Stafford Office 1st Year Anniversary

18th June 2010

Good traditional service in a modern setting is the prime objective of Paul Barnes, associate partner of the John German estate agency operating from an attractive new office in the heart of Stafford.

With almost 25 years’ professional experience, Paul rates himself as “very fortunate” to have worked for most of his career in the Lichfield and Stafford areas, where he still specialises in village properties, country homes and farm houses.

“I really enjoy dealing with a wide range of residential properties at the quality end of the market,” said Paul, who has been with the firm since 1998, when he and Nick Pollitt, an experienced consultant based at the Lichfield branch, sold out their company Upton’s to John German.

Besides carrying out valuations on properties for prospective buyers, Paul is involved in various other aspects of John German’s extensive and varied work, including the interesting aspect of auctions. “These events usually take place at the George Hotel in Lichfield and encompass residential properties, land, building plots and renovation projects,” he said. “The company has become very well known and respected for achieving the best possible auction prices for our clients.

“One of my main aims when valuing a property for sale on the open market is to obtain the right price for the vendor. From then on myself and our talented team based at Stafford work hard together to achieve a sale. To this end we employ good, old fashioned ethics, doing the simple things well, like always returning phone calls. It is a matter of attention to detail.”

John German moved into the new Salter Street office twelve months ago. Prominently located in the centre of Stafford, almost opposite the iconic Gatehouse Theatre, the attractive premises are highly welcoming to any visitor, a feature being the specially commissioned photographs of Staffordshire beauty spots adorning the walls.

The energetic staff based there have many years’ experience between them in various aspects of estate agency. Clare McKiernan, Matt Slater, Julie Gomersall and Jo Keen form the sales team, while lettings are the prime responsibility of Rachel Johnson, Charlie Hamilton and Anne Wolffgram. Dedicated viewing professionals Andrew Burden and Clare Byrne help vendors to show prospective buyers around their properties.

Whilst traditional values, enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and the best of courteous service are all vital, the modern technology at John German in Stafford is equally important. The company re-located to the bright new premises from the familiar office it had occupied for 20 years, taking with it the respected reputation already established and adding improved facilities for clients.

Prospective buyers can relax in a pleasant and informal atmosphere, with soothing background music, and use computerised technology to view property details. “We leave them to peruse on their own if they so wish, but a wealth of advice is available whenever they need it,” said Paul. “Similarly, vendors like having their properties professionally displayed, not only on computer screens, but also in the beautifully produced brochures available to buyers, which include excellent photography.

“The high profile new office reflects our confidence both in the residential property market and the long-term future of our business and we always offer a warm welcome to visitors.

“Everything comes together to produce a high level of success for vendors, but once a sale is agreed we do not stop there. That is only part of the job!  The sale has to be managed and co-ordinated, which is achieved through another experienced team, Jean Holmes and Barbara Chilver, who liaise with everyone involved, including other professionals such as solicitors. Their objective is to see that everything runs smoothly”.

“Nothing is too much trouble for any of the team here at John German and we look forward to welcoming vendors and purchasers alike.”

For further information contact the Stafford Branch on 01785 236600.

The John German team at Stafford (from left to right): Julie Gomersall, Rachel Johnson, Anne Wolffgram, Paul Barnes, Jo Keen, Charles Hamilton, Matthew Slater, Clare McKiernan

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