The Property Sales People

Do we need to say more? Only Ely agent with a satisfaction score! (8.8/10) Printed from OEA website 8 September 2008

Today has made me certain, if it was ever in doubt, that there are only two 'professions' worse than estate agents. Media journalists and politicians.   That fumbling idiot today announced with great fanfare the abolition of Stamp Duty for 12 months up to the sum of £175,000. Just a few first time buyers may save themselves a few pounds but I suggest that in the main it's more of this government's 'Spin' – something it really does know how to do well.   By refusing to make a proper comment earlier in the summer he probably cost the jobs of thousands of people employed not just in the property industry but all those trades and manufacturers that follow on its train. A stalled property market was given another reason for buyers to wait and see what the great announcement would be.   So now we have the announcement only to find that hardly anyone in the UK will benefit so the delayed purchases, caused by the inept leak and fumbled comment, were all for next to not

Over the last 14 days my office on Market Place has been going through a transformation and building works will continue for a little while yet.   About 5 years ago, when the market was starting to get warmed up and lots of money was sloshing about the banking system looking for a home, we decided to take on more staff and expand the premises into what was the launderette at No.22.   Well ,all good things come to an end and I have now reversed that expansion. This has been in response to a number of factors but in the main due to the severe downturn in the market , my landlord conducting a rent review (this means putting it up thousands of pounds) and also down to the place where estate agent meets buyers/sellers is increasingly 'on the web' these days, rather than face to face in an office situation.   There is a new tenant in No.22 from about the end of August and I won't steal their thunder by announcing who they are just yet! Pass by and they are actually trading now.