Move into temporary accommodation or risk losing your house sale – that’s a tough message to hear, but David Higenbottam knew David Vawdrey from Sims Williams had his best interests at heart.
Having already lost one buyer because they hadn’t found the right property for their onward move, the Higenbottam’s were in danger of losing a cash buyer unless they were prepared to move quickly.
“David from Sims Williams explained our options clearly and honestly and we’re now treating our stay in temporary accommodation as a mini holiday,” says Mr Higenbottam.
Honest advice was appreciated
Mr Higenbottam says, “The relationship we have with Sims Williams allows both sides to speak freely and honestly and we appreciate the professional advice we received from Chichester branch manager David Vawdrey.”
“David explained that buyers in a strong position with no chain don’t come along very often – especially in today’s housing market,” says Mr Higenbottam.
Making the sums add up
The second buyer was willing to pay the full asking price – giving the Higenbottam’s extra funds.
Branch Manager David explained how this would cover the cost of a short stay in temporary accommodation and still leave them with more funds towards their next purchase
Ill health prompted move
In December 2016, Mr Higenbottam suffered two brain haemorrhages and spent Christmas and most of January in Southampton General Hospital.
Thankfully, he has made an excellent recovery. However, the stairs in their 1930’s semi-detached home in Chichester were proving a challenge and the family began their search for a bungalow.
Their desired search area was very specific and their house sold before the Higenbottam’s had found the perfect property for them.
Sims Williams were everywhere
Having been disappointed by another agent, Mr Higenbottam chose Sims Williams to help as he was impressed with their high profile in and around Chichester and their proactive approach to marketing.
Sims Williams conducted 34 viewings before the sale was agreed at 100% of the agreed asking price and contracts were exchanged within four weeks.
Client needs are priority
Although it’s not easy to advise a valued client to move out with nowhere to go, it is sometimes the best advice to achieve a long term goal.
David Vawdrey says, “Mr Higenbottam and his family deserved our very best efforts and we never lost sight of the fact that the ultimate goal was to help the family move to a home which Mr Higenbottam can fully enjoy.”
David, his wife Val and daughter Lisa will be staying in a holiday let near their current Chichester home while they wait for the purchase of their new bungalow to complete.