Property

Killens here to help in 2023

THEteams at Killens are conscious of the difficulties faced by many people and businesses during the downturn in the economy and are committed to helping clients through these difficult times and to achieve their objectives.

Killens are a family business with roots embedded in our local communities and their specialist teams offer a range of property services from their conveniently located offices across Somerset including the running of the popular and well known Mendip Auction Rooms.

In addition to estate agency, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services including professional valuations, landlord and tenant advice, planning applications, and compulsory purchase advice.

With a strong team, there is specialism in each property sector including residential, country houses, commercial, equestrian and rural. During 2023, they will continue to expand their property auction service.

As a firm, Killens work to the highest standards being regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and have recently been invited to join the Guild of Property Professionals. In addition, they invest heavily in the local community supporting many good causes ranging from small charities to sports teams and larger events.

This coming year, they will also be doing more to support the environment as well as continuing to promote recycling through the running of the Mendip Auction Rooms!

Tom Killen, born and bred in the Mendip Hills and who established the business in 2008, says: “When we first launched, we promised to offer a new and fresh approach to delivering property services and it is this approach combined with investment in technology that we are continuing. Our focus is on customer service and delivering honest advice that can be trusted.”

He adds: “We are grateful to our staff for their enthusiasm and commitment and to our clients, old and new, for their continued support. If we can assist in 2023 then simply get in touch.”

Tom Killen selling at the Mendip Auction Rooms

If you would like to speak to a member of the Killens team regarding any property matter, contact your nearest office or telephone 01761 241127 or office@killens.org.uk

Another year has passed –and big plans for 2023

I CAN’T quite believe that almost three years have gone by since my company first opened its doors and it’s no exaggeration to say it has been a rollercoaster ride that has flashed past.

Working through the tough times of the Covid pandemic was a challenge in the early days, but we came through it, built a strong reputation based on our three watchwords of Dedication, Imagination and Delivery and gradually expanded our team.

During the last 12 months we have seen a strong market with high demand from people who want to share the marvellous lifestyle in the Chew Valley. Our success was recognised in statistics from Rightmove which showed we have a success rate that is 30% higher than our competitors, usually above the asking price.

I put that down to a range of factors, from planning how best to present a property, to producing quality photographs and then employing exceptional marketing, whilst using my long experience to advise on realistic pricing.

That experience will become even more important over the coming months as we respond to the changes in the market we are already starting to see.

It would have been all too easy to congratulate ourselves on our achievements and sit back on our laurels, but that is not our style. We constantly challenge ourselves to improve our service for both sellers and buyers and that has resulted in so many positive reviews from clients and a number of people who have come back to use our services when moving house again.

The icing on the cake came from an organisation called Estate Agents Masters which carries out a rigorous independent assessment of branches across the country. They awarded us an “Excellent” rating, awarded only to the top 5%, after carefully assessing a wide range of factors.

But we are not only just about selling houses, we want to be a full part of the local community, so it has been lovely to be able to support events and be out and about meeting and chatting to lots of people, always encouraging them to support local businesses and do their bit to help the local economy.

So, it’s been a great year for us and we are already looking forward to another exciting year when we will be moving into new premises and launching a bespoke website with a range of interactive features – take a look at joannatiley.com and we will get you moving in 2023.

JOANNA TILEY

Not enough space for a home office? Think again

THE Valentino design team have been busy working on the development of new ranges for bedrooms and home offices.

Many of their kitchen clients have highlighted problem areas in their home for which they have asked them to find solutions. Valentino say: “We love a challenge, so we got to work to create a range of home storage solutions.”

In the bedroom, clients were asking for storage to clear the decks and to create calm and minimalist spaces. They have listened and worked with their customers to design and fit bespoke wardrobes made to suit any bedroom size or shape. Their specialist teams install these with the same level of expertise as their kitchens. Valentino explain: “People are now more settled in the home working routines and they are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing setup. Spare rooms need to have a dual purpose of home office and guest rooms. “Even if you do not believe you have the space, we can try to help you find the perfect design solution. From a cosy small nook or hidden office hub to a dedicated office room, we can maximise space without skimping on style. “Once we have agreed exactly how you plan to use your home office or bedroom, we can have fun with design elements. If you would like to start your new year with a fresh, organised home, get in touch with our designers today on info@valentinouk.com or 01761 220033.”