104 viewings in one day and 22 offers - is this a record in a 'slow' market?

Stories of a slow property market due to an ongoing lack of supply and Brexit woes have been well-documented in recent months.

But one estate agency has achieved some remarkable results on a recently sold property. 

Newman Property Experts, a Midlands firm which last year opened a centralised hub to pursue a 'pro-agent' expansion plan, has sold a property for £475,000, £125,000 (26%) above the asking price. 

Leading the sale, managing associate Paul Petticrew secured 104 viewings in one day via an open house event.

The viewings led to 22 offers, the highest of which was for £500,000 but in the end the owner accepted a cash offer of £476,186 as they wanted the security of a cash sale.

Petticrew says the success comes down to a combination of factors. 

"We use immersive Matterport 3D tours. Buyers love it as it's convenient for them, they can view a house without leaving their sofa," he says.

"It's great for sellers too as when viewers come to view the property in person it's like a second viewing and they are ready to offer."

"We don't just leave it up to the property portals either, we use social media campaigns from our own business pages to promote properties," explains Petticrew.

"We are personal agents, offering more time to each of our clients in both marketing and service. Each partner agent gets a 50/50 split with the company so we have agents that are passionate about what they do and how they can do the best for their homeowners."

"The market is not 'slow', any house with the right marketing and the right agent behind it sells, no excuses," he says.

Last year, Newman Property Experts announced that it would be closing some of its four branches and opening the 'Newman HUB', a 10,000ft headquarters in Rugby.

It said at the time that there would be up to 100 new jobs for agents covering the Warwickshire and West Midlands areas, with their role to be focused solely on valuing, viewings and negotiating.

Newman's team of agents are supported by a telesales team, a legal team for after-sale support, a design and print department, a recruitment department, advanced training and professional photographers.

"We see a centralised concept as the best way to make sure all systems and processes work in a way to benefit our clients," said Brendan Petticrew, the firm's director.