Overview
We are an independent and professional firm with a 'can-do, will-do' attitude focussed on service. All staff hold honesty, integrity and transparency at the core of what we do.
Our aim is to establish individual relationships with our clients through a company which is built on enthusiasm, professionalism and knowledge of both the industry and the local area.
Our marketing package is rarely bettered with all properties listed on all major portals and search engines in addition to social media and marketing. We use this media to enhance marketing, not to save money and focus on high quality publications both in glossy magazines and weekly newspapers.
Our Directors are hands on and are always happy to offer advice or assistance if required. Our network of local professionals is such that we can always get the specialist advice you need.
We are members of NAEA, ARLA, NALS and of course the Property Ombudsman. We are proud to be founder members of SAFEagent, a scheme designed to demonstrate which agents offer Client Money Protection Insurance and those which do not offer consumer protection. We are passionate about raising standards within an unregulated industry to ensure that customers have peace of mind in their dealings with their agent.
Marketing
A good agent will have a comprehensive marketing plan and not just rely on the internet or the hope customers will find their website. We list every property on every major portal including Rightmove, Primelocation, Zoopla, Globrix and many others. We also invest in quality glossies and local newspapers and are regular contributors of editorial features and comment. High frequency advertising in high coverage media sells property.That’s why we invest so much in getting your property noticed in all the right places and not just as a one off.
We use social media very effectively to promote our clients interest and to raise the profile of who we are,where we are and what we do. This is an increasingly powerful tool and our MD was recently asked to give a presentation to other agents at the National Approved Lettings Conference on the benefits of this - click here for more details.
The Mark of a Professional Agent
We choose to be accountable to professional bodies. Not all estate agents want to be accountable for their actions. We are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards by complying with the codes of the industry’s leading organisations. It’s a clear sign you’re dealing with a reputable agent who offers consumer protection, professional insurances and audited clients accounts. The Property Ombudsman (TPOS) is NOT a regulator and membership of a redress scheme is a mandatory requirement for ALL estate agents, not an accreditation.
Bushells is a member of Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS) and founder members of SAFEagent; a scheme focussed on protecting the consumer from unregulated agents and supported by Government, OFT, Trading Standards, Citizens advice and many others. If an agent is not a member of a regulatory scheme, ask yourself why not? After all, would you use a travel agent who isn't part of ABTA?
We advise a number of bodies including the NALS Forum, Government, DGLC, and SAFEagent and are active campaigners in raising standards across the industry as well as raising consumer awareness. You can be assured that our contracts, notices and agreements are complaint with the latest legislation and that staff are trained in their use.
Its Good to Share
Our offices use state of the art software which connects them to each other. Your property is available to every member of staff in any office, on their laptop or iPad. They also receive commission should their applicant buy or rent, irrespective of where they are based. This software generates email alerts for new properties and send text alerts to confirm appointments.
We have access to the best reporting tools available ensuring we have up to the minute information on what is selling and renting and what is not across the whole market using 'Insight', a system created by TDPG and which monitors every property generating daily reports. If something happens, we know about it.
From years of experience, we have built long standing relationships with many local lawyers, surveyors, and tradespeople.
Services
In addition to just Sales and Lettings, we offer many additional services. All sellers have access to a secure log in page where you can view feedback from anywhere at any time.
Landlords and tenants have the benefit of secure on line payments provided by SagePay which allows convenient and instant payments. We make no charge for debit card transactions and simply pass on the cost your credit card card provider charges us in the event you prefer this method of payment.
We can recommend specialist local law firms with detailed expert knowledge of your area and unlike many other agents, do not accept referral fees.
Our in-house property management department and lettings accounts team use state of the art software to ensure efficient and prompt payments.
All contractors are independent, properly qualified and fully insured. We pass on any costs directly and again, do not accept any referral fees or commissions.
Our lettings helpline offers free impartial advice and any enquiries can be referred to our own legal specialists if needed at no cost to you. We are here to help.
Our People
Perhaps our greatest asset, as after all, a company is only as good as the staff within. Many customers comment on the turnover of staff in some agents never knowing who they will be speaking to next. We have established, experienced managers and staff who benefit from comprehensive in house training. Sales and lettings staff at every level are trained in the latest legislation, compliance and technology ensuring you always get current, best advice. We have forged links with local law firms, employers and businesses ensuring we can point you in the right direction whatever challenge you face. as mentioned, our directors are always available to help and always happy to discuss any issues with customers directly. Bushells prides itself on being one company and one team. If you aren't happy with anything or have a comment - tell our Managing Director MD@bushells.com
Conclusion
We want your business. We will be honest and fair and do everything we can to achieve results. Read customer testimonials and visit our contact page for details of your nearest office.
Our Top Tips
We have put together some things to look out for when choosing an estate agent.
1. Check to ensure an Agent is a member of one of the 5 regulators - NAEA, ARLA, RICS, NALS or Law Society. Only agents with these credentials can have Client Money Protection Insurance. You can also be assured that such agents will also have Professional Indemnity Insurance, an independently audited clients account and operate to a strict code of practice. The Property Ombudsman is NOT a regulator - rather a redress scheme and all Estate Agents are required by LAW to be a member unless only involved in lettings.
2. Ask about their marketing. Buyers and Tenants will only know about properties if they are advertised. Most agents will be on Rightmove and Primelocation, so make sure this is complimented with paper based advertising. Look in local papers and magazines and see who advertises similar properties.
3. Do some research and see what people are saying about the agents on one of the growing number of review sites. Have they got good feedback and recommendations? Dismiss the odd one off poor review as not all are genuine!
4. Make sure your estate agent understands exactly what you’re looking to gain from the deal and that he/she is capable of achieving that. Ensure your perception of your current property value aligns with your chosen estate agent. However, an estate agent who offers a figure lower than you had envisaged maybe giving an honest appraisal and not offering a figure you would like to hear to gain your property onto his or her ‘books’. Overvaluation is the easiest way for an agent to get an instruction.
5. A good agent will have done their homework. They will know what is on the market, what is selling and renting and what is sticking. They will know about what other agents have and will be able to demonstrate this with comparable evidence - after all, this is a major element as to how the mortgage valuer agree the sale price.
6. Fee levels are obviously important to both the client and the agent. Low fees do not always represent good value. Remember, staff are incentivised on the commission they earn and they need to be motivated. A good agent will usually negotiate a deal which will cover their fees.
7. Examine the contract closely and fully understand what you are committing to. Overly restrictive contracts are not to be enetered into lightly. Flexible contracts can indicate that the estate agent is confident about providing satisfaction to the client. Do NOT sign long sole agency contracts as once you do, you will find they are difficult to break. Is the contract a ‘sole agency’ or ‘multiple agency’ contract? Multiple agency contracts are where you get several agents to sell your property, the one who sells the property gets the commission. Multiple agency contracts will most likely involve higher fees.
8. The tenancy agreement is a legally binding document. Regulated agents will generally have up to date agreements and staff will be trained in the technical side of lettings.
9. When you meet the agent, your initial impression will be a strong indicator of how potential buyers and tenants will find them. Its a team effort so make sure you can work with them.
10. See what added extras they offer. Floor plans, professional photography, accompanied viewings, on line log in to feedback, access to impartial financial advice, networked offices and contractors. If lettings, check what additional administration costs are incurred and how much on line payments cost - even if it doesn't affect you, it may affect a potential tenant.
There are no guarantees, but generally agents who chose to be regulated will provide a better level of service especially where complications arise. Experience and training counts. Every agent will tell you they are the best, its in their competitive nature, but in the toughest economic times, its the strongest who are expanding.
