Chris, James and Tilly
‘We had the best service from all the team at Whitman and Co. We were impressed with their attention to detail. The level of communication was first rate and they went above and beyond.’ – Ross Emerson
‘A client told us that he had previously been asked to sign a 24-week contract including a four-week notice period for a sole agency agreement,’ recalls Chris Chalmers, the Sales Manager at Whitman & Co. ‘That’s just ridiculous. It’s an extreme example, but it reflects a significant and, for us, very frustrating trend in the market.’
The tried and tested Whitman & Co philosophy is the polar opposite. The Turnham Green Terrace agent doesn’t tie anyone into either a minimum time contract or notice period. ‘My advice would be never to commit to more than four weeks with anyone,’ says Chris. ‘Of course, our approach does mean extra pressure, but we back our local knowledge, experience and contacts to pay dividends for buyers and vendors.
‘Clearly, some agents are over-promising on valuations to win an instruction. Then, with an extended contract in place, the price is chipped away, and often substantially so. For example, between March 2023 and 2024 one local agent listed 154 properties and 73 were subsequently cut in price – almost 50% – and by nearly 10%. In that same period, we only reduced 16% of prices and by a much smaller percentage; in fact, our average agreed sale price was 103% of asking price!’
Whitman & Co has long been the No 1 local sales and lettings estate agent and, according to Rightmove, last year the business increased its market share, handling 24% of properties sold in W4. That track record has been founded on building relationships, focusing on Chiswick and the immediate area and, most importantly, integrity when it comes to accurate valuations.
‘This year the Chiswick market in sales and lettings has been healthy, with plenty of deals being done,’ explains Chris. ‘As a team, we’re always looking to maximise marketing options, hence when appropriate we use an off-market strategy. That simply means a property has no digital footprint; rather, we find buyers through our own extensive database and it’s a method that particularly appeals to vendors who want to be discreet about their intentions.’
Chiswick’s commercial property market continues to be equally strong. ‘When one brand closes, there’s usually another waiting,’ confirms Whitman & Co Director, Jeremy Day. ‘And it’s not all about the High Road. One recent deal will see the ex-Party Plus site on Acton Lane become the new home of Turnham Arts & Crafts and we’re also delighted to have delivered a neat outcome at the popular Plum Duff bakery on Southfield Road.
‘In the office sector lettings have been completed with Health Shak chiropractors on Heathfield Terrace and Ultrasound Direct on the High Road. Most excitingly, we have launched a fantastic 2,650sq ft office floor in the historic, newly-refurbished Voysey House on Barley Mow Passage (the quoting rent is £49.50 per sq ft pa.). One of Chiswick’s most iconic brands, the Sanderson Design Group (famous for wallpapers), has already announced that it will be returning to the building which it previously occupied from 1879 to 1928.’
‘If you need any advice about buying, selling or letting a property in Chiswick, we would be delighted to help,’ says Chris. ‘Do pop into the office and say hello or follow us on Social Media. We look forward to working with you.’
Whitman & Co
5-7 Turnham Green Terrace,
Chiswick, W4 1RG
+442087478800
sales@whitmanandco.com
lettings@whitmanandco.com
http://www.whitmanandco.com/
http://www.whitmancommercial.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/whitmanandco/
https://twitter.com/estateagentw4
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