Welcome to Astley & co estate agent.

In 2003, we would literally list a property, sell it very quickly, then the builder, the tradesperson, or the enthusiastic DIY’er would give it a makeover, possibly without the standards or attention to detail like today’s refurbs, add tens of thousands of pounds to the asking price, then put it back on the market, and just like that, a healthy profit is made. We used to call it ‘flippin’ and it really was flipping marvellous! Everyone was happy, the buyer with their new sparkling home, the seller with a healthy profit margin. Today, is feeling very similar, everything is selling for best prices ever!

I cannot quite remember times like these since 2003! I list a property and the minute it goes live; the phone is ringing off the hook. I have always been a realistic valuer and I try not to over inflate the asking price because this can cause all sorts of trouble later. But today, the prices are spiralling to the point that I now explain to the seller, it is not where we start that is important, it is where we end up!   Which again goes to prove that it is 'market forces' that dictate the true value of any property rather than what the estate agent would like to achieve. Be brave, listen to your agent, you can never sell a property cheap you will only sell it for what it is worth!

Every time I am selling a property and it is going to attract the young folk, I just know, that it is going to be an uphill struggle to get the feedback! People really do not like to ‘talk’ these days. It is quicker to send an email or a text, so if that is our only way of communication, then we rely on a written message and if we are lucky, we get a reply. I must be old fashioned because if a viewer has taken the time to telephone to book the appointment and then go to the viewing, to be gracious with the host, then why can't they answer our call to give their thoughts rather than 'ghost' the agent. I feel 'chucked' (a term from the olden days)! Good job, I can rely on my mature viewers to take my call to have a good 'talk' about it and at the least the youngsters are good at spelling! Happy safe viewings people...