Neil Thwaites

Let’s not beat about the bush – as a nation we are well and truly skint. The economy is not what is was, and whilst it may not be as clear cut as doom and gloom – it’s hardly a bed of roses.

So, how was it for you ? Same as for me, probably.

Just the other day, I had an enlightening and refreshing eureka moment. I’ve been troubled for a while now with the disparity between property market conditions and agent feedback on activity and sales. In a nutshell, never the twain shall meet. Let me explain.

In 2010, an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) consumer survey found that the housing market is dominated by traditional local agents. No surprises there – but they were also of the opinion that there is little competition with agents charges.

The legendary film star Mae West said “Experience is by far the best teacher. Ever since I was a little girl I knew that if you look both ways when you cross the street, you'll see a lot more than traffic”.

“Gonna take a sentimental journey, gonna set my heart at ease, gotta take that sentimental journey, sentimental journey home”.

As you read this, the more adventurous amongst may be hitting the ski slopes during the February half term.

“Too many people today know the price of everything and the value of nothing”. A little pearl of wisdom offered up by Ann Landers, a pen name created by Chicago Sun-Times advice columnist Ruth Crowley in 1943 - and taken over by Eppie Lederer in 1955.

“There are more questions than answers” – a UK top 10 hit for Johnny Nash back in 1972. Fast forward to 2011 and I’ll explain. Recently, not for the first time, a potential tenant asked (nay interrogated) me about our suitability as his (potential) landlord. Did we effect prompt repairs, could he stay long term – and then saving the biggie ‘til last “do you intend to sell ?”.

For a good while now, residential sales can accurately be summed up as “losing the battle – but winning the war”.