Many people hear "estate agent" and think the worst. I know I did. At one point, I even compared them to traffic wardens. Pretty unfair really. In fact, if Elon Musk is reading this, I hereby volunteer all traffic wardens as test pilots to Mars. But estate agents, the good ones, they must stay. After all, it's a tough job matching earthlings to their dream base. They're often picky and panicked, and sometimes bordering on delusional. That's enough about me.
Meeting Graham was a chance encounter. His agency, Beaumonts, is a small one. As such, the likelihood of finding and using them is remote. You're more likely to bump into the usual grinning suspects who flood the internet with a sea of samey properties. Day after day - they'll be there, dressed head to toe by Next - punting the most creatively photographed, creatively described dives on the planet. Beaumonts don't.
It's obvious that as an agency, they pick the better places, and sell them honestly. This is a smart long-term approach. And for the person renting or buying from them, it starts the move off on the right foot. It's said that moving is amongst the most stressful experiences that we can have, and yet it's also one of the most important. Whether people realise it or not, the quality of the move itself sets the tone for the entire stay.
Graham had an easy-going manner, coupled with a detailed knowledge of the property and area. You might be thinking all agents are like this. They aren't. They tend to have a detailed knowledge of their commission, their next appointment and their phone's location. By contrast, Graham was definitely in the now.
After viewing a great place to rent, I contacted Beaumonts within minutes. Of course, the place itself was lovely, but everything was enhanced by the person presenting it. The transaction was smooth, and I made a mental note to myself: When I actually buy somewhere, remember to visit Graham. I mean that sincerely, and I recommend you do too. Outstanding.
Now, let's round up some traffic wardens...