Snow Time Like The Present

Global warming eh!!!

Have you seen the NASA picture of Great Britain completely white? Stunning shot! IHere'sthe link to see this picture. http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/?2010007-0107/GreatBritain.A2010007.1150.1km.jpg

Pre Xmas I was actually quite enjoying the novelty of this classic Winter backdrop. The bare tree branches shadowed with a crisp white glow, fresh foot prints in a newly laid blanket and the chill wind that makes you really appreciate walking in to a warm home. Even the little oik who scored a bull’s-eye with a snowball he launched at me from the pavement as I drove along Hempstead Rd bought a wry smile to my face.

A week of that more than satisfied any nostalgic pining I had though and frankly now it’s becoming more than a little tedious. Like many businesses, the New Year is an ideal opportunity to set fresh goals and re-focus staff for the challenges of the year ahead. My gang had my annual rallying cry delivered, if I say so myself with no shortage of passion, in readiness for this. Only for the snow to crucify our efforts for the first week.

To their immense credit every one of them has made it in every day so far, but understandably many viewers were inclined not to risk travel and the cancellation rates on appointments we had made was at an all time high. Our diary is full again as I write, but I’m hearing we are in for yet more snow and concerns over whether we will be able to get the viewings in to the properties to create the sales / lets remain.

It has provided some opportunity for a bit of reflection on 2009 that you may find of interest. The Watford Office completed on Property Sales of just over £21 million. This was up from £15 million the year before and back to the identical level of 2007. Part of this increase will be down to Imagines’ increasing market share in the area, but it also highlights the improvement the market did make last year. That’s a fairly whopping 40% increase in business levels. Some of that will also have been down to prices increasing. The average property value we sold was £250k, up from £225k (9%). Imagine are unusual in terms of the property agents in that we cover all price bands rather than specialising so this figure probably reflects accurately on the average house price in the area.

The figures exclude Bushey for which we didn’t have a full year for statistics. However, despite all that volume, across the two offices I received just 1 Ombudsmen complaint and that I disputed! The complaint was NOT upheld and we received no fine.

At the same time Watford Lettings moved in 187 new tenants up from 160 the year before. With both sides of the business firing it is little wonder we started 2010 in bullish mood. Not that we will be resting on our laurels.

New in 2010 from Imagine –

Our Lettings Business is now also regulated by The property Ombudsman.

We are also one of just a few Watford / Bushey Lettings Businesses to have been approved by the National Approved Lettings Scheme. (NALS)

We have the first issue of our brand new E-Magazine coming out in February. Advertising opportunities available email info@imagine-group.co.uk

We have a competition with 3 stunning prizes to be announced next month.

From all at Imagine, thank you for helping us become the Number One property business in the area. Our commitment is to keep improving and to keep ensuring we are THE option locally for Selling and Letting through 2010 and beyond.

Now if it would just stop snowing.....