Date Posted: 18/06/19
Managing Director Mark Shearing says “Many buyers and sellers believe that the property market is slow at the moment, but our results to date show this is clearly not the case. The market has indeed been tough over the last year or so, but there are always people that need to move. Having over 25 years’ experience in Hertfordshire gives us a huge advantage in tougher markets and enables us to adapt to a good old fashioned estate agency service, like talking to people, finding out their real moving requirements and matching them with like-minded sellers, something many online agencies or even younger firms either cannot do, or seem to have forgotten how to do.
Prices have softened a little, so realistic pricing is essential, but equally you are likely to end up paying a little less for your next home, so it all balances out in the end.
We are also encouraged by the numbers of first-time buyers coming back into the market place, as low interest rates remain it is often cheaper to buy than to waste money renting.
Hertfordshire enjoys almost full employment with a wide diversity of employers, so whilst we are close enough to London to have many commuters living in the county, we are not dependant on London buyers.
Our sales of new homes have risen significantly this year, with our specialist New Homes Department now handling 20 sites offering over 200 homes for sale. Many new homes’ buyers are using the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme, which, contrary to most people’s understanding, is NOT just for first-time buyers.
There have been some very notable performances from our branches. Our Hitchin sales office has just had its best sales month EVER! Outstanding results.
Our Welwyn Garden City office has sold more homes in excess of £1 million this year than in all of last year, a clear sign of returning buyer confidence in the upper market.
Our Stevenage office has had a stunning month for listing new properties to sell and this improved choice has encouraged more buyers to commit.
St Albans office has had its best month this year for both sales and new instructions and we are actively looking for additional staff to meet demand here.
In Knebworth, again, they are ahead of last year as many people want to take advantage of this thriving village’s excellent facilities - including its own station.
The conveyancing process remains painfully slow, with some chains taking many months to get to the point of exchange. Sales progression and dealing with issues during the conveyancing period is one of the most important and time-consuming jobs an estate agent carries out. Having experience and being well-known by local surveyors and solicitors is paramount and something Putterills are professionals at. Choosing an estate agent who does not offer this service, or has a remote centre dealing with all their cases, is a false economy and can cause considerable stress and frustration at what can be an already difficult time.
In summary, the market is fine, with a good level of buyers, but they need to be encouraged and looked after, so at this time, more than ever, choosing the right agent to handle your transaction is paramount and we hope that our selling success this year speaks for itself!!!
