31 PM

YAWN......! yet another person with no experience giving advice on someone's most valuable asset.... Unfortunately, however, the general public don't seem to ask what experience and qualifications an agent actually has, as the moment you are an estate agent they assume you come with a pedigree of experience. Until such time as the general public truly value the difference that can be made between an agent who knows what they are doing and one who quite clearly doesn't, then they will keep allowing such people into their homes. Yes we all have to start somewhere but allowing someone with no experience whatsoever to value and market homes form day one just sounds crazy to me.....

From: N W 09 July 2021 10:09 AM

ignorance is not a virtue...….! Both agents and solicitors can be struck off, disciplined or sued for unprofessional conduct.... Automation for both agents and solicitors can be good but accepting that for either profession there are limitations on what can and cant be automated and what must and should only be carried out by a professional. (though those roles could change as AI and other measures start to become more powerful in future) Some lawyers have been incredible throughout the stamp duty process, offering solid, consistent professional service despite the incredible pressures on them. Others have I have to say, been deplorable, some have lied about where they are with conveyancing and much more beside. Ultimately, the professional agent and solicitor will shine through from those that under perform and lack any credible foresight or process in place to manage the volumes and pressures of work. As far as regulation is concerned, I'm sure most professional agents would welcome this and many have been asking for this since 1979. Having said that, the legal process is regulated and it hasn't stopped the complaints so its not the cure for everything

From: N W 01 July 2021 08:16 AM

it has been toothless alas for many years. My hope is that it finds some teeth and starts to represent its membership and the industry at large in a far more effective way. Only time will tell but if it doesn't over the next 12/24 months then I fear it may become toast

From: N W 22 June 2021 13:24 PM

its good to know that my 36 years agency experience gives me a clear and easy route into jobs within manufacturing, insurance and banking, software sales and digital content companies without having been trained in any of them! That's great news for the end of a busy week!

From: N W 18 June 2021 15:19 PM

what complete and utter twoddle! There was a real risk of this with the first deadline for sure but the extension alleviated this and those buyers now in hand are all pretty much lined up with exchanging in time and if not had already factored in the eventuality that there may be the increased cost if they miss it

From: N W 17 June 2021 09:17 AM

I only have one property without (vendor request) but its now taken as standard service for all of my customers. They either take time or cost money which is why many agents don't do them or they argue "we sell them so quickly we don't need them..." But in truth its the agent being lazy! (in my view)

From: N W 09 June 2021 12:51 PM

whichever government implements this can go and .... right off.......! (Apologies for my language!)

From: N W 26 May 2021 17:43 PM

well good luck with selling the Pub at its true value and having a smooth sale (assuming you can get hold of their "agent" and their lawyers know what they are doing......) Having said that...... Its meant to be a "drama" so the Producers could have made a very realistic choice on that basis......

From: N W 14 May 2021 08:15 AM

In truth they tend to ask what price you are going to sell their home for first (if you are able to get more they may pay a slightly higher fee) and the second question is fees. certainly the view that fees are unimportant and only 7% is an absolute joke and always has been and sellers rarely answer these questionnaires honestly on this point. We survey all of our clients (at last count about 12,000 survey forms returned) and fees is rarely mentioned when they complete the survey...... but on the ground at the front line we know that its one of the very first two questions. How do I know, I get to see the results of every single survey and have done for over a decade and I'm also a front line valuer and can see the dis connection on fees v the reality when valuing)

From: N W 11 May 2021 08:19 AM

spot on Matt - Where we have had to have SIMS they have been a nightmare (unless buying a second home/investment or buying from overseas but cant move in anyway) as any roll over of the potential proposed dates (which in this market happens all the time due to struggling solicitors/conveyancers not getting their ducks in a row in time even when the date as Daniel Hamilton-Charlton puts it " being known in advance") causes huge distress to the families involved. Any conveyancer advising clients to do a SIM (unless 2nd home/investment or dont need to move into it on the same day) is ignorant of the reality on the ground, the logistical nightmare for those involved and not acting in their clients best interests!

From: N W 19 April 2021 11:18 AM

Many solicitors have continued to advise clients to exchange and complete on the same day and in reality (unless you are buying a second property to have as an investment or holiday home) this is just appalling advice in any market conditions (solicitors rarely think about the logistical nightmare that then goes with such advice as far as packing/removals etc are concerned). I contacted all of the solicitors in my area to ask each of them what their advice was going to be to their customers on this point. Those that clearly stated they would only advise simultaneous exchange and completion of contracts we no longer refer to and advise clients to avoid using at any opportunity.

From: N W 19 April 2021 10:55 AM

and its only time before the Bruce Brothers bail (2/3 years i guess) and cash in and then all bets are off re portal and consumer direct....... (if not before due to pressure if not enough agents give it the traction it needs - which is all they are interested in as far as the agents are concerned - this was always the plan guys and girls)

From: N W 13 April 2021 12:40 PM

April fool or not.... i would buy this Board game

From: N W 01 April 2021 17:11 PM

Yawn...... sounds like a lot of thrusting out of chests and puffery to me...... and I'm pretty sure that my clients do know exactly what I'm doing and also many are exceptionally grateful for the added value we add to every sale.

From: N W 31 March 2021 14:13 PM

alas as a member of 34 years i think it has become that way over the past 5/10 years.... maybe longer

From: N W 25 March 2021 13:22 PM

I'm not really sure why his opinion on the subject actually matters?

From: N W 24 March 2021 09:26 AM

Have been a member since I was 18 (now 53) and in truth (sadly) I couldn't now agree more - it lost its way and has become irrelevant for the industry and the consumer. It needs to be relevant quickly or pack up and go home in my view.

From: N W 15 March 2021 13:20 PM

Suggest you change the heading EAT as its highly misleading........ you surely mean "Sellers Market..."!

From: N W 15 March 2021 10:22 AM

i don't disagree other than the fact we have as many problems with full legal practices and they are generally charging higher fees (albeit it doesn't cover as it might once have done the fees that could and should have been charged) This fee war in conveyancing has actually now been going on for 15/20 years

From: N W 03 March 2021 12:01 PM

Having spent four days trying to get a response out of a lawyer (not a conveyancing shed as you put it) as to why they were not ready to exchange contracts (our clients solicitors also having the same problem where the buyers solicitors refuse to speak with anyone and even got very up tight at the fact that my clients solicitors had dared to call them on the phone and chastised them.......) then I think much of the legal process also needs a root and branch review. The penny just having dropped with my buyers that perhaps, despite it being a multi million pound deal, that they weren't quite as important as they first thought they were to their solictors.... Of course its easy to point fingers and there are good and bad in all professions for sure but there also needs to be a reality check that the process as it is, is struggling (even before the stamp duty embargo) and that too many are hiding behind a wall of letters and emails and not being proactive enough in their clients best interests. There are I am pleased to say some very forward thinking and proactive lawyers out there and I thank them for being so minded. They give us hope that things can get better

From: N W 03 March 2021 11:54 AM

nice of the conveyancers to play catch up with the agents....... as usual

From: N W 01 March 2021 15:22 PM

many buyers were influenced by the stamp duty deadline but perhaps pulled their move forward as a result (so its a bit of both). There would be many buyers trying to re negotiate if for any reason they didn't get it over the line and it was a delay due to the vendors (i have two Probate sales where this has been specifically written into the deal if probate is not granted in time - fortunately we covered our self even back in December with wording it if the dates on stamp duty were delayed). Most buyers over the past few months were expecting to have to pay stamp duty so they had factored that in but they may get a nice treat if it gets extended and they manage to complete by the new deadline (whatever that officially ends up being other than the leaks thus far). A new cliff edge though at the end of June makes no sense but hey, what do we know.....

From: N W 26 February 2021 17:51 PM

This could be interesting.......

From: N W 24 February 2021 11:11 AM

I for one would welcome regulation (though it hasn't helped much in the legal profession as far as speed and competence are concerned, lying to buyers and sellers about what work they have actually done or not - sorry we catch a lot out at the minute - its a broad statement but then again yours even more so) as would most decent agents i know and have worked with for over 36 years (though that has little or nothing to do with the present cliff edge that most sellers and buyers now find themselves with). All of our buyers and sellers knew back in early December than any new sales were now going to be tough to get over the line, it hinged on multiple factors (not only searches/mortgages and surveyors) but particularly the lawyers involved (those good ones have still been getting them across the line - I managed one recently from sale agreed to move in 12 days) The real reason an extension is needed (but obviously passed you by) is the fact that even with the best agents, best lawyers and bests systems in place.... there are not going to be enough removals companies able to give firm dates this side of the deadline. (I.e. if you are ready to exchange in early March well in time for the deadline, you may not be able to get a removal company to deliver before the end date) I.e. - extend the deadline for completions (anyone who exchanges before end of March gets stamp duty relief but has an extra grace period to complete so they can book removals and spread the pain that end)

From: N W 15 February 2021 16:46 PM

so removals aren't an issue in your area? Fortunately the vast bulk of my sales racing to meet the deadline have gone through and many of the remainder are on track - However, whilst solicitors are an issue the lack of enough removals companies to meet the deadline if all the last minute sales go through will mean that many sales would be physically ready to exchange and complete but cant complete because buyers and sellers wont be able to obtain a removals slot in time and then cant agree a completion date this side of the wire. Its not excuses (unless you don't understand the logistics involved) so a delay to allow sellers to exchange before the deadline and delay completion till after the deadline will help a lot more of those sales in the pipeline go through, through no fault of themselves, their lawyers (but just cant get a removals slot)

From: N W 15 February 2021 14:18 PM

Highly unlikely. We run multiple Fine & Country offices and continue to see real value in being located in a prominent High Street location as it gives most of our local clients the trust and confidence that we are here and on hand. However, there is a real benefit in the flexibility that our brand offers each member firm to offer online, self employed or traditional High Street offerings. Who knows where the market may be in 5/10 years time, evolution is a given in everything in life.

From: N W 12 February 2021 09:41 AM

In truth Lockdown or no lockdown the issue is that solicitors cant cope with the volume, planning depts are not turning stuff around as they cant cope (some have been cyber attacked which causes its own issues) some even saying that they cant give an enquiry their attention for 21 days and if another enquiry comes up its another 21 day delay, removals firms would not be able to cope with the last minute rush as the back log gets even bigger and banks are struggling So, even those who got in early, with plenty of time are now finding that through no genuine fault of their own that they will not be able to meet the deadline despite having been prudent and well organised themselves

From: N W 01 February 2021 17:42 PM

not so true. Most of us realised the end date and the fact that this would need to be managed (I'm lucky that most of my sales are well on course for exchanging and completing prior to the deadline date by diligence, careful management, setting the scene with buyers and sellers and ruthlessly managing the pipeline) Those that may be tight for meeting the deadline are aware (we put them on notice at the time) that due to the volume of sales being agreed we could not guarantee they would meet the deadline (I may have 3/4 that might struggle to get over the wire in time). The issue is going to be those sales that should have exchanged and completed prior to the date not being able to as the legal process, surveys, finance etc has become so backlogged (beyond what almost anyone could have predicted) and the biggest issue of all which no one seems to have considered i.e. that there are not enough removal companies in the UK to cope with the volume of house moves that will be trying to take place in the last 2/4 weeks and as a result whilst buyers and sellers may be legally able to exchange and complete they wont be able to set a completion date as they wont be able to get removals. the common sense thing is to tapper any relief to ease this problem or to allow anything that exchanges in March to have a delayed completion to facilitate removal companies being able to cope with the volume. removals is going to be perhaps the biggest issue that most people will not have planned for and the one that is likely to cause the greatest number of sales that should exchange and complete in time not being able to do so purely due to the logistics

From: N W 27 January 2021 09:54 AM

People Lie all the time...... its what they do when they want something (unfortunately). Having said that if someone wants to view through me I need proof they are under offer (yes we do check), if they have nothing to sell and are cash we require written confirmation that they are not dependent on selling, they have cash funds and or a mortgage agreed and that their viewing is essential. Are most of my competitors doing this? (no, and in truth they have paid lip service in my view since May 2019). Are we continuously told by buyers "well other agents aren't asking us for all this information before we can view" - yes. Has it lost me some business? yes most probably but it is what it is and we still sell double the number of properties of both our in town competitors put together. If anyone turns up to view and they don't meet our requirements on safety, PPE etc then i don't care if they have travelled hundreds of miles, they don't view. Are people travelling down into my area (not actually viewing) and if stopped (which is highly unlikely as I haven't seen a copper for a few months....) then have the excuse lined up ready to say "I'm moving here". Yep, most probably. Not a lot can change that. The general public lie to each other every single day

From: N W 21 January 2021 09:36 AM

I Know plenty of agents that claim 2% plus and then later on it transpires that they do on sum but not on most and its all their pitch to big themselves up. Most agents out of London are 0.75% to £1.25% in my view

From: N W 20 January 2021 16:26 PM

If you knew the market well enough you would know that one of the biggest issues (even for those that could potentially be able to complete prior to the end of March) is going to be removals........ There are not enough companies out there to deal with the volume (the mini rush before Christmas proved that) and anyone not exchanged by very early March will probably then miss the deadline anyway as they wont be able to complete as they wont be able to book removals....... So there does need to be an amendment to the Stamp Duty rules to allow anyone who has exchanged prior to the end of March to then complete over the following weeks Of course there are still come agents out there just telling people it will still be Ok and they are in the main idiots (unless the buyer is cash, no chain, searches already done from a previous recent buyer that puled out, a buyer and seller totally focussed and the same for their respective lawyers - Just agreed a sale on the 28th December, went into solicitors hands on the 4th Jan and we exchanged on the 14th Jan and Completed on the 15th Jan so its possible but only with all of those important box's ticked)

From: N W 20 January 2021 13:17 PM

Removals is the other big issue - there are not enough removals companies capable of handling the volume of completions by the time we get to March - even pre Christmas most were solidly booked and having to defer as many as they could into the new year because they physically could not even manage the pre Christmas rush (which will be dwarfed by the volume in March by a huge margin)

From: N W 15 January 2021 10:24 AM

quite easily if you know what you are doing, have clear process's in hand, verify that each buyer viewing is under offer and checked with their agents (good structures in place), not all appts were with buyers, some were taking photos of properties externally and working a 14 hour day to accommodate to ensure there was time between any appointments to make sure each property was dealt with in a covid compliant manner. Realistically that was an extreme example but even so most days i was carrying out 5/6/7 appts a day (but always 10/12 hour plus days) to make sure that we had all the bases covered. Our teams are split (at home and at work to minimise risk and to ensure that if anything happens we have team 2 to take over - my closest member of staff in the office with me at the moment is about 40 feet away and i have just had clients turn up to the office even though they have been told we do not take office appointments and no one allowed in the office and despite them being frustrated they couldn't come in we still refused them entry) Systems, diligence, double checking everyone's reason for moving and why, masks on, sanitising everything, covid health check forms, temperature checks of staff daily etc... its not difficult to do this job properly and safely if you have your act together No control issues at all this end but then again we have had robust structures in place from day one

From: N W 14 January 2021 12:13 PM

Business owners should always lead by example putting their staffs safety as a priority along with their customers - totally agree

From: N W 14 January 2021 12:01 PM

There is an assumption here that all 13 appointments were viewings or that it was done in a normal working hours day (my day was between 7:15 am and 9pm. None were back to back - properties were close together - some were viewings (with buyers already checked to be in a proceedable position ie we had checked that everyone was under offer with their agents), most were empty properties, some were me taking photos as we had only just opened back up. Most days i was carrying out 5/6/7 appts a day but again having to work 12 plus hours a day to accommodate sanitise anything that people may have touched on their way around etc). Everything is in a covid compliant manner (my family think i am OCD over my attention to covid at work and at home and every time i go out)

From: N W 14 January 2021 10:54 AM

I agree with much that you say. when we get to the end of March part of the problem is actually nothing to do with lawyers (though don't get me started on them) it is actually that there are not going to be enough removals firms to accommodate the volumes of last minute completions before the deadline. trust me, from my own personal experience having just moved before Christmas, every single removals firm was booked at least 2/3/4/6 weeks in advance even just with the pre Christmas rush. The numbers of which will be dwarfed by the volume trying to complete by the end of March deadline. Extending the stamp duty deadline would make sense but perhaps the rules should be "as long as you have exchanged contracts by the end of March, then you can have a window of up to three months to complete contracts" this overcomes multiple problems including spreading the removals work amongst other things Yes unusual for it to be so long but actually would overcome the problem and allow the Treasury to have a legally defined date from a tax perspective (so it cant be fudged or cheated) whilst many feel it is not possible for people agreeing sales now to exchange by end of March. I Have agreed a sale in past 16 days, will complete tomorrow...… have just agreed a sale yesterday afternoon, should be complete by Mid March..... but only possible with cash buyers and no survey and a real focus on buyers, sellers and both sides solicitors turning everything around immediately and putting pressure on their respective lawyers to get done Anyone needing a mortgage, in a chain, needing a survey and agreeing a sale now has little if no chance whatsoever of getting it over the line before the end of the Stamp Duty deadline and we have been telling buyers in such a position (and sellers) that since early December

From: N W 14 January 2021 09:32 AM

Some argue its the bosses forcing their staff out...…. and that may be the case in some limited cases I'm sure. However, my personal dealings with dozens and dozens of business owners around the country (working together sharing best practice and helping each other keep their staff safe) is that every single one has put the safety of their colleagues first. I am a business owner, my staff felt nervous about carrying out any external appointments when we re opened on the 13th May. As a result I insisted they were office bound and made a point of carrying out every single viewing appointment and valuation personally for weeks on end (sometimes 13 appointments a day and working 12/16 hours a day but never arranging back to back appointments and following rigid guidelines) until they felt comfortable themselves about going out. We have had systems in place from day one on virtual viewings (since the 13th May) and followed the guidelines on 2 meters, checking buyers ability, minimising travel and risk and following all safety protocols since day one to the extent that I feel far safer at work (in control of who I will meet, when I meet them, how I meet them and refusing appointments with anyone that doesn't do as we have requested for an appointment) than i do/actually am just being out in the street going to get some shopping. I am at least delighted that most major supermarkets are now insisting that people should wear masks (long overdue) and perhaps they now need to be stricter on numbers again (controlling access was fine at the outset but seems to have slipped in most) but in reality, you are far more likely to pick up covid from buying some veg than you are from viewing a property - Fact! Yes we have an issue with the spread - it seems to be the general public at large doing what they want to do (some completely flouting the rules because they can). However, if you want an appointment with any of our multiple offices...… if you don't attend with PPE, if you don't do what we ask on safety then I don't care how far you have travelled.... you don't even get over the front door and you can pack off home. There is a risk with what we do. However, our industry has generally got a far better handle on safety and reducing risk for themselves , the public and the country at large. Those that haven't need to be fined and closed and reported by their staff but the real spread of this is nowhere near the property market

From: N W 14 January 2021 08:41 AM

Bugger - just half way through doing an article/editorial on just this point....... the answer is yes it will change the market, in particular for those elderly home owners in rural settings presently wanting to move due to concerns about mobility and safety driving as they get older. The likelihood, when it happens, is that it may extend a rural property owners stay at a property for at least five or more years until such time as the property itself (rather than the setting) become too much of an issue for them.

From: N W 13 January 2021 16:07 PM

Having very strict process's in place from day 1 i actually feel far safer at work carrying out appointments than i do going to the shops where there is still too much close proximity and also people who are blatantly not wearing masks because they dont want to do so rather than for health reasons (and plenty too stupid to realise how to wear a mask or how and when to use hand sanitiser etc) At least at work we can control who we meet and who not (anyone turns up without correct PPE or ignores the rules doesn't get over the front door of any property and we maintain greater than the social distance required our office only has half the usual staff in and all more than 5/10 meters apart and those not in the office working from home to reduce contact (and act as a back up if any of us in the front line office should become ill and we need team 2 to step into the breach f team 1 are self isolating. Any agents flouting the rules should be dropped in it in my view but in the main as an industry we seem to be tighter than many and far better than all the main food shops where they seem to afraid to refuse entry if someone ignores the rules!.

From: N W 11 January 2021 15:50 PM

we use 360 tours and have done so since we re started in May. They have increased sales, as well as physical viewings and we have even sold some where the buyers (living overseas but returning home) have never been able to physically view. I wouldn't market a home without them these days unless there were really good reasons for not producing an immersive 360 tour.

From: N W 11 January 2021 11:52 AM

Agents issuing PPE to buyers viewing is actually a wholly inappropriate action and one that can increase transmission. Buyers should bring their own PPE on all counts (if they don't, they don't view irrespective) as passing over PPE from one person to another increases (albeit marginally) the potential of the agent infecting the person viewing. Minimising all forms of contact from person to person is essential and if the buyer wants to view it is their responsibility to come prepared and if they don't, then the agents responsibility to refuse them entry to any property on all counts.

From: N W 06 January 2021 10:00 AM

Very Pleasantly Surprised but the actual numbers who said yes - Well done! As about 46% of my leads come from OTM and Rightmove is only just above that by a couple of %, I'm happy with the result and the leads that we get. Our OTM enquiries actually on balance also turn out to be better leads....... Just Sayin!

From: N W 07 September 2017 13:02 PM

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