Press Releases 2008

NEWMAN FINISHES TRAUMATIC 2008 ON A HIGH

Property Todays Matt Phillips speaks to Jonathan Handford, Managing Director of Newman Property Services

Newman Property Services a small local independent estate agent from the midlands has beat off competition from the 4 corners of the United Kingdom at the Estate Agency Awards in Westminster in London where they have been recognised again for their outstanding contribution to estate agency. These awards are the longest established and the only recognised by National Assocation of Estate Agents, Ombudsman for Estate Agents and the Asscociation of Residential Lettings Agents

“So it has been a good finish to the year then?”

It is impossible to disguise how challenging a year it has been for estate agents and for us as a business. We have had to radically change our business model in line with the new climate and conditions. However to have the best minds in Estate Agency acknowledge the proactive steps that we have taken and highlight them as one of the benchmarks for the industry is just brilliant. Unquestionably the award that we are most proud of is Silver for Customer Service. This is the third consecutive year that we have been in the top 2 with Gold in 2006 and Silver in 2007. We also won Silver for Best Letting Agent and also Bronze for Best Training & Development.

“If it is that bad out there how have you done it?”

People can be forgiven for thinking that the market isn’t moving but that simply isn’t true. Agent Analyser shows that there are 186 sales currently agreed in Leamington and the surrounding villages. This is a clear demonstration that the market is moving and people are prepared to buy.

In November Newman agreed sales on 28 properties from our Leamington office alone. We have made this happen by doing the basics consistently. It is very easy to let your head go down but maintaining a positive and proactive attitude is essential. We have also adopted innovative marketing techniques to attract new buyers to the market place. This has helped us maintain our position as market leader in the independent board count for the last 2 years.


“But are people not tightening up on spending?”

People may ultimately keep a close grip on the purse strings when it comes to buying non-essentials this Xmas but a lot of people are faced with no choice but to buy and sell. Phil Spencer from Location Location Location highlighted the 3 D’s - Divorce, Death and Debt. On the same token there are the people that have to buy such as first timers, newly weds, downsizers and relocaters. For this reason there will always be movement within the housing market despite how gloomy or pessimistic the media coverage is.

There are also a lot of people that have chosen to put their money into property as a tangible asset as opposed to entrusting their money to the banks. Conscious of a short term slump but happy with a long-term perspective on capital appreciation these savvy investors see property as a safer investment.

“What buyers benefit from the new market?”

There are some buyers that will use this market to their advantage to upgrade. It is difficult to articulate this without the benefit of talking to people in person but

If you are selling at £100,000 and buying at £200,000 try and imagine 2 different scenario’s…..

1.) If the market increases 10% then yes you will achieve a better price for your home but you will also pay more for the next property and the difference between the 2 will be £110,000

2.) If the market drops 10% then yes you will achieve less for your home but you will also pay less for the next property as the market is relative. The difference is just £90,000 rather than £110,000 if the market increases. In the falling market you would save £20,000.

With the correction in prices, extra savings on Stamp Duty, VAT, Estate Agent fee’s and Solicitor fee’s many see this as the best market to buy in for the last 30 years.