Ben Siggins, Managing Director of Ben Siggins Estate Agents
Welcome to The Residential Mortgage Hub‘s ‘Spotlight Series’.
Each instalment focuses on one of our fantastic estate agent introducers, we ask them some of your burning questions about the property market, their practices and advice.
This Spotlight article we’re featuring Ben Siggins, Managing Director of Ben Siggins Estate Agents based in Maidstone and Ashford, Kent. Ben Siggins Estate Agents are an award winning estate agent who have been awarded exceptional and excellent by the Best Estate Agent Guide – ranking in the top 5% and 10% of 25,000 estate agents across the UK.
Tell us about your company and what you specialise in?
We specialise in residential sales and lettings in the Maidstone, Medway and Ashford area.
What makes Ben Siggins Estate Agents unique compared to other agents in the industry?
We offer excellent value for money for people looking to sell or rent their homes in Kent. Only a handful of agents provide the marketing capability via advertising on ALL national property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, Onthemarket, and Boomin. Only one other agent offers this in Kent, and they are a lot more expensive than Ben Siggins. That, combined with our 360 virtual tours and professional photography, floor plans, local knowledge, and client feedback, makes us the agent of choice in the Kent area.
What do you think the future holds for the property market now that the Stamp Duty Holiday is tapering to an end?
While there is still a lack of housing supply to the market for both sales and lettings since lockdown ended for the housing market back in May 20, the stamp duty holiday has made no adverse difference to the property market. We still see house prices rise at an alarming rate, a trend I cannot see continuing into 2022. So now is definitely the best time to sell a property.
What advice can you give someone looking to become a landlord?
Use a letting agent. This need has been increased through lockdown as laws have changed at an alarming rate. There have been 47 changes to regulation and the law in the UK during COVID, and for landlords, everything has changed. Getting this wrong can lead to disastrous consequences. We have written a blog with some additional reasons it may be helpful to have a letting agent manage your property, you can read this here.
What are your top tips for someone that is looking to purchase their first home?
Speak to an independent mortgage company. You need to know what offers are out there. Not just in terms of the lowest interest rates, which is essential; but the deposit required to buy a property. This can range from 5% to 15% with different lenders. Once you have your borrowing capability sorted, look for the help of a friendly, honest, hardworking estate agent with an excellent reputation.
Do you think that the events of 2020 have changed buyers perspective and the home buying process?
100% yes. We have seen a dramatic increase in buyers moving from London to Kent. This has increased by 200% for us since May 2020. With more buyers now looking for decent broadband, home offices and outside space than they were in 2019.
How do you maximise a property’s potential for vendors and landlords?
A top quality estate agent such as Ben Siggins will consistently achieve a better price for a property than a poor agent. This comes down to the quality of salespeople employed; and the training and support the team are given to the way properties are presented by the agent. The list of differences is endless. It can be as simple as making sure pictures are taken on a sunny day, to help to tidy up properties before photos are taken and putting down toilet seats for photographs to more technical knowledge, like ensuring we only market properties at price points on the property portals.
Why do we recommend Ben Siggins Estate Agents?
We recommend Ben Siggins as they’re a long established and personable Estate Agents; who are forward thinking with their extensive marketing tools. Their large market share and experienced team members offer a fantastic service to each and every client. We would highly recommend that you contact Ben and his team if you are looking to sell or let your property.
Get in contact with Ben Siggins Estate Agents today:
Tel: 01622 524110
Email: maidstone@bensiggins.co.uk
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