Question 1

What is a buying agent?

Accepted Answer

A buying agent is an agent who acts on behalf of a client to help find and negotiate the purchase of a home. We are experts in finding properties, particularly off-market options. We have long-standing relationships with estate agents which means we hear about properties before they come to the open market. We are also very knowledgeable about the areas we work in so that we understand both the dynamics of local life but also the value of property within it.

Question 2

How do you access off-market properties?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 main sources of off-market properties

Estate agents - we have long-standing relationships with agents across Oxfordshire meaning they will bring off-market opportunities to us. We will often be the first through the door of many of these properties.

Personal networks - all our team live and work in Oxford. Through our own personal networks we get access to houses before they come to the market.

Direct approach - once we have established a suitable type of property and location we will make direct approaches to property owners to see whether they might be open to moving.

Question 3

Do you handle the negotiation for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we handle pretty much everything for you including the negotiations. We will be constantly asking for information from the sellers to make sure that we are best place to make the right offer. The offer isn't just about the figure, it is also about positioning you as best we can to be the "best buyer". So we will emphasise points like your position as a buyer and the team you have in place to meet the right time frame. All of this combines to give you the best chance of buying your next home at the best price.

Question 4

How much are your fees?

Accepted Answer

We charge 2% of the purchase price for a buying search.

We charge 1 month's rent for a rental search.

We have an up front signing fee of £1200 and £600 respectively for each service.

We would love to discuss your search and our terms in person on a zero-commitment basis, so do fill out our contact form and we can arrange an appointment.

(All fees quoted are inclusive of VAT and the signing fee will go towards the final fee)

Question 5

Do you only deal in Oxford city?

Accepted Answer

We are an Oxford based company but cover all of Oxfordshire and have also bought in many of the surrounding counties. All of our staff live in Oxfordshire and have extensive knowledge of the county. We handle a lot of searches both in the city and the surrounding towns, villages and countryside.

Question 6

I can't make it to see properties, how can you help me?

Accepted Answer

Having helped clients form all over the world we are very happy to work remotely if being there in person is difficult. Video viewings or extra photographs and videos can help you get a great idea of most properties even if you can’t be here. Moving quickly is very important, so don’t let being on the other side of the world slow you down. You will probably want to see the property in person before you buy it, but we can make those trips much rarer and more likely to be for "the one".

Question 7

Is it important to have a good lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Having a good lawyer is so important. When you have found your next home you want to make sure the transaction goes through. Part of the offer you make to buy someone's home includes the timeframe you would like to exchange and complete in. Having the right team behind you to make sure this goes to plan is so important. This includes the lawyer, surveyor, finance broker and any other third party advisors like builders, architects, interior designers.

Question 8

Where is the best place to live?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question is different for every client. It is all about the dynamics of each search and the criteria which are important to that person/family. We help all our clients explore the various options which are open to them to determine the best mix of house, price and location.

Question 9

Can you help us find the right school for our children?

Accepted Answer

We have a good understanding of lots of the schools in Oxfordshire and have relationships with many of them. We can set up meetings for you to explore them in person, or if you want a more in depth service we can introduce you to an educational consultant who can help with the process of finding the right school.

Question 10

Can you help with work once we've bought our house?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer a project management service. All of our clients get access to our "little blue book" which includes builders, architects, interior designers, garden designers and pretty much anyone else you can think of to help with your project. These are all firms we have known through years of trading in Oxford who have been tried and tested by clients before.

FAQs

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