Diary of an estate agent: Northfields

Monday
The phones are red hot today. Twenty two viewings on Saturday produce five offers by mid-morning and we close three sales before lunch. One accepted offer makes me feel good.

The Faines family (father, mother and two daughters) moved to this area simply because of the great schools. They uprooted themselves and said goodbye to friends and family 100 miles away to give their children a better start. I admire them; it’s amazing when you deal with such devoted families.

I met Mr Faines by chance in the local pub and learned that the family was renting a property through the lettings department at our Ealing branch. Once he told me his story and explained what they needed, the information stayed in my mind and the minute the four-bed semi on Elers Road (private, large garden plus cinema room) came on our books, I arranged a viewing.

I knew it was perfect for them, and wasn’t surprised when Mr Faines put in an offer. However, the thrill is always magnified when the offer is accepted; it’s a really great feeling to share a family’s excitement and a privilege to be involved in such a life-changing moment. A brilliant Monday.

Tuesday
I listen to the noise of children flying round the corner on their scooters — and their parents trailing behind shouting “slow down”— from my desk, and relish the fact we are in a thriving area surrounded by energy and bustle. A couple of the mums look through the window and we wave at one another. It is great when past clients pop in occasionally and say hello — they are the best marketing we could have as nothing beats a client’s recommendation.

Wednesday
Exciting day today as I’m about to close an offer of £1.9 million on a former nursing home in one of Northfields’ premier roads. The Victorian building dates from 1895. Not to be outdone, my business partner says that he’s about to take to market a former estate agent’s home, which has been updated to a very high standard, at £1.8 million.
Particular care has been taken to invest in an energy-saving heating system. Therefore the gas, electricity and heating came in at under £80 for the last quarter, which is a brilliant selling point.

Thursday
One of our regular clients is due to exchange contracts today on a detached Victorian villa arranged as three 3,500 sq ft apartments. It adjoins the Duke of Northumberland’s estate at Syon Park in west London and is set to become a stunning home.

The architects are at the ready to turn it back into a luxurious single dwelling. Ealing is renowned for flats in Victorian houses that are just ripe for the right buyer to restore them back to their former glory. Thankfully, we have just the right clients to buy them.

Friday
“Dazzling Dave” takes on a fantastic apartment above a commercial premises that we are already marketing, and sells them both to one client. Dave is a star in the making. The weekend looks positive, with three open-house viewings lined up, each with seven prospective buyers booked in. So at 6pm, it’s off to the Duke of Kent to round off a successful week where, as if on cue, Mr Faines walks in, so I congratulate him properly and buy him a well-earned drink.

Hans Patel is a partner at Hunters in Northfields, W13 (020 8579 1611).