Welcome to Frost’s
Dan Kirk Director
Dave Murray Director
Welcome to Frost’s. We hope that this guide will give you a small insight into the how, the what and the why that drives everything we do. At Frost’s we understand that outstanding service starts with taking the time to understand the larger life goal behind your move, your objectives and the timescales involved. So whether you are looking to buy, sell or let Frost’s will support you every step of the way.
Our
care
About Us...
At Frost’s you are our top priority and to ensure our people always put you first we invest heavily in staff recruitment, induction and on-going training, as well as their personal skills. We work hard to retain our best people and nurture our rising stars. We understand the value of our local community and can regularly be found supporting local charities and events.
W e know happy, positive and enthusiastic staff deliver superior service and results, creating exceptional moving experiences for all our customers. One of the biggest differences between Frost’s and our competitors is the quality of our people, many of whom are featured in this brochure.
Why not pop in to one of our offices and see for yourself?
O ur Past has helped us to become who we are today, this
respect for what has come before helps us to deliver exemplary service. With over 25 years in business we have unrivalled understanding and knowledge about our customers, their homes and our local proper ty market.
Our
In 1992
local residents David and Mary Frost opened the first Frost’s office in St Albans determined that customers would receive “better service, better marketing and better results” than any other local agents could provide. Those same objectives are still at the heart of everything we do today. In today’s market flexibility and an ability to adapt are a necessity. It is the pride we take in our past that continues to drive our passion today.
matters
D elivered from the commitment and passion we bring, achieving your objectives is at the hear t of what we do. Please take the oppor tunity to read our Google reviews online to see what our customers have to say about our service.
Our
Personalised Service Plan
Results
Fully comprehensive online & offline Marketing plan
Frost’s success is the result of a total commitment to our customers. We believe in the attributes of traditional estate agency combined with innovative technology, where hard work delivered by skilled estate agents who put customers first, achieve exceptional results.
Award winning team of highly experienced passionate professionals
Unsurpassed teamwork across 4 closely linked local branches
drives results
Cohesive and complete processes from first contact to moving day.
Frost’s have been successfully helping people move in our area for over 25 years. Every year we refine our processes, provide our customers with genuinely better service and better marketing because we believe this in turn will deliver our customers better results. We hope that this brochure has given you an insight into our company, an understanding of our values, and the levels of both service and marketing you can expect from us. We look forward to meeting you and hope to be of service in helping you move.
Your Property Valuer:
Matthew Brand Sales Manager Marshalswick
Matt first started his estate agency career in 2002 and has worked across a number of diverse market places in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. He moved to Frost’s in 2008 and has gained a reputation as the agent of choice in the Marshalswick area of St Albans. In his spare time, Matt and his wife are avid movie-goers and he is passionate about digital photography. His vision for the future is to continue to provide a customer focused business that’s built on a first-class service and recommendations, as can be seen in the many 5 star Google reviews left for him and his team.
• In 2019 Matthew sold 94% of all the properties he was instructed on
PEOPLE RECOMMENDED US ON GOOG L E M A R S H A L SW I C K
Our Service Drives Results
“
Community...
98%
of all properties instructed
An absolutely first class service. Friendly and professional. I can wholeheartedly and thoroughly recommend this firm. My experience with them has been excellent.
“
OVER
94%
of the asking price was acheived
“
An absolutely first class service. Friendly and professional. I can wholeheartedly and thoroughly recommend this firm. My experience with them has been excellent.
“
• In 2019 the Marshalswick Office achieved an average of 98% of the asking price of all the properties they sold
Marshalswick Sales
Meet the Our people are the hear tbeat of our business and we know that happy and motivated staff deliver the best results for our clients. We always prioritise our attention on recruiting, training and retaining staff who understand and believe in our values and ethos whilst always focusing on providing the very best levels of customer service. With more than 100 years of combined experience in our Marshalswick Sales Team you can be confident you will be working with highly skilled proper ty professionals.
Dan Kirk Director
Matthew Brand Sales Manager
Neil Dowsett
Shaun Denton
Rosie Beechey
Trudie Cobb
Area Valuations Manager Sales Valuer & Negotiator
Administrator
Sales Progressor
Dave Murray Director
Jess Baker
Sales Consultant
David Tatnall
Executive Financial Consultant
Our
“
I can thoroughly recommend Frost’s Estate Agents. Matthew Brand was very professional and certainly knows his profession. He sold my house within one week which was very impressive! What I appreciated the most was they got on with their job, kept me informed and didn’t hound me (as I have experienced with other estate agents in the past) Thank you for all your hard work.
“
“
I have just sold and bought a property through Frost’s. From start to finish it has been seamless. From Matt who came to value the property, to Shaun who had been nothing but lovely on the phone with regards to booking in viewings. And then the lovely Jess who finally sold our property and helped us buy ours. Great service. Thanks again.
“
“
I would like to thank Matt Shaun Trudie and Rosie for all the help they have given us over these past weeks with both our sale and purchase. Matt initially for his help and advice with our sale and purchase. Shaun who fed back all the information and comments from our perspective buyers Shaun also worked very hard to close the sale for us. Trudie then acting as a great liaison officer between both vendors and buyers. Rosie was always so helpful when you called in. Finally Matt going to Buckinghamshire to deliver contracts by hand to a solicitor to ensure exchange and completion could take place to suit everyone.
Frost’s Estate Agents Marshalswick
OV E R
P EO P L E R EC O MME ND F RO S T ’S
“
drives Selling your proper ty is our top priority. It’s critical that you choose an agent who can deliver. Our long standing position as top selling agent in our area speaks for itself.
Frost’s Marshalswick No.1
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COMPETITOR 17 COMPETITOR 16 R 15 ETITO 4 COMP R1 TO 13 ETI P R M 12 ITO CO T R PE O M T TI CO PE M CO
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This char t shows the number of proper ties sold stc by Frost’s in your specific postcodes AL1, AL2, AL3 4, AL3 5, AL3 6, AL4 0 and AL4 9 vs our competitors from 01-01-19 to 05-11-19.
Our Awards Please note: While we have taken all reasonable steps to check accuracy of the data provided we must point out that this has been extrapolated from various sources and slight variations beyond our control may be present. The statistics provided have been rounded to the nearest decimal point.
Our Marketing...
Frost’s use a powerful combination of personal contact with buyers, professional quality brochures and strong media coverage both on and off line. We are also keen to ensure that your proper ty is marketed the way you want, so we plan the marketing together. Here are some of the tools we use:
Offices
Four closely knit offices in a five mile radius Unique presence in our area
Online Marketing
Enhanced marketing on Rightmove for every property. Maximised traffic to our website by ensuring a very high Google ranking Advertise property on Social media including facebook and Instagram
Outstanding Materials Professional photography Floorplans Beautiful four and eight page brochures
Buyer Database
Building relationships with purchasers and sellers alike through effective personal contact. Call every single suitable buyer on your behalf.
Newspapers
Highest profile advert in the Herts Advertiser Large eye catching images
Boards
Significant numbers of quality enquiries are received as a result of Frost’s boards
4 Chequer Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3XZ These particulars are a general guide only. They do not form part of any
MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS (2017) In accordance with the Money
Tel: 01727 861166
Email: sales@frosts.co.uk
contract. Services, systems and appliances have not been tested.
Laundering Regulations (2017) We are required to confirm the identity of all buyer(s) of the property. We are also required to keep a record of the evidence We have verified. It may delay agreeing a sale
if for any reason we are unable to confirm your identity in the course of establishing a business relationship with you. AL1 4ES d, St Albans, Lancaster Roa 00 Freehold ess of £1,200,0 Offers in Exc
Tel: 01727 8611
66
Getting Financially Prepared… If your next move relies to some degree on mortgage finance then our aim is to help you get financially prepared for the move and ensure your move progresses smoothly to avoid any unnecessary surprises later. We can arrange advice via three qualified Embrace Financial consultants either of whom can help you consider a comprehensive mortgage panel and help you find a competitive mortgage, tailored to suit your individual needs and preferences. With the help of your own personal mortgage expert you will be assisted through every step of the process ensuring excellent customer service.
www.embracefs.co.uk
David Tatnall
Richard Hudson
Peter Groome
Executive Financial Consultant Senior Financial Consultant
Senior Financial Consultant
PROFILE
PROFILE
PROFILE
David has lived in Watford for most of his life. Away from work he likes to spend time where possible playing golf and supporting his local football team, as a season ticket holder at Watford. As well as this he enjoys travelling and visiting as many new places as possible.
Richard is a family man, recently married in St Helens Church Wheathampstead. Richard relocated to St Albans from Eastbourne on the south coast and enjoys watching and playing sports, especially football and golf, currently a member of the Aldwickbury golf course in Harpenden.
Peter has worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years and he has been a part of the team since 2019.
David has nearly thirty years’ experience working in financial services within insurance, banking and the advice sectors. David started providing advice at Frost’s in 2009 and is considered one of our most senior advisers, he strives to make the process as stress free as possible by securing a mortgage with the minimum amount of fuss.
Richard started his career as an estate agent. He became a Financial Adviser in 2011 in Eastbourne and started providing advice at Frost’s in 2014. After just 12 months Richard was promoted to Senior Financial Consultant recognising his commitment to excellent customer service.
Peter was born in Harlesden but moved to Dublin and then to Watford as a child, where he now lives with his family. He is a keen musician and enjoys keeping fit and spending time with his partner and son.
Why choose Embrace Financial Services? •
•
They work for you, our customer, not the lender. Using all of our experience to tailor the solution just for you. They can confirm how much you can borrow by considering your personal situation and how it fits the lending criteria of different lenders.
•
They often have access to exclusive offers only available through First Complete Ltd access to rates not available by going direct to lenders.
•
They have extensive knowledge of the mortgage lending market combined with access to key representatives and senior account managers with many institutions facilitating us excellent communication.
Embrace Financial Services usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Frosts may receive a referral fee from Embrace Financial Services for recommending their services. You are not under any obligation to use their services. Embrace Financial Services is an associated company of Your Move. Frosts Estate Agents is a trading name of David Frost Estate Agents Ltd. Company No. 2685937 whose registered office is at 2nd Floor Gateway 2, Holgate Park Drive, York, YO26 4GB. David Frost Estate Agents Ltd. is a subsidiary of LSL Property Services plc. David Frost Estate Agents Ltd trading as Frosts Estate Agents is an Introducer to Embrace Financial Services Ltd, an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network which is a trading name of First Complete Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for mortgages, protection insurance and general insurance products only. Any other product or service offered by Frosts may not be the responsibility of PRIMIS and may also not be subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Buy to Let.
YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Frost’s Conveyancing… We work in partnership with Premier Property Lawyers, the biggest provider of conveyancing services in the UK. As a recommender of their services the teamwork facilitates a smoother move. • •
Availability We’re open when you need us most, 8am to 8pm during the week and we’re open weekends too.* Dedicated Conveyancer You’ll be assigned your own dedicated Conveyancer who will oversee your entire transaction from start to finish.
eWay
•
Fixed Fee Policy Our fixed fee policy means that you only pay for the amount you see, so there’ll be no nasty surprises and if your sale falls through, we won’t charge you a penny.
•
Email and SMS updates We’ll keep you updated via email and SMS so you’re never left in the dark.
* Please note our longer opening hours: Open 8am-8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-7pm on Fridays. We’re also open at weekends, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-3pm.
What will it mean for you? Our online conveyancing service means a quicker, simpler process for you. It’s easy to use, with plenty of hints and tips to help you out along the way. Review everything on screen! With our conveyancing service you can now review all the letters and documentation involved in your case online.
Fast Facts on our eWay service... 21ST CENTURY CONVEYANCING
INTERACTIVE FORMS
RED TASK INDICATORS
LATEST ACTIVITY
The eWay dial shows you how your case is progressing. Each section is a milestone in the conveyancing process – the fuller the section is, the closer it is to being completed. (You can also upload your signed documents to eWay by taking a photograph on your smartphone or tablet.)
You can complete nearly all of your documentation using eWay’s interactive forms, which are tailored to meet your specific needs. Using eWay speeds up the conveyancing process, as there is no need to wait for the post or pay additional postage charges.
Red task indicators will appear on each of the dial sections letting you know when there is a task for you to complete.
Through eWay, you can see all of the actions that you and your conveyancer have taken to progress your case, including documents that have been completed and calls that have been made on your behalf.
CONTACT YOUR CONVEYANCER
VIDEO GUIDES
PERSONALISED FOR YOU
Your conveyancer will be in regular contact, however if you need to speak to them at any stage, you can find their contact details on the home screen.
eWay has a suite of useful video guides and guidance sections, to help you understand what you need to do.
You will have your own unique login, so all of your cases can be accessed using one set of details.You can also personalise your eWay home screen with photographs of the property, giving it that personal touch.
Frost’s Conveyancing is a trading style of Premier Property Lawyers. Premier Property Lawyers is regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Premier Property Lawyers Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Registered No: 04323405. A list of the directors is available from the registered office.
What happens when?
Sales
1
How much is my home worth?
2
What is the cost of moving?
3
Agree on an asking price
4
Arrange a solicitor - we can help
5
Order an EPC - we can do this for you
6
We expertly promote & market your home
7
We will call with weekly updates
8
Accompanied viewings
9
Regular feedback & reviews
10
An offer is made
11
We negotiate on your behalf
12
An offer is agreed
13
Conveyancers arrange legal documents
14
We progress your sale - providing weekly reports
15
Regular updates from your specialist sales progressor making moving easier
16
Agree completion date
17
Sign contracts & exchange
18
Arrange removals & change utilities
19
Move into your new home
How we create a better service... Sales
Good honest initial advice
A market appraisal will only be conducted by a senior member of the team and will cover: • Relevant Market information. • Details of comparable sold properties. • A marketing plan. • Advice on other professional services.
Mortgages •
Embrace Mortgage Services advisers are in-house financial experts.
Further details regarding Embrace Mortgage Services can be found in our Getting Financially Prepared section.
Marketing • •
Once your property details are approved they will be available on line at all the most popular portals. Frost’s team will highlight your property via our extensive database of buyers by telephone, email and post
Better Viewings • •
We can accompany all viewings with knowledgeable staff. We compile the answers to a buyers “most commonly asked questions” in advance so your property is shown in a more professional manner.
Communication •
• •
We believe open communication and being responsive to your needs is the bedrock of our relationship so: We will call every buyer within 24 hours of a viewing and pass on the feedback to you. We will call you every week to review our progress in the market and advise you on how we think it is going. After approximately two weeks we will invite your feedback on us, as we want to know whether you are happy.
Offer •
Negotiating the sale price and terms of a sale is a skill. Only professionally trained staff will handle this for you. • We will qualify any buyers financial position and assess any related sale before an offer proceeds.
Sales Progression •
Once you have accepted an offer your dedicated Sales Progressor will call to introduce themselves, to discuss your sale with you and oversee it all the way through to the day you move.
“
The service we received from Frost’s was excellent and would certainly recommend them to anybody selling their property.
”
We
In business for over 25 years, we really do love St Albans. We appreciate why we are so lucky to work in such a beautiful part of the world, the history and heritage that goes hand in hand with our vibrant city centre, shopping facilities and of course; the lovely restaurants and bars. As Estate Agents, we are constantly discovering fantastic new attractions. in the area that we already know so intimately. From the open spaces of Verulam Park to the bustling street market, fantastic schooling across the city, especially in Marshalswick, and unrivalled transport links into the centre and into London and beyond, we appreciate how lucky we are to work within one of the UK’s most popular locations.
St Albans
At Frost’s we feel a part of the warm community and do our best to support local business and charities alike, whilst providing a fantastic service to anyone looking to buy, sell, rent or let a property. We see ourselves as much more than Estate Agents, more ambassadors for the area we love. As market leader we sell and let more property than any other agent locally and therefore appreciate the diverse and wonderful range of homes we are lucky enough to market and all the lovely people that we meet and work with, helping them achieve key milestones and life goals.
We love getting involved with local charities and schools. We have run market stalls, slept rough and served up junior tennis lessons and competitions, amongst other activities. Our local charity friends are Open Door, Townsend Tennis, St Albans Charity Cycle Ride as well many local schools some of whom have kindly written a few words overleaf.
“
A big “thank you” to Frost’s who have been regular sponsors of the annual St Albans Charity Cycle Ride providing both financial support and manpower.” local Rotary Clubs run the cycle ride each year, a real community event, raising around £1m for charities in 25 years Roger Talbot SACCR
“
”
Frost’s are supporting an annual junior tennis tournament at Townsend Tennis Club. They are extremely helpful and supportive and we are delighted to work with such an enthusiastic partner.
”
Trevor Bull Chairman Townsend Tennis Club
“
Frost’s Estate Agents have generously sponsored Sandringham School’s main fundraising events for the last few years. We are delighted to work in partnership with Frost’s. Their donation makes a difference and goes directly towards special school projects and the staff team’s contribution and active involvement plays a key part in the success of our events, not only for the students of Sandringham School but for the local community too. Thank you for all your support.
”
Kathryn Caswell,Treasurer, Friends of Sandringham School
“
We’ve been extremely grateful of all their fundraising efforts, including a sponsored sleepout and a cake stall, all in aid of Open Door. Frost’s have raised an impressive amount and we look forward to their continued support in helping the homeless of St Albans in the future. Sarah Chambers, Open Door Coordinator
”
Professional Bodies… Trading Standards - You can protect yourself by choosing to purchase from code members (approved businesses), who display the CCAS logo
ARLA - The Association of Residential Letting Agents is the UK’s foremost professional body for letting agents
NAEA - The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is the UK’s leading professional body for estate agency.
Ombudsman – text to one side: Provides consumers with a free, impartial and independent alternative dispute resolution service.
My Deposits - ‘My Deposits’ provide a simple deposit protection solution for landlords, letting agents and tenants. It’s a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents to protect their tenants’ deposits with a government scheme such as mydeposits.
These memberships provide sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants with an assurance that they will receive the highest level of customer service. As a professional estate agent who puts our clients first we have taken steps to register and conform with as many professional bodies as we can, some of whom are shown above. We encourage you to ensure that any agent that you deal with is also registered.