Chris, Russell and James
Whitman & Co has proved that the most effective business strategy is often the simplest...
In 1995 James Matthews and Russell Savage bought Whitman & Co. ‘It’s a long-standing Chiswick name,’ says James. ‘The company was set up in the 1920s by a Colonel Whitman. He was also the local coal merchant – back in those days you couldn’t make a living purely as an estate agent.’
Today, James and Russell are still at the helm of the business and their philosophy remains the same. According to James, there’s no real secret. ‘Our aim is to focus on W4 and employ a team that knows the area like the back of their hands. Also, we’re transparent; we don’t put our clients under pressure, we flag up issues and try to solve them without any fuss.’
‘James and I have always believed in being realistic and straightforward,’ adds Russell. ‘Over the years, I’ve seen countless examples of properties being valued astronomically to secure an instruction. If that’s the case, we pass. We quote figures that we’re convinced we can achieve and that pays dividends in the long run.’
Sales Director Chris Chalmers, who joined Whitman & Coin 2002, epitomises the ‘local’ ethos. Chiswick born and bred, he started in the lettings department and has seen clients return time and again.
‘You catch up with them at different stages of the property cycle – from student rentals to buying a first home and then moving into a family house. Over the last 17 years, I’ve been part of their lives. It also epitomises what we’re about; customers know they’ll always see a familiar face and receive a friendly service.’
According to Rightmove, in the last calendar year Whitman & Co sold 110 properties compared to 32 by the closest competitor. The formula is clearly working ‘We believe in giving good advice,’ explains James.
‘If that means saying that it might be better to hang fire on a purchase or sale, we do so. If you’re honest and people have a positive experience with you, they will naturally come back. Longevity is at the core of what we do.’
Whitman & Co
5-7 Turnham Green Terrace,
Chiswick, W4 1RG
+442087478800
sales@whitmanandco.com
lettings@whitmanandco.com
http://www.whitmanandco.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitmanandco/
https://twitter.com/estateagentw4
http://www.instagram.com/whitmanandco
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