Lettings agent Countrywide has announced it has been short listed as a finalist in four categories for the 2010 Negotiator Awards.
The firm has been nominated for National Estate Agency Chain of the Year, National Lettings Chain of the Year, Residential Mortgage Broker of the Year and Regional Auctioneer of the Year.
Grenville Turner, Countrywide Chief Executive, said: it is a testament to the ongoing commitment of our staff that our expertise in so many areas has been recognised by a panel of industry judges.
“Having won the coveted National Estate Agency and National Lettings Chain of the Year Awards in 2009, it is a great achievement to be short listed again for these categories.”
Turner added: “The broker category is a new addition to these awards and after 21 months of consecutive market share growth, I think this news acknowledges the phenomenal work we do to help customers in any market.
“Our colleagues at Westcountry Property Auctions are especially pleased with being short listed as this category involved 25 of the industry's top auctioneers nominating the UK's best auction business.”
The winners of the awards will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 10 at London's Hilton Hotel.
Countrywide has won an impressive 59 high-profile industry awards in the last two years.
Customers voted the company Best Large Estate Agency Chain and Best Large Lettings Chain at the 2010 Estate Agency of The Year Awards.
Other awards include Best Estate Agency, Best Letting Agency and Best Land & New Homes Agent of the Year at the 2009 Negotiator Awards.
Countrywide also boasts the Best Surveyor & Valuer award at the 2009 Mortgage Strategy Awards.
• Letting specialist Leaders has had to employ more staff as rental demand is soaring in Surrey.
Neil Simmons has joined the team in Crawley as senior lettings consultant, having previously worked at Leaders’ Horsham branch.
Crawley is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for rental property both in the town and surrounding areas, with all types of properties being snapped up by eager renters.
Simmons said: “Since the beginning of the year we have seen exceptional demand from good quality tenants looking for accommodation.
“Properties of all types are in huge demand and we can report an increase in the rental values of properties in the area.
Properties in the Pound Hill, Worth, Three Bridges and Maidenbower areas are currently particularly sought after, with some being rented at premium rates within an hour of marketing.
Simmons promises landlords he can let any good quality properties in the right location very quickly.
“By good quality,” he explained, “we mean the property should be well presented, with modern fixtures, fittings, and furniture if provided.
“We are happy to advise landlords on exactly what will attract tenants to a property and how much rent they can realistically expect to achieve for their property.”
According to Leaders, renting is set to remain a popular option for many people, not only because they cannot afford to buy but also because they like the flexibility of renting and do not want the responsibilities of home ownership.
Simmons explained: “There are some great opportunities for landlords and would-be landlords considering residential letting in Crawley, with a good amount of quality flats and houses available on the sales market.
“With advice from an experienced specialist such as ourselves, letting in Crawley is an excellent long-term investment which could see returns in excess of five percent.”
