Poor old Anna. Her back's killing her and she's been standing up all day. She is a martyr to the cause. God knows why! Fair enough she needed to be the first hour and a half as I was out viewing but really didn't need to be here until 1530. I've just seen her off when she could have left an hour or two ago but the problem is she's too conscientious. She's even written down her leaving time in case anyone calls and she's not here! Bless.
It did, in fact, turn into quite a busy day yesterday and I ended up staying half and hour late, which is extremely unusual, to put it mildly. People very eager to put their houses on the market. And I've no idea why, presumably they fancy making a loss on their property. But I'm no expert so there must be good reasons that I don't understand.
Have really got to sort out my Fantasy team for the Euro 08 final this evening. It would seem likely that Ballack isn't going to be playing which will put spanners in various works. My money's on Fabregas to run the show and Spain to come out winners. Which probably means Germany will do it if my past predictions are anything to go by! Been invited to a BBQ by Jon to watch the match which is mighty tempting although D is still tired from our socialising last night and I wonder if another night out will put him further out of sorts. T is out at rehearsals all evening so I might just settle down with a beer and watch it on my own. We'll see......
Well, nearly time to log off and go home. That day fairly flew by and I've not really done anything. I must say I'm very impressed with my boredom threshold these days. Quite liked the apartment up at Brownlow Farm (more than the weird chap I showed round at any rate), surprised it hasn't sold yet. Having said that, I shouldn't be surprised at anything in this market. It'll be a wonder if we sell anything before the end of July. And then we have our quiet period. God help us all. I wonder how long I'll have a job for? Watch this space.....
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Viewing but not selling
Weather - 18C sunny intervals
Well, plenty of viewings this afternoon but nobody's interested in buying. Having said that someone's just cancelled one! Gives David a chance to tell me more about his amazing Market Garden business idea that he'll be doing when he gets the sack from this place! Jolly good. Apparently he specialised in pig husbandry when he was at agricultural college. you learn something new every day. And some of it I didn't want to learn, believe me!
Sufficed to say it is still dead as a dead thing round here. A few phone calls, mainly from one nervous homeowner, and absolutely no one through the door except a cheesed off deliver man for the fish restaurant next door!
Just viewed at Delahay Rise. The couple are undoubtedly very keen but are currently offering £410K (it's on at £499K), and unsurprisingly the owners aren't going for it. Got to say though if it carries on in this vein they're not going to get a much better offer and will find they'll have to drop the price more to generate decent any interest. Harsh but true.
Apparently during the week Pauline took down the house details in the window to rearrange the display and someone from Claire Lloyd asked if we were shutting down! Blimey, it's a cut throat business for sure.
Judging by David's demeanor, he's feeling the pressure of not selling. I mean, I just sit here at the weekends typing a blog. He gets a whole week of nothing. Aand it's not as though he can do a massive amount about it either. Most of it has to come to him (which it isn't). We have more properties on the books now than at anytime during the last year (47), and absolutely none of them selling. We are getting more people in asking for rentals than ever before. It's probably going to be the big money earner in the current climate.
I'm sitting watching someone in a bright green Hi-vi across the street collecting for charity. I bet she's not doing a roaring trade either. I should think people are being very stingy with their charitable donations at the moment. ah well, off to the next/last viewing. Hopefully David will be back soon or I'll have to lock up which makes it look like we're not open for business. Am I starting to sound like I care? Hmmmm, maybe......
Oooops. Just swore blind to David that I'd put the keys from my last viewing back in the key cupboard.... when in fact they were in my car. Sorry!
Well, plenty of viewings this afternoon but nobody's interested in buying. Having said that someone's just cancelled one! Gives David a chance to tell me more about his amazing Market Garden business idea that he'll be doing when he gets the sack from this place! Jolly good. Apparently he specialised in pig husbandry when he was at agricultural college. you learn something new every day. And some of it I didn't want to learn, believe me!
Sufficed to say it is still dead as a dead thing round here. A few phone calls, mainly from one nervous homeowner, and absolutely no one through the door except a cheesed off deliver man for the fish restaurant next door!
Just viewed at Delahay Rise. The couple are undoubtedly very keen but are currently offering £410K (it's on at £499K), and unsurprisingly the owners aren't going for it. Got to say though if it carries on in this vein they're not going to get a much better offer and will find they'll have to drop the price more to generate decent any interest. Harsh but true.
Apparently during the week Pauline took down the house details in the window to rearrange the display and someone from Claire Lloyd asked if we were shutting down! Blimey, it's a cut throat business for sure.
Judging by David's demeanor, he's feeling the pressure of not selling. I mean, I just sit here at the weekends typing a blog. He gets a whole week of nothing. Aand it's not as though he can do a massive amount about it either. Most of it has to come to him (which it isn't). We have more properties on the books now than at anytime during the last year (47), and absolutely none of them selling. We are getting more people in asking for rentals than ever before. It's probably going to be the big money earner in the current climate.
I'm sitting watching someone in a bright green Hi-vi across the street collecting for charity. I bet she's not doing a roaring trade either. I should think people are being very stingy with their charitable donations at the moment. ah well, off to the next/last viewing. Hopefully David will be back soon or I'll have to lock up which makes it look like we're not open for business. Am I starting to sound like I care? Hmmmm, maybe......
Oooops. Just swore blind to David that I'd put the keys from my last viewing back in the key cupboard.... when in fact they were in my car. Sorry!
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Short
Weather Sunny 20C
Just a short entry today as there is absolutely bugger all going on. Two phone calls, both for the wrong agent. But it is a gorgeous day, just the thing for sitting in an office doing nothing. Although that's not strictly true as I've a website to be getting on with. Saying that, these computers are so decrepit that anything I do is taking an age so I might just give up and do it at home. Anna's making tea for us both, again. Surprised there's any left after Des and I went at it yesterday. Got quite a buzz form all the caffeine I consumed. Little bit shaky.
I would say I'm bored but I'm not really which is kind of strange but I guess as long as I have web access everything's OK!
Just a short entry today as there is absolutely bugger all going on. Two phone calls, both for the wrong agent. But it is a gorgeous day, just the thing for sitting in an office doing nothing. Although that's not strictly true as I've a website to be getting on with. Saying that, these computers are so decrepit that anything I do is taking an age so I might just give up and do it at home. Anna's making tea for us both, again. Surprised there's any left after Des and I went at it yesterday. Got quite a buzz form all the caffeine I consumed. Little bit shaky.
I would say I'm bored but I'm not really which is kind of strange but I guess as long as I have web access everything's OK!
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Drizzle , drizzle, moan, moan
Weather 16C and drizzle, drizzle
Boy, Alba's on one today! I think the world's coming to an end if she's anything to do with it. The housing market has officially died (according to Alba) and we're all going to hell in a handcart! Nothing being sold, by anyone. Although she's telling the other estate agents that she has been. All the other agents are snooping about wanting to know what's going on with the competition so everything we'll hear over the coming months will I'm sure, be hearsay, gossip, Chinese whispers, call it what you will! Could be interesting.......
As for today, there are four viewings in all, of which I am doing two.
As for what else we can do, well we are discussing what the world's tallest building currently is. Well we think it's the Burj Dubai, although it's not complete, it's taller than the one in Taipei. And another thing, we're going to be out of tea by the end of the day with the rate Des and I are going through it!
The local kids are playing a repertoire of eighties classics right outside Aitchesons. It sounds terrible from here! Now that someone's opened the door it sounds even worse! God, what are they playing? Sounds like a jamboree, jolly hockey sticks! 'Baggy Trousers' now...... that's the second time in half an hour. I hope they don't keep it up all day. Oh God, I think they're on tape-loop. It's 'Waterloo' again. And they've turned up the volume. And they're crap. And now that I've got back from my viewings they've gone. Hurrah! And that's lunch.
Unbelievabley quiet, no calls, nobody in. Blimey, I've never known, in all my four months weekend work in the industry.
Boy, Alba's on one today! I think the world's coming to an end if she's anything to do with it. The housing market has officially died (according to Alba) and we're all going to hell in a handcart! Nothing being sold, by anyone. Although she's telling the other estate agents that she has been. All the other agents are snooping about wanting to know what's going on with the competition so everything we'll hear over the coming months will I'm sure, be hearsay, gossip, Chinese whispers, call it what you will! Could be interesting.......
As for today, there are four viewings in all, of which I am doing two.
As for what else we can do, well we are discussing what the world's tallest building currently is. Well we think it's the Burj Dubai, although it's not complete, it's taller than the one in Taipei. And another thing, we're going to be out of tea by the end of the day with the rate Des and I are going through it!
The local kids are playing a repertoire of eighties classics right outside Aitchesons. It sounds terrible from here! Now that someone's opened the door it sounds even worse! God, what are they playing? Sounds like a jamboree, jolly hockey sticks! 'Baggy Trousers' now...... that's the second time in half an hour. I hope they don't keep it up all day. Oh God, I think they're on tape-loop. It's 'Waterloo' again. And they've turned up the volume. And they're crap. And now that I've got back from my viewings they've gone. Hurrah! And that's lunch.
Unbelievabley quiet, no calls, nobody in. Blimey, I've never known, in all my four months weekend work in the industry.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Back to normal
Weather - sunny spells 18C
So after the hectic day that was Saturday (only slightly tongue-in-cheek too I might add), it appears it's back to the old routine today. Two viewings and then nothing else to report at the moment (although it is only 1300). It's a funny old game as someone once said (but not about estate agents). The farmer's market is on today which normally pulls in a few punters but not so today. I rather fancy they're all in Tesco trying to save a few quid or at least they were all in there when I was in there, it's mobbed. I can't really attribute it to there shiny new electrical/clothing department they've just opened.
So that's about the longest that anyone's stayed in the shop to chat. Must have been here about half an hour talking about the area, houses etc. Coming over from Holland and can't believe the prices (in Berko, well I never). Anyway, nice people and I think I pulled the grandmother as she I asked if I was in during the week and was quite disappointed that I wasn't. Nevermind!
Bless, just had an extremely elderly couple in looking at the flat in the High Street (£175k). I think he's lost the plot slightly and her wig was a bit wonky. Anyway seemed nice enough so Des has taken them for a look round. Living in a wardened place in St Albans at the moment. Bit of a young property for them I think but you never know these days, might be a couple of ravers!
England are looking good in the first one-dayer against NZ with KP scoring a century although NZ have started their innings pretty quickly. Hopefully that means there'll be a wicket soon.
Half an hour til we leave so not much more to say unless Des gets taken prisoner by the old couple he's showing around. You never know these days!
So after the hectic day that was Saturday (only slightly tongue-in-cheek too I might add), it appears it's back to the old routine today. Two viewings and then nothing else to report at the moment (although it is only 1300). It's a funny old game as someone once said (but not about estate agents). The farmer's market is on today which normally pulls in a few punters but not so today. I rather fancy they're all in Tesco trying to save a few quid or at least they were all in there when I was in there, it's mobbed. I can't really attribute it to there shiny new electrical/clothing department they've just opened.
So that's about the longest that anyone's stayed in the shop to chat. Must have been here about half an hour talking about the area, houses etc. Coming over from Holland and can't believe the prices (in Berko, well I never). Anyway, nice people and I think I pulled the grandmother as she I asked if I was in during the week and was quite disappointed that I wasn't. Nevermind!
Bless, just had an extremely elderly couple in looking at the flat in the High Street (£175k). I think he's lost the plot slightly and her wig was a bit wonky. Anyway seemed nice enough so Des has taken them for a look round. Living in a wardened place in St Albans at the moment. Bit of a young property for them I think but you never know these days, might be a couple of ravers!
England are looking good in the first one-dayer against NZ with KP scoring a century although NZ have started their innings pretty quickly. Hopefully that means there'll be a wicket soon.
Half an hour til we leave so not much more to say unless Des gets taken prisoner by the old couple he's showing around. You never know these days!
Saturday, 14 June 2008
It's Saturday again
Weather - 17C Sunny
Word has it that Claire Lloyd may be closing. Been around for about five years apparently. We'll wait and see what happens there.
Bit difficult to update today as the boss-man is in and sits behind me which doesn't make for easy typing. Just viewed a house on Bridgewater Road. Not much feel from the viewing as they've been advised to sell before they offer so are being very guarded about what they say and do. I think this is about typical of the attitude at the moment which is making houses very difficult to shift.
Rose and Crown next, just for a second viewing. This chap's already had an offer accepted on the place at £360,000. Bargain. It was originally on at £450k then taken down to £410k so £360k is a bit of a result. I can see other properties going the same way.
Then to Bridens Camp for last viewing of the day. Tiny little place and quite quaint right by the local pub and cricket ground. Tiny second bedroom but downstairs is very nice, large living room and kitchen diner. On at £220k, pretty reasonable price considering it'll never make that. Could dip under £200k when/if (ever the optimist!) someone makes an offer.
Definitely feels busier today. Had a fair few people in the front door and on the phone plus extra viewings made on the day (four extra). With all that going on it's making it difficult to keep the blog up.
What happens if it gets really busy?
Just heard Nikki's been made redundant from her job in Leighton Buzzard. The agent laid off a load of employees. She'd only been there a month after leaving this place. Two kids to look after so she'll be wanting to find something soon as!
Word has it that Claire Lloyd may be closing. Been around for about five years apparently. We'll wait and see what happens there.
Bit difficult to update today as the boss-man is in and sits behind me which doesn't make for easy typing. Just viewed a house on Bridgewater Road. Not much feel from the viewing as they've been advised to sell before they offer so are being very guarded about what they say and do. I think this is about typical of the attitude at the moment which is making houses very difficult to shift.
Rose and Crown next, just for a second viewing. This chap's already had an offer accepted on the place at £360,000. Bargain. It was originally on at £450k then taken down to £410k so £360k is a bit of a result. I can see other properties going the same way.
Then to Bridens Camp for last viewing of the day. Tiny little place and quite quaint right by the local pub and cricket ground. Tiny second bedroom but downstairs is very nice, large living room and kitchen diner. On at £220k, pretty reasonable price considering it'll never make that. Could dip under £200k when/if (ever the optimist!) someone makes an offer.
Definitely feels busier today. Had a fair few people in the front door and on the phone plus extra viewings made on the day (four extra). With all that going on it's making it difficult to keep the blog up.
What happens if it gets really busy?
Just heard Nikki's been made redundant from her job in Leighton Buzzard. The agent laid off a load of employees. She'd only been there a month after leaving this place. Two kids to look after so she'll be wanting to find something soon as!
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Sunny day
Weather - Sunny 23C
Wow, beautiful day, it is summer after all. The apartment at The Rex complex was indeed very nice. Alba couldn't work out how to get in, bless. It's an electronic key which you place up against the receiver and automatically opens the door. No keyhole at all, very confusing. Just as well I was there she said. All done out in Art Deco style. Two en-suite bedrooms and three toilets which was a surprise. That's almost as many as there are rooms. Nice and secluded as it's set back from the street and has a nice balcony for sipping cocktails on. And it's right next to The Gatsby (a swanky cocktail bar and restaurant), and the Rex cinema. I'll buy one (if I can raise a mortgage for a bit more then the there bed, four storey town house I'm living in at the moment)! I think it's about the classiest property we've got on and we only got it because Charles Bailey closed.
Des has gone to view the Sheilings which is a nice bungalow that has been on for months. I have lost interest and enthusiasm in showing it as no-one seems very interested and just nit-pick with every viewing. Probably better that Des shows it I think!
Euro 2008 started yesterday so my wife shall be a footy widow for a few weeks. The only interest I can really generate is by playing fantasy football against Jon. He's winning at the moment but there have only been two matches played so early doors yet. England are just about to tie up the series against the Kiwis (yes, I'm listening online again). Sounds like England could/should win by an innings. New Zealand have been a bit rubbish to be honest but hey ho! You can only play what's in front of you. There goes the last wicket. An innings and nine runs. 2-0 in the series. A spanking.
On the house front not much to report other than to say slow would be an understatement. No calls and no-one in for the first hour and a quarter. I'll keep you posted hour-by-hour so you don't miss any excitement. I say hour-by-hour but month-by-month might be more appropriate at the moment!
Think it's BBQ time tonight, I'll have to pop across to Tesco (if I have time), few cold beers, glass of wine that sort of things. Very nice too, especially when you don't have to work on a Monday morning. Tomorrow promises to be at least as nice a stoday so I'll get my walking shoes on and take the boy out somewhere to stretch his legs.
Wow, beautiful day, it is summer after all. The apartment at The Rex complex was indeed very nice. Alba couldn't work out how to get in, bless. It's an electronic key which you place up against the receiver and automatically opens the door. No keyhole at all, very confusing. Just as well I was there she said. All done out in Art Deco style. Two en-suite bedrooms and three toilets which was a surprise. That's almost as many as there are rooms. Nice and secluded as it's set back from the street and has a nice balcony for sipping cocktails on. And it's right next to The Gatsby (a swanky cocktail bar and restaurant), and the Rex cinema. I'll buy one (if I can raise a mortgage for a bit more then the there bed, four storey town house I'm living in at the moment)! I think it's about the classiest property we've got on and we only got it because Charles Bailey closed.
Des has gone to view the Sheilings which is a nice bungalow that has been on for months. I have lost interest and enthusiasm in showing it as no-one seems very interested and just nit-pick with every viewing. Probably better that Des shows it I think!
Euro 2008 started yesterday so my wife shall be a footy widow for a few weeks. The only interest I can really generate is by playing fantasy football against Jon. He's winning at the moment but there have only been two matches played so early doors yet. England are just about to tie up the series against the Kiwis (yes, I'm listening online again). Sounds like England could/should win by an innings. New Zealand have been a bit rubbish to be honest but hey ho! You can only play what's in front of you. There goes the last wicket. An innings and nine runs. 2-0 in the series. A spanking.
On the house front not much to report other than to say slow would be an understatement. No calls and no-one in for the first hour and a quarter. I'll keep you posted hour-by-hour so you don't miss any excitement. I say hour-by-hour but month-by-month might be more appropriate at the moment!
Think it's BBQ time tonight, I'll have to pop across to Tesco (if I have time), few cold beers, glass of wine that sort of things. Very nice too, especially when you don't have to work on a Monday morning. Tomorrow promises to be at least as nice a stoday so I'll get my walking shoes on and take the boy out somewhere to stretch his legs.
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Doom and gloom
Weather - sunny intervals 15C (it's supposed to be summer?)
Well, Alba's not the cheeriest I've ever seen her. In fact she's downright depressed about the whole housing situation. And, I must say, it doesn't look great. Not a house sold for months although waiting for two exchanges at the moment which are taking an age. Charles Bailey in Berko closed down Monday last and Cole Flatt in Tring closed down during the week. A picture of things to come maybe. I think I need to start looking for another part-time job that doesn't involve the housing market! Just been delivering leaflets with Des because it's soooo quiet there's nothing else to do at the moment except type this blog up.
Anyway it gives me time to be regaled about Des' exploits at Batchwood picking up two women and taking them back to his house. Lovely! He's now off doing a viewing at a house that belongs to his ex-girlfriend. What does this guy get up to? I don't think there's a woman in Berko he's not had 'something' to do with.
Ah, the Hare Krishnas have just turned up outside and are proceeding to make an absolute earsplitting racket with their drums. Not very tuneful or soulful but it's making people stop and stare which I guess is the idea. Maybe we should get them to play in the shop window as there are precious few people stopping and staring in this direction. One chap's just been in asking what the cheapest property we have on is. I tell him a one bedroom flat at 175K then 250K and up. He says that's too expensive. What was he expecting? Maybe he should try Luton. There are two bedroom flats going there for 130K. What a lovely place Luton really is.
Sam from Claire Lloyd has just popped here head in and chewed the fat with Alba about the current situation. They sound as bad as us. Nothing moving and no interest coming from anywhere. I have to say, however, in my brief career I've never known anything different.
Going to see a penthouse flat in the Rex apartments later. Supposed to be very nice. Just come on at £335,000. Was £400,000 with the previous estate agent. Blimey, what a come down.
Just had a mad few moments two different people and a phone call within literally minutes of each other. Nearly couldn't handle the excitement. The phone call being;
'Hi, have they viewed my house yet'?
'Which house would that be?'
'Er, my one.'
'Which house is that?'
'Ellesmere Road of course.'
'Of course............'
We only picked the best customers here!
Well, Alba's not the cheeriest I've ever seen her. In fact she's downright depressed about the whole housing situation. And, I must say, it doesn't look great. Not a house sold for months although waiting for two exchanges at the moment which are taking an age. Charles Bailey in Berko closed down Monday last and Cole Flatt in Tring closed down during the week. A picture of things to come maybe. I think I need to start looking for another part-time job that doesn't involve the housing market! Just been delivering leaflets with Des because it's soooo quiet there's nothing else to do at the moment except type this blog up.
Anyway it gives me time to be regaled about Des' exploits at Batchwood picking up two women and taking them back to his house. Lovely! He's now off doing a viewing at a house that belongs to his ex-girlfriend. What does this guy get up to? I don't think there's a woman in Berko he's not had 'something' to do with.
Ah, the Hare Krishnas have just turned up outside and are proceeding to make an absolute earsplitting racket with their drums. Not very tuneful or soulful but it's making people stop and stare which I guess is the idea. Maybe we should get them to play in the shop window as there are precious few people stopping and staring in this direction. One chap's just been in asking what the cheapest property we have on is. I tell him a one bedroom flat at 175K then 250K and up. He says that's too expensive. What was he expecting? Maybe he should try Luton. There are two bedroom flats going there for 130K. What a lovely place Luton really is.
Sam from Claire Lloyd has just popped here head in and chewed the fat with Alba about the current situation. They sound as bad as us. Nothing moving and no interest coming from anywhere. I have to say, however, in my brief career I've never known anything different.
Going to see a penthouse flat in the Rex apartments later. Supposed to be very nice. Just come on at £335,000. Was £400,000 with the previous estate agent. Blimey, what a come down.
Just had a mad few moments two different people and a phone call within literally minutes of each other. Nearly couldn't handle the excitement. The phone call being;
'Hi, have they viewed my house yet'?
'Which house would that be?'
'Er, my one.'
'Which house is that?'
'Ellesmere Road of course.'
'Of course............'
We only picked the best customers here!
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Hangover Sunday
Weather - 17C and overcast
So, with three hours sleep and a burgeoning hangover I'm fit to show people round some houses. Still at least I'm not looking after the boy today, I don't envy the wife that one, especially with the size of her hangover.
Busier than expected today with three viewings (hold the front page!). Lots of calls and people in the door though. The door, yes. The door that you are barely able to open as it is so sticky. I have trouble and I know it's bad. Talk about turning customers away. Got a viewing at an ex-council house which has been on the market for months and months and has little or no interest. They've finally dropped their price, although I can't see it making much odds. It's not a very nice estate and the chap opposite has what appears to be a used car business set up in his front garden(!).
So, with three hours sleep and a burgeoning hangover I'm fit to show people round some houses. Still at least I'm not looking after the boy today, I don't envy the wife that one, especially with the size of her hangover.
Busier than expected today with three viewings (hold the front page!). Lots of calls and people in the door though. The door, yes. The door that you are barely able to open as it is so sticky. I have trouble and I know it's bad. Talk about turning customers away. Got a viewing at an ex-council house which has been on the market for months and months and has little or no interest. They've finally dropped their price, although I can't see it making much odds. It's not a very nice estate and the chap opposite has what appears to be a used car business set up in his front garden(!).
Des is in today, first time I've seen him in a while due to the nature of his business i.e. flying around the world every week. He is in and out like a yo-yo at the moment which I think is driving Alba mad although he doesn't think so. I'm staying out of it. I'm just going to work every weekend until someone says stop!
More phone calls, this really must stop, I'm just not used to the pressure. Someone actually asking me about the areas around Berkhamsted. Do I look like an estate agent? Er, well, yes, I suppose I do.
Couple of viewings with a young couple and it's nearly time to go home. They didn't like the ex-council house either, but only because it needs so much work. Yes, not only is it ex-council but it also needs a lot of TLC (like 30Ks worth). Not worth the 280K that it's on for I think (and neither does anyone else apparently). Sleep is most definitely on the menu!
Couple of viewings with a young couple and it's nearly time to go home. They didn't like the ex-council house either, but only because it needs so much work. Yes, not only is it ex-council but it also needs a lot of TLC (like 30Ks worth). Not worth the 280K that it's on for I think (and neither does anyone else apparently). Sleep is most definitely on the menu!
Here is a BBC property blog on the current state of affairs which is quite interesting.
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