Those who know me and have worked with me are always amazed when I bring them to view properties in areas they want to buy in – when they have been trying for weeks and finding nothing suitable. I know how to find those exceptional properties which appear sold before they seem to have been viewed! They think I must have some magic tricks up my sleeve.

Of course, I work hard, and I know my way around the property negotiation world – it’s a skill I have honed over the years. However, as a very special pre-Christmas present, I thought I would very generously share with you what my secret methods are.

Persistence

Making relationships with agents takes time. One meeting will not do it. For a property search I am visiting the agent’s offices at least three times per week and calling them the days I am not. I do this in a friendly way which doesn’t seem like I am stalking or hassling them.

Cast the net wide

If I’m looking in a certain town/area, I usually register with agents in neighbouring towns, even if it is another branch of the same company. From my experience, all the chains/corporates rarely share applicants between themselves. I can register with up to 30 agents for any one particular search.

Ignore website portals

To me these should serve merely as a reference for prices. Agents forever leave sold properties online to attempt to show they have more stock than their competition. The best stock will be sold before it hits their website.

Timing

Late evenings or weekends are the worse time to register with agents. They are busy doing viewings then. I’ll go see them with a coffee on a Tuesday morning.

I hope you have been “Taken” with this secret insight!

If you want to experience my very particular set of skills, give me a call on 07946 311 002 or email me matthew@astutepropertysearch.co.uk