We’re familiar with the concept of employing someone to take care of the garden, look after the childen or even shop for us. But would we be comfortable hiring someone to find us a home? Stephanie Thomson spoke to Amina Sadiq of ANS Property Finders, whose successful service does just that.
What is your service and how does it work?
At ANS Property Finders we realise that buying a new property can be a challenging and demanding experience. It is our aim to make the moving process as simple and hassle free as possible. Ultimately the service is about finding the client their perfect property, securing it for them and managing things through to completion.
It may sound simple, but most people don’t actually get to see the best properties for sale, as they are snapped up almost immediately. Knowledge and effort is needed to be able to sift the good from the bad. We make sure that we are at the front of the queue when new properties come on the market, and are able to dedicate the time to maintaining contact with estate agents and view property at the drop of a hat.
Once we’ve found a property, we negotiate and secure it for our clients and follow through with the sale right to the end.
What prompted you to develop the service?
Family and friends often comment on the knack I have for knowing a good property when I see one. After buying a property myself and finding out a bit more about the market I decided to train as an estate agent. I gave up a successful career as a retail buyer and simply started from scratch. I found that I was good at the job and really enjoyed being able to take on a property and find the right buyers for it. I guess my experience in retail was helpful in understanding buyers’ needs and being able to satisfy their requirements.
I often heard people say ‘I had to take a week off work to look for property last week, but I didn’t find anything’ or complain that they couldn’t get to see a property before the weekend and were worried it would be under offer by the time they saw it. The need for a property finding service was evident, and it simply went from there.
How much does it cost?
We are very competitively priced. An initial fee is payable when we agree to act on a client’s behalf to find a property. A further commission fee is payable if we find a property and the client enters into a binding contract to purchase it.
It’s a small price to pay to ensure that such an important and big investment is given the full consideration that it deserves. However, we really want to help people buy the correct property, and we’re always willing to put together a package to suit our clients’ pocket.
Who uses your service?
The service is for anyone who seriously wants to find a selection of the best properties within their budget with less effort, time, hassle and stress. People who work in London with demanding careers often find it difficult to make the time to house hunt.
Investing in a property is one of the biggest decisions you can make and not one to be taken lightly. With our help, clients know that their decision to buy is an informed one.
You mentioned that the service can be tailored for individual requirements – how does this work?
We can help organise removals or investigate local schools. A client may be buying a property that they want to redecorate – we can recommend painters and decorators and even offer some interior design advice. If a client is buying a property as an investment, we can advise them on the marketplace, current rental values and terms. We can even help organise the letting of the property.
What about your own experiences of looking for a place to live?
I was able to find a home I fell in love with and the experience wasn’t too painful. But being a first-time buyer is nerve wracking, and sometimes you can be too cautious. I wish I had had somebody on my side to offer advice and guidance!
For further information on ANS Property Finders’ service, see their advertisement in this week’s Homes etc. Alternatively, visit their website at www.anspropertyfinders.co.uk or ring 020 8427 6340.
ANS’ top tips for making your move easier
Remember it’s important to find a home that fits in with your lifestyle. Think about what qualities in a property are essential and which can be comprised.
When you’re viewing a property, try to see past the current owners and assess it objectively. Imagine how the space would fit in with your needs.
Be realistic about your budget. Don’t waste time viewing properties that don’t meet your criteria or aren’t within your budget.
Remember that estate agents have many people looking for properties and it can be difficult for a committed buyer to stand out from the others. Try to get to know the agent a little and let them see how serious you are about buying. Give your agent feedback. Let them know why you didn’t like a property – it will help them to match you with something more suitable.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about an area. Find out the best roads, trouble spots, transport links and even consider contacting the local council for more information.