Posted by Dan Boyes BSc (Hons) CPEA on Mon, 2011-11-28 12:47
When looking back over the year, I think we have done rather well considering the expectations of how the market was going to run in 2011. Properties falling through have been kept in single figures, sales agreed have increased year on year and instruction levels are on the rise.
The future of the market has to be more of a rhetorical question than a serious expectation of crystal ball gazing. The optimistic agent in me hopes for a 'standard market' following the normal ups and downs of a year linked to school holidays. It is true to say Tunbridge Wells has a very tough financial hide when it comes to depreciation, and with the size of the rental market underpinning the town with fresh applicants looking for the right house, and the right school, 2012 should be a positive year.
On a completely different note, writing our own blog allows us to have a rant once in a while. The rantworthy point standing out more than most this year is that of solicitor recommendations handed out by various agents in the town. Always ask if the agent will receive a referral fee from the solicitor they are recommending. Why else would they recommend a firm based miles away with a call centre style answering service, when there are some fantastic local firms who in the main can offer a far more personal and speedy service during one of the most stressful periods of time? I believe this is a conflict of interest that should be, and is often not, disclosed to the client at the start. Firms are putting personal gain over good client care and advice.
Dan Boyes BSc (Hons) CPEA
Partner
Dan has lived in Tunbridge Wells his entire life and has been working for Alexandre Boyes for the last twelve years. Dan heads up the sales team and has an excellent understanding of the Tunbridge Wells property market. He is one of the most experienced estate agents in Tunbridge Wells and is able to provide genuine guidance to both sellers and buyers from both a professional and personal angle. Dan has an established client base who have used him time and again due to his accurate valuations, his excellent negotiation skills and the quality service the team deliver.
Dan lives locally with his wife and three young children. Asked what his three interests in life are he replied "Wine, my children and my garden, although not necessarily in that order!"
