We will be bringing with us our individual style and different approach which has grown over the years and proven to be very successful  within our Burgess Hill property sales and lettings business. This approach is wholly centred on delivering an excellent experience for our customers – all offered in a genuinely enthusiastic desire to get the best for our clients and we have many many happy clients who vouch for this.

The refurbishment is going to take around another 4 weeks or so and we are aiming to open early March 2012. We are currently recruiting for one new member of staff, which you will appreciate is not easy simply because we insist on a very high desire to offer the best level of customer service and keenness to exceed. So far we have met and spent a couple of days with two very good applicants who show some real promise, but that makes it even more difficult!!

We very much look forward to being in Haywards Heath and can’t wait to open. We will update our progress as it happens so watch this space!

If you have been considering moving, or are currently unsuccessfully trying to and are thinking of a fresh approach, then please give us a call as we have already started our property register for Haywards Heath and the villages. Our new number will most likely be 01444 440400, but we can’t confirm that for a week or so, therefore, in the meantime please call using our other office number 01444 254400 and ask for Phil or email him at phil@hiea.co.uk

We really do look forward to meeting you.

Hunters Estate Agents expands to haywards Heath is a post from: Hunters Blog

• are different!
• care!
• ‘go the extra mile’

Our video! is a post from: Hunters Blog

If the answer is YES, then please do give us a call because there is absolutely no doubt that the local mid Sussex property market is returning some of the best yields we have seen for a long time.

Over the last few months we have managed to secure quality tenants for almost all of our properties within days of their availability and we do not have enough new rentals to replace them. We are fast becoming a victim of our own success with rental values at the highest they have been for a long time.

We can also offer you advice on the financial aspect, free of charge, and have become quite specialist in this area. There are some excellent purchases available and waiting to be snapped up, some great mortgage deals available, and despite the negative press, lenders DO want to lend if the opportunity presents itself.

We work closely with a firm of Independent Financial Advisors called ‘Mortgage Advice Bureau’ and are now able to help with every aspect of financing properties. Call Simon Pugh on 01444 254422 to find out more.

AND FINALLY…….

If you have a property you are thinking of renting or trying to rent without success, please call us. !!!! We cover everywhere from Handcross to the North, Chailey’s to the East, Pycombe in the South and Twineham / Cowfold to the West. If you have a property anywhere within that area we will most definitely be able to help you. We are always professional, honest and thorough and our fees are competitive. Certainly our current clients believe we are definitely ‘value for money’

Please call us on 01444 254400 and choose option 2 if you would like to chat with our rentals department or email lettings@hiea.co.uk

Rentals Needed and Investing in Buy to Let is a post from: Hunters Blog

My next step within the business will be to learn more about the sales progression side (the bit the solicitors do) This is an essential part of what an estate agent does to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for both the sellers, and the buyers. The main role estate agents play in the sales progression process is staying on top of the solicitors making sure everything is done, and helping co-ordinate exchange and completion dates up and down the chain. To help improve my skills in this area I will be going to a course in London to refine my skills and gain some theory based knowledge about the conveyancing practices.

Any feedback, advice or expieriences would be greatly apprieciated!

I look forward to hearing from you

The latest progression for Chris! is a post from: Hunters Blog

Then look no further than Phil Richardson and his excellent team at Hunters. Phil sold my first house in four days. He sold my second house in TWO AND A HALF HOURS! Sound like magic? Yes it is, but the magic is borne out of the hard work and professionalism that are the hallmarks of the service Phil provides.

Motivated by his genuine love of people and the pride he takes in getting a job done as efficiently as possible, Phil goes the extra mile to ensure a perfect match between client and new home.

Unfailingly courteous and friendly, he always returns calls and gets back to you with requested information. And no question or request is too silly!

Statistically, moving house is up there with divorce on the stress scale, but Phil will take the worry out of the experience, smoothing the processes to the very best of his ability and making sure you understand what is going on every step of the way.

Phil’s positive, upbeat approach, coupled with years of experience and rock solid real estate knowledge, make for a unique combination of professionalism and reliability.

Thank you Phil for taking such good care of me!

Jane Aylott, Burgess Hill, March 2011

Phil Richardson – Estate Agent who delivers is a post from: Hunters Blog

For those that watch the channel four show parodying Estate Agency, or those that have seen the fly on the wall expose type shows or just for those who wonder what we do in a standard day here’s a taster of a live day in the life of an estate agent.

Regularly it is necessary to be at the desk well before opening times, as often the phone is so busy throughout the day that preparation and planning takes second place to response for customer needs.

I usually take this time to prepare for the market appraisal and valuations occurring throughout the day. These can take the guise of many things,

• We have the amicable divorce valuation. Is there ever such a thing? Difficult to please either party here as often one wants high and one wants low for obvious reasons. You can often find yourself offering almost a social worker type stance. The key aim is always remain detached and most definitely don’t take sides. It amazes me how a divorcing couple will suddenly side together against a common foe.
• The probate valuation, usually at a time of great sadness having lost a relative for the parties requesting it, they are an opportunity to assist with the process that needs to be adopted, timescales to be met and ultimately remove as much stress as possible at a difficult time for the potential vendors.
• The ‘Ego’ Valuation. ‘We bought it a year ago and have done so much to it’ Why isn’t worth another £50k. Always so difficult to judge. Honesty has to be the key and boy do you need to be a politician. The new kitchen may be lovely but not sure why you picked red door fronts. Worse still is the convincing that the £20k conservatory that has removed the whole garden doesn’t really add a lot to the ultimate value.
• The secret reason for valuation. Some customers will conjure all sorts of excuses for requesting the appointment. Often it will change from the initial call, through the appointment and vary again when you follow it up. I promise that we are not there to pry or judge but actually understanding the customer requirements goes a long way in giving an accurate valuation taking account of the current or future market place. It depends on what you require and speed that you require it.
• The standard for sale valuation. Bread and butter for the estate agent. Usually in competition with several others. It is our platform for the business. My view is offer genuine advice, don’t over promise and under deliver, price it at a level that will sell. The perception of Estate Agents is understandably not the best. We have the chance at these appointments to show the good side, the professional side. My advice would be to the customer, look beyond the sales pitch and select the agent not for the highest price but the confidence you feel that they will deliver for you.

Well, we arrive at 0845 and the morning meeting takes place. This is the opportunity to set targets, review the previous day, focus on the priorities and look at providing the best service to the customers in how we will use the day ahead.

Most times the phone will start close to or just before 9am: Applicant Registrations – these will come from numerous sources. Internet advertising will generate enquiries to call back, some will call direct to register prior to going on the market to search what property is available, the newspaper, the walk in customer, all get registered for new properties. We will assist with their financial services enquires and needs. After all, few people have the finance to buy without a mortgage.

Invariably there will be measure ups to be done. The property is instructed for sale and this is the time to record all the detail, take the photos and prepare it for marketing. Having done so, advertising is prepared, brochures printed, photo cards prepared and ultimately the details are marketed to all people registered as interested in that specific type of property.

At any time there will be over 20 current sales being progressed to completion. It is necessary to maintain control of where each one is in the sales process. Assist solicitors with enquiries, update vendors on the situation, respond to survey requests and the subsequent post survey issues. Additional specialist contractors may have to explore damp issues, check timber for wood worm or just explain in plain simple English what is being reported in the survey. We will deal with additional property negotiations for carpets and curtains and such like. Primarily in the sales process it is about communication of the facts and managing expectations, ensuring that move dates are co-ordinated and often just being on hand to remove the stress of the buying and selling process.

In an average day we will conduct up to 10 viewings each. Some days are quieter and particularly weekends are busier. When quiet the time is taken to use the system information to match buyers to property and generate further viewings. This matching process is continuous and either manually conducted with telephone enquires out to the buyers or automated where brochures and e-mails are sent.

Like any job there will always be the dreaded administration to be managed. A small but essential part of the day. Newspaper advertising, contact letters, post valuation correspondence to list a few.

All in all, it is rare that the clock gets watched. Often the day will run through the normal home time. For me the servicing of customer needs is the focus. This may be buying, selling, mortgages, renting, investing. It is fair to say that dull days are few and far between and the general frenetic level of activity is what makes a day in this life so rewarding.

A life in the day of a Sussex Estate Agent… is a post from: Hunters Blog

FIRST TIME BUYERS!

WANT TO BUY BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?
WORRIED ABOUT THE PROCESS, DEPOSIT, LEGAL SIDE?

COME ALONG AND MEET THE TEAM ON 28TH MAY AND WE WILL MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU.

Trying to get on the property ladder can be a daunting and potentially difficult process.  Hunters Estate Agents will be running a First Time Buyers Day workshop on the 28th of May 2011. The day will be a great opportunity and one not to be missed, to ask any questions you may not have had the chance to ask before. Available to you will be the whole Hunters team, including our Independent Financial Advisor, surveyors, and lawyers. Get adviceabout the property market, how to get a mortgage and the best type of property to suit your needs. Go on, what have you got to lose, it may be that first step to owning your property. We look forward to seeing you there!

SATURDAY 28TH MAY, HUNTERS ESTATE AGENTS, 5 CHURCH ROAD, BURGESS HILL, ALL DAY – JUST DROP IN AND SEE US.

EXCLUSIVE MORTGAGE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE WITH ONLY 5% DEPOSIT REQUIRED.

Get on the property ladder – we can help is a post from: Hunters Blog

In order to assist you, we have decided to run a First Time Buyers Workshop day and invite you into the branch for an informal chat.

To make the opportunity of value to you all the staff will be on hand to assist in any way possible.

Our mortgage Advisor has some exciting new deals available specifically for First Time Buyers, some of which even explode the myth regarding levels of deposit required. A recent innovation in the mortgage market is 5% deposit and vendor gifted deposit mortgages. He will be happy to advise on the best way forward to suit your personal circumstances.

It is intended to have available surveyors, legal convenyancers and of course all the skills brought by the Hunters Team.

Please feel free to drop in at your convenience. We will be open between 9am and 5pm on 28^th May 2011.

Come along and ask any questions you have always been afraid to ask. We will explain all the processes in simple and easy to understand, jargon free language and hopefully we can assist you in taking the first steps to property ownership.

First Time Buyer – Help is here is a post from: Hunters Blog

Having now been in the business for four months I have reached the point whereby my first formal appraisal was to be conducted. Obviously nervous we sat down and was heartened to see that the business view of my performance was almost identical to my own.

Since starting at Hunters I have had various achievments and milestone success’s, conducting my first valuation which resulted in an instruction has given me increased confidence levels. The high of making my first property sale was awesome. However, with everything being new to me, I’ve clearly had some events I need to learn from.

Despite having my achievments, I was still incredibly nervous about the intense appraisal with Sales Manager “Phil Richardson!”

During the appraisal we spoke about both my acievments and areas for development. The biggest areas for improvment being attention to detail (as detail is most definately the key) together with the basic knowledge of the ‘craft’. Although personally frustrating I can clearly see why we need to be so precise and I know have strategies in place that will help me improve.

As a young person coming into this world the mystery of mortgages and financial services has made me realise the importance of a good Financial Advisor. Working alongside Darren on this front has taught me so much. The knowledge gained makes me more effective when dealing with and understanding buyers needs.

I was pleased to be told that my biggest achievments were providing excellent customer service and customer interactions, although you are probably the best judgement of that!

The appraisal was good, as it helped me see all the achievments I have had, which was nice as everyone likes a bit of praise!

More importantly it has also helped me direct my focus on all the areas that could be improved. I am thoroughly enjoying the experience and it is fair to say that I have probably learnt more in the last 4 months than ever before.

Although it scares me to say this! Please feel free to give me a ring on 01444 254400 and give me advice on anywhere you feel I can improve, I promise I wont take offence and the best judge of my performance is ultimately the customer!

For sure, since the appraisal my focus has been refined and I look forward to further growing in this business.

Chris learns the Hunters way…. is a post from: Hunters Blog

Mortgage Advice Bureau, one of the UK’s leading award winning mortgage brokers held its Annual Sales Conference recently at Pride Park stadium in Derby where independent Mortgage Adviser Darren Johncock of Hunters Financial Services of Burgess Hill won a top adviser award.

Darren commented on his recent success:   “I am absolutely delighted to have won an award.   I have always embraced the many new initiatives they have to offer to enable me to become a top performer.   Keeping on top of the constant changes in the mortgage market is a key part of what I do to ensure my customers benefit from the competition between lenders to secure the best deal for them.  I offer a professional service with not just advice on which mortgage to choose, but how best to protect their home, family and income should the unexpected happen.”

Darren Johncock ( Far Right ) Financial Adviser with his award winning colleagues

For further information please call Darren  on 01444 259616 or email darren@hiea.co.uk

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances.  A typical fee is £295.

Darren – officially a “Top Adviser” is a post from: Hunters Blog

So, as we are really nice people we thought we would give some advice about chains;

• Ensure that you keep the agent fully updated at every stage of the process and make sure your agent is working hard to do the same with the rest of the chain.
• Don’t delay returning documents to solicitors and remember your solicitor works for you not the other way round.
• Ask questions if you are unsure of what is being suggested and use your estate agents knowledge and experience when it comes to issues that solicitors may raise. There are many ways around or through what appears to be an impossible hurdle.
• Select an agent that you feel confident will have the experience, knowledge, skills and tenacity to see it through. Finding buyers is the easy bit. Seeing it through the sale progression stage is the time consuming and complicated part.
• Be flexible. Setting dates with others in the equation requires a degree of give and take from all sides.
• Set dates in the diary at an early stage with as wide a window as possible. The agent should be able to advise what is a likely time scale. The actual date can be refined as the process continues, but it good to get an idea from the rest of the chain at an early stage. This should also focus the solicitors and prevent them from causing unnecessary delays.
• When the pressure mounts towards the end, and believe me it will, try not to allow emotion to cloud your judgement and avoid principle stances. For every action you believe is justified, there is someone in the chain who feels the exact opposite.

It is your estate agents responsibility to try and seek mutual agreement. This is very hard when someone says ”NO”, because it makes them feel better. It could be the most expensive “NO” they have ever said.

Here at Hunters we pride ourselves on our ability to manage complex situations and manage many different Clients needs at the same time. This case study shows just what we are capable of, and we have lovely testimonials from the whole chain to show it. Remember, if you are in a chain that involves Hunters, we are always here to assist and that even applies if we aren’t your agent. But after reading this, we sincerely hope that you will give us a chance to help you move so please email us at sales@hiea.co.uk and start with Hunters being your first piece of the jigsaw.

“Is there a chain?” is a post from: Hunters Blog

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/safe-as-houses-if-you-want-a-really-secure-home-its-all-about-the-hardware-2211228.html

Is your home your castle? is a post from: Hunters Blog

This programme had a great opportunity to really help buyers and sellers receive the service they deserve, to make inroads into the complaints that people have about many of the businesses they deal with in this property sector. I am quite sure you can think of a few locally who you would put in the ‘wide boy’ bracket, but it chose to just focus on one thing, a set of details! That said, the details they used really were quite amazing, even I didn’t understand half of the jargon they were using, but what was interesting is that despite selecting 2 properties that really did look stunning, even with the new styled details, they hadn’t sold !! Maybe there was another problem with these. In my experience, if you have chosen an agent well and they aren’t able to sell your home then there is only 1 reason why “PRICE” and this wasn’t touched on. You will appreciate that this is purely an assumption on my part, but I am quite confident that had either or both of them sold as a result of the new details, the programme makers would have blown their trumpets very loudly and to great applause. What was promised was a much overdue shake up of the high street, and on this occasion estate agency, but sadly they missed the opportunity to do that. Like or loathe the industry, the reality is that there are already many agents who wholeheartedly accept the importance of honesty, local knowledge and hard work all offered with a good level of professionalism and expertise. In fact, I would be happy to bet that many people know estate agents who do offer this mix of service and support to buyers and sellers and these agents would have loved nothing more than to have had the programme do what it promised and lift the publics perception because in almost all industries there are the good, the bad and the downright ugly, and whatever it is you do, you should want to do it to the very best of your ability and offer the right level of value for the money you charge.

When I walked in to my office this morning it was with that a strong sense of pride and appreciation for my team, because I know that without a shadow of a doubt, they all work to that level, have a wonderful amount of local knowledge and ideas, but above all are extremely hardworking and very honest. Sadly though, as human beings we do make mistakes and so whilst we cannot possibly be perfect on every single occasion, we do have very many happy customers who do come back, time and time again, and when a mistake is highlighted we do the right thing and set markers in place to make sure it doesn’t happen twice.

So I guess we didn’t really get what is says on the tin, Mary Portas to show us the error of our ways last night, but it would have been nice for her to have at least attempted to put the real message out and give the industry the shake up she promised. This was a wonderful opportunity wasted. But look on the bright side, didn’t it make ‘great telly’ showing a stereotypical impression of an estate agent. Being ‘honest’ in all of my 25 years in the industry I have actually never worked with, let alone met one quite like him, but that said he did turn out to be quite a descent and honourable chap, just possibly misguided to start of with? Or am I just jealous that, regardless how hard I try I can’t get my grey mop to stand on end ?

We would love you to put us to the test and so, if you are thinking about moving or renting, or buying an investment, put us to the test. As the proud owner of a wholesome mid Sussex agency I would love to hear what you have to say and if it is printable I may even use it on this blog page or our facebook page.

What do you think??

C4 exposé of Estate Agents … opportunity wasted is a post from: Hunters Blog

1. I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you how impressed I have been with Jeanette Tebrook [who] has worked her socks off, & owning my own company where customer service is so important, it is nice to see someone adhering wholeheartedly to the cause, she is a credit to your company.
2. Thank you too for your continued help – you are always great.
3. Brilliant, I remember why we rent our house out with you guys now!!!
4. Just a quick note to thank you for your excellent customer service while we were searching for a property.  I wanted to highlight that we received the best customer service from yourself out of the several agents we made enquiries with. Your manner was polite, helpful and informative and unlike most of the agents, you were genuinely interested in helping us find the right property. It was strange that some agents seemed to ignore good good customer service. Often agents were late or didn’t turn up at all as well as not answering phone messages left.

We are proud of our service and welcome all feedback so please do let us have your thoughts and experiences!

For more testimonials please see http://hiea.co.uk/testimonials.asp

Our customers say…. is a post from: Hunters Blog

Often as Agents we revert to terminology in our conversations and it is a fact that Solicitors will communicate in a way that naturally assumes the audience has the same knowledge as themselves in the buying and selling process. Our experience is that more often than not it is a natural reaction, that as people we don’t want to ‘ask the silly question’ or what appears to be silly.

At Hunters we decided to produce a readable guide that simplifies what you can expect throughout the buying and selling transaction. It has been written to ‘walk you through’ the milestones that will occur and explain the terminology at each stage.

The advisors at Hunters are always available to answer any questions you may have at any stage and we pride ourselves on plain speaking when it comes to translating the jargon.We will also go the extra mile when issues need resolving, but hopefully the Buying and Selling Pack with its easy to follow flow charts and jargon busting language will prove an invaluable guide to everybody from the person just deciding to enter the market place through to the more seasoned campaigner. Rumour has it that even some agents are using it.

If we can assist in person with any subject regarding selling, valuation, buying, renting please feel free to contact the team on 01444 254400 or enquire via the web site.

http://hiea.co.uk

Guide to Understanding the Property Buying and Selling Process is a post from: Hunters Blog

Award Winning Independent Mortgage Advice

Recognition from our customers and peers for professionalism and success is something we all strive for. In a challenging business environment it is no longer acceptable to just do the job. To survive and grow, word of mouth recommendations and a continual ethos of improving our Clients experience is key.

Hunters Financial Services along with the Estate Agency team, recently attended the Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) National Financial Services Conference, MAB are are one of the UKs most successful mortgage and insurance protection networks and operate throughout the country. Part of the conference was dedicated to recognition of outstanding customer and business delivery and I am very proud to announce that Hunters Financial Services came away as “Double Award Winners”.

We (well me actually) won one of the top insurance protection provider awards for ensuring that my Clients and their properties were protected against the things that can be thrown at you when you least expect or afford it. We also won (yep me again) another award for service innovation in coming up with some great time saving ideas.

At Hunters, we have always believed that good client attention is important.  I conduct every appointment as if you were a member of my own family. I need to really understand your needs and expectations in order that I can make recommendations which I believe are going to enhance your life and feeling of security. The other thing that does really help, is that I complete all the administration paperwork, probably the most tedious bit for you. I then manage everything and liaise with your provider throughout. It really makes the process as smooth and stress free as possible for you. To have been recognised by my  peers in winning the award is fantastic, not just for me but also for Hunters.

To give you an idea of how I can help or advise you, I am able to offer a range of Protection products such as Redundancy Cover, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection and Buildings and Contents Insurance. Basically, I can cover almost all the things that worry you and you want to protect against should the worst happen. With the mortgage, housing market and general economy experiencing changing times, it is more important than ever that you seek independent and impartial advice. I am sure you will know from your own experience, that despite the negativity the press and general media try to lump on us, it isn’t that bad and the outlook is not as gloomy as they might want to convince us. When you have a bit of spare time, call me and we can look at your options and see if there are cheaper or more sensible ways for you to protect your family and assetts. ….. Including keeping everything exactly as it is, obviously assuming that is the best decission.

Because Hunters are linked to MAB, I can access thousands of products, including exclusive mortgage deals, many of which are not available directly from lenders. I am quite sure that there is a better product out there that will make your wallet lighter, but more importantly, your family safer. And, if there isn’t, then you walk away with the confidence that you are in the best financial position possible and even better still, I don’t charge for this advice. It is a free and without obligation “Financial Health Check“, I offer from my office at Hunters. Landlord, first time buyer, existing home owner, prospective mover or have remortgage questions, I am sure I can find a solution tailored for your personal requirements.

I thoroughly enjoy my job, providing financial advice, as I feel helping people realise their ambitions and dreams, coupled with my desire to offer a service that is better than anyone else is thoroughly rewarding.

If you would like a mortgage or a financial health check, please don’t hesitate to call as I would be only too delighted to help.

To make a no-obligation appointment please call Hunters Financial Services  on 01444 259616, call in to 5 Church Road, Burgess Hill, email darren@hiea.co.uk or visit www.hiea.co.uk for more information.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU AWARDS 2010 is a post from: Hunters Blog

As I wake up on this cold, foggy, wet day in Billingshurst, life is good and it reminds me that my time in Spain wasn’t all sun, sea & sangria… Don’t even attempt to buy a house, renew your driving licence, make an insurance claim, see a doctor, give birth or in fact any other major event in the month of August – Spain is not in!  It has gone to the beach (along with three quarters of the population & their families with everything including the kitchen sink).

So, in December 2009, after 9 years of living on the Costa de Almeria I bid farewell to sunnier skies and set sail for the rolling hills and stunning countryside of mid Sussex.

I had thoroughly enjoyed working in the property industry on the Spanish Costa’s for 8 years, so I decided to try my hand at the same here and in June this year, 6 months after being back, I was lucky enough to join the lettings Team at Hunters.

Being a tenant and landlord myself, I was excited to embrace all of the things that I felt were important to me; what did I expect from my agents?  How confident could I be that they were looking after my best interests?  Was my property being marketed in a professional manner by experienced people?  Were full references taken up and suitable tenants placed ?  Assurances that my property would be looked after and any maintenance issues would be dealt with efficiently and promptly?  Would  the rent be collected & paid on time?  Were my tenants being looked after ?

So many questions that needed to be answered but in reality what I really wanted was just SHEER PEACE OF MIND that I wasn’t going to be exposed to any unnecessary or expensive complications.

So, when I started at Hunters, I kept all of these thoughts at the fore, and from the start I have been delighted that I never had to worry, because Hunters were already doing all of these things. They were looking after ALL of their properties and landlords as if they were their own. Hunters has always had a reputation for doing just that; looking after its customers but it is always reassuring when you can actually see it happen. Lettings, sales or mortgages, it doesn’t matter they all receive the same excellent personal service from the whole Team here. This was really importannt to me and part of the reason I joined them, I wanted to be part of a team where we continually strive to offer the best in everything we do. I am so pleased to say that I am. We all “go that extra mile”.

So life for me may now be very different but it certainly isn’t dull. Not only have I been lucky enough to have relocated my family to the beautiful mid Sussex countryside, I also do a job I thoroughly enjoy and have met some great new friends – I have got the formula right.

At Hunters, we love to be put to the test. Personally, I would love the chance to show you how much we put in to finding the right tenant for your home, and making sure that you have that SHEER PEACE OF MIND that I have always wanted myself.  Please pop in to our office in Burgess Hill or call me on 01444 259610 or if you like emails just click here.  You certainly won’t be disappointed.

Jeannette Tebrook

Lettings Consultant

Beautiful Sussex and a lettings team to be proud of…. is a post from: Hunters Blog

Hi, my name is Chris Rowe and I’m the new recruit at ‘Hunters’ the Estate Agents. The obvious question is, how did I come to be here? I am a local lad who lives in Burgess Hill on West End Meadows and previously went to St Pauls Catholic College studying, Business, IT, Photography and Sociology. Unfortunately, the time to get a job came round far too quickly and at that time I had little idea of what I really wanted to do with my life.

The first proper job was working for a door to door sales company in Brighton, which was a bit of a shock having worked part time Halfords before that. From the start it became obvious that I had an ability to talk to people and sell. My confidence grew throughout my time there but felt it was time to move on. I worked a brief period of ‘business to business’ sales and recognised that product loyalty played a key part in motivating me. My uncle owns several estate agency branches in the north of England and having discussed this with him, I saw the potential opportunity for myself.

So where did Hunters appear from? During my final year at College we had presentations from several local businesses including Hunters Estate Agents and I remember being really impressed with the business owner, Jon Clayson. Primarily due to his enthusiasm and obvious drive for his business, so having kept his business card I decided to send him an e-mail enquiring as to whether there were any opportunities for me with the skills I had learnt.  I was invited in to be interviewed .. twice !! Happily they obviously saw something because they offered me a trainee position  and I have started as a ‘trainee negotiator’.

There is no doubt in my mind that I have made the right decision. The learning curve is very steep but as well as on the job training, I have already been on professional development courses in London through the National Association of Estate Agents because whilst the best way to learn is by jumping in at the deep end, there is no substitute to being taught the right way to do things, something Jon and all the Hunters staff believe in strongly. Having only recently joined, it is likely to be a long journey before I am up and running and competing with the best, but one thing I do know is that this really is an excellent way to spend my working day. The team have been great having recognised that in life and in business I am the ‘newbie’, but their enthusiasm is infectious and having now been on two Courses my confidence is growing.

I work with the Sales Manager and Financial Services Advisor, helping my Clients view houses or sell theirs, pass them to our Mortgage expert to help get the best rates and even help with the rental side a little. It was such an amazing high to actually create from start my first property sale this last week and am looking forward to the next… So please do come in to find out if I really am doing a great job. The atmosphere in the office is really lovely and welcoming and I really hope that when you call or pop in, you enjoy being part of the Hunters experience as much as I do.

Hopefully I will get the opportunity to update this forum with my progress, both highs and lows in the future, so watch this space.

If you are in a similar position to myself or would like to know more about becoming an Estate Agent then Click Here!

You can also add us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the latest news!

Sussex Estate Agent grows team! is a post from: Hunters Blog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jThcc5lbfOs

Obviously not a Hunters property! is a post from: Hunters Blog

My personal opinion having been in the proeprty industry for over 20 years is that there is no good or bad time to move. When you are ready and able is the right time and as long as you aren’t trying to “play the market” you will do fine. Short term purchases are always costly, so look for the long term, save the best depsoit available and jump in when you have found somewhere you can call home. There are absolutely no crystal balls for anything we do, and by the same token house buying should be a preference, not an automatic expectation to make a few pounds over night.

Spend your time making sure you can get the finance in the first place. ALWAYS talk to an Independent Financial Advisor as they can look across the whole market and get a great deal for you, then register and take your time comparing the types, areas, benefits, conditions etc. of the properties available and believe me, when you have found the right one you will know instantly. For some people it just happens to the first they see, for others it may take a few months but by not rushing and being intelligent in your negotiations and mortgage, you will have made that step and it is amazing how great beans on toast taste when you are in your own home.

If you want some more advice, let me know. Always glad to help.

2011 – a good time to buy? is a post from: Hunters Blog

You don’t need to go to extreme lengths to tart up your house, but you should at least try to keep clutter and untidiness to an acceptable level.   Assume that the estate agent might ring you with a buyer ready to view your house at half an hour’s notice. Ideally then, your home should be in a condition that requires only 30 minutes preparation for a successful viewing. Easier said than done of course, but if your viewer aspires to buy your home so they can improve their lifestyle, get more space etc , then  if you can present your home more attractively  to suit those desires, a sale is likely to be the end result.

Try to look at your house with a stranger’s eye and imagine what you would like to see if you were the viewer. Put away old newspapers and magazines and try not to clutter the table surfaces with correspondence. Ashtrays are an absolute no-no. Smokers need to realise that the smoke can be smelled by a non smoker, so the house needs to be heavily perfumed with anti-tobacco air freshener to disguise the smell of cigarettes.

If you have a particularly unattractive old car or bits cluttering garages or driveways, move them somewhere until after the viewing. If you have a particularly unattractive teenager moping in a bedroom, move that somewhere too!  If the viewing is accompanied by someone from Hunters estate agent, go out for ½ hour or so – you don’t need extra bodies cluttering up the rooms.

There’s no real guide to making your house presentable or showing it off to its best advantage.  It depends on the nature and character of your property. Nor do you need to constantly “bake bread”   as some style gurus would have you believe, but there are a few things you can do to make your house viewing the best it can possibly be:

• Clean all the windows and glass doors, mirrors and shower screens and make sure they stay that way. Open windows to the garden if it is a sunny day  – it looks attractive and shows you have a nice garden to look at.  Speaking of gardens, the lawn needs to be kept mown and weeded and any nasty oil spills on the driveway cleaned up so the area looks expansive and clean.  Clean all the floors and make sure you have a working vacuum cleaner to run over the rugs or fitted carpets just prior to viewing.
• If you have kids, get containers that can accommodate any toys which have been left out. You can throw them (toys that is – not the kids)  into these containers, chuck them under a bed and sort out where they belong later.  If you have pets, pick up their food bowls and beds and put them away somewhere until the viewer has gone. Not everybody can tolerate pets so it is well not to advertise yours. Make sure that any animal droppings are cleared from lawns and pathways.
• The kitchen and bathroom must be completely spotless. Fresh fruit works well in the kitchen and make sure the kitchen towels are fresh. Pay special attention to chrome taps and pipes and keep a supply of fluffy, colour matched towels on hand to display the bathroom to advantage. When the viewer has gone, remove them until the next viewer comes.  That way you will not be constantly washing them. Ensure there is new toilet tissue and new soap near the wash basin – it looks nicer than used soap and perfumes the room.
• Pick up discarded clothes from bedrooms and bathrooms and put them away. Clear away any shoes from bedroom floors and hallway.

Making the Right Impression is a post from: Hunters Blog

It’s true that the present house buying system can be plagued with delay and anxiety. The Land Registry is developing ‘e-conveyancing’, an electronic system for the buying, selling and registration of land and property in England and Wales to improve the process.  Assuming everything about your property (and those of any prospective buyers and sellers in your chain) is clear and uncomplicated, conveyancing is fairly straightforward.

However, should any issues or problems arise things can become tricky, especially if your property is leasehold or if it’s been extended and may not have approval for the extension work etc.  You are always best advised to hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to carry out the work.  Hunters can help you find a solicitor in your area that specialises in conveyancing or you can seek advice and recommendation from friends or family. You must bear in mind that this is really where the process slows down so a saving of £100 or so pounds may not, in reality, be a saving at all. If both buyer and seller use this option it can help to speed things up as the respective solicitors will be working for the same company (albeit probably in different offices) so communication will be speedier than with entirely separate companies.  Licensed Conveyancers are regulated by the CLC (Council for Licensed Conveyancers) in England and Wales.

The objective of conveyancing is to arrive at the point when all the solicitors in the chain can exchange the contracts they have drawn up for each property and then a date is fixed for the completion of the sale. Completion is the date that the property is legally yours and you can move in.

Normally, up to 10% of the property purchase price could be needed in advance and paid on exchange of contracts, although if the completion date is less than a week or two from exchange a lesser amount would be required.   You should therefore ensure that you have sufficient funds available to transfer to your solicitor if needed as often mortgage lenders do not release the entire amount of the mortgage advance until completion of the sale.

On exchange of contracts and provision of the deposit, the buyer is effectively committed to the purchase.  This does not mean that completion is inevitable – it’s possible that some circumstance may stop the sale even at this late stage, but if that does happen the buyer will lose their deposit.  Generally speaking, once you have exchanged contracts, the deal is done and when you have the completion date (usually agreed at the time of exchange) you can arrange the day of your move.

Hunters Guide to Conveyancing is a post from: Hunters Blog

Some providers may offer HIPs that you can pay for at a later date but can charge up to twice as much (on completion of the house sale for example).
Hunters Estate Agents and others are not allowed to market your property unless the HIP is available, so if your agent hasn’t offered the HIP as part of their service, you’ll need to make arrangements to have a HIP or call us and we can help you out.  It’s feasible to compile the HIP yourself, but it’s far easier and takes much less time and effort to have a Hunters Estate Agents or a HIP provider to do it for you.

The HIP can help reduce delays and there is less chance of your buyer becoming aware of any last minute issues, surprises or potential problems at the end of the house buying process, so the progression towards exchange and completion should be less fraught.

A HIP is not a substitute for a survey and does not give detailed information about the structural condition of the property.  Buyers will have to arrange for their own survey either through their lender or call us and we can advise on local surveyors. Use the information in the HIP  only as a guide.  A HIP contains compulsory and optional items and documents. There shouldn’t be any marketing or advertising material in the pack.  It contains only official information concerning the property for sale.   If there’s a delay in getting certain documents, like the local searches, these can be added after your house is put on the market.

For Freehold properties the following documents must be included in the HIP:

• Home Information Pack Index
• The new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
• Sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
• Sale statement
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)

For Leasehold properties, the HIP must contain all the compulsory documents as above and a copy of the lease. Aside from these above, other documents are not legally required, but their inclusion could help to speed up the sale and ensure that the process goes more smoothly. These optional documents could include:

• Home Condition Report
• Legal summary
• Home use/contents form
• Other documents like specialist searches (for example, the seller may choose to include a mining search if the property is in a mining area)

A Hunters Guide to Why You Need a HIP is a post from: Hunters Blog

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has been equally upbeat about this apparent resilience in the housing market.  Prices could have fallen further, but government policy combined with low interest rates appears to have been successful.  The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has once again decided not to make a public forecast of house prices for 2009 (indeed, no-one forecast the rise this year)  as they still believe it’s impossible to  predict accurately in what remains a volatile market.

So what about 2010?  Some maintain that 2009 is a false dawn.  Unprecedented levels of government economic stimulus – low interest rates, bank bail outs, the car srcappage scheme, the VAT cut – have had a positive short-term effect.   The uncertainty of the upcoming general election, tax rises, government spending cuts and unemployment potentially rising above three million leads some to believe that house prices will fall again this coming year by 10%-15%, mainly in the second half.

It’s probably true to say that after consecutive months of rises, whatever the underlying reason, a stabilisation trend has been established and although prices may not continue to rise as they have done, the likelihood is they won’t drop and will probably flatten out.  The consensus view seems to be that by December 2010, house prices will be about the same as they are now.  What seems unlikely to change much is the supply of mortgage funds to potential borrowers.   Most first time buyers will still need to put down a 25%-30% deposit (around 2/3 of all mortgage deals currently on offer still specify this) and although mortgage rationing is easing, it remains a slow process.

Hunters Take on House Prices for 2010 is a post from: Hunters Blog

The housing sector seems to change so rapidly these days and there are no predictable cyclical trends any  more,  so if you want to keep up to date what’s really happening or get the lowdown on interesting developments  in the local market place, this is the place to come. Also, by joining us on Twitter you can continually keep updated through messages published there.

Market Prospects

So what’s the market look like at the moment and how does it feel?  We have definitely seen a rise in the levels of buyer activity through viewings arranged. These are mostly new sellers but there are still a notable number of first time buyers.  We’ve also noticed that a lot of buyers who sold over the last couple of years and rented appear to be re-entering the market.   They recognise that the market is changing and they need to consider their options more seriously.   In our opinion, there is definitely a market out there for sensible buyers and sellers.

Accompanied or Unaccompanied Viewings?

The other common observation we’ve heard  recently from many sellers is the apparent increase in unaccompanied viewings,  especially at weekends.  We have always taken the view that accompanying the vast majority of viewings will get the best results for both buyers and sellers because we get a more informed and personal feel for what people don’t like as much as what they do like.  We can give a better service to buyers, matching candidate properties more closely with their need, and we get a far stronger understanding of the current view from the buying market so we can give better advice to sellers.

House Hunters Online is a post from: Hunters Blog