Welcome to John German Estate Agents in Ashbourne

Time at John German? I first joined John German Estate Agents in the Ashby office as a Trainee Land Agent in 1981. I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor a year later. After ten years in various parts of the country, I moved to the John German Stafford office. I was the head of the Residential Estate Agency and Valuation department. I stayed until we opened in Uttoxeter in 2004. I now work from Ashbourne and Uttoxeter, combining them with my role as Managing Director.

The best part of your job? Despite how long I have been doing it, I get immense satisfaction from doing a deal and achieving an excellent result for a client. It is great when clients follow your advice, especially when the results match or exceed everyone’s expectations.

Top tip for anyone selling a property? It is vital to prepare well to avoid unnecessary delays and avoidable issues spoiling the sale in the final stages of the deal. It is worth reviewing the house’s condition and sorting out teething problems that could deter buyers and create many damning words from surveyors. Also, ensure all the appropriate certificates and paperwork is readily available for your solicitor.

Time at John German? Joined John German in 1998 at the Burton office and have worked in estate agency since leaving school.

Best part of your job? We sell properties but this business is all about people, working with our clients to achieve a sale and seeing them move home gives me tremendous satisfaction, more so, if difficulties have to be overcome along the way.

Top tip for buyer or seller?  Seller: Do your research on estate agents before instructing one, it’s not all about a low fee! Buyer: Yes buy with your head but let your heart have a say too!

What would be your dream home? A contemporary glass and steel home overlooking an estuary.

Time at John German? I started at John German around 1998.

Best part of your job? Knowing our clients trust us and are confident in the knowledge we will sell their home for them. To make it as stress free as possible, we have a brilliant support team in the sales progression department. Lichfield is a small town and we regularly bump into happy customers which makes the job very rewarding.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Before going on the market, walk through your home and imagine how a buyer would see things for the very first time. Can you see anything which needs updating or fixing? Are there any rooms which look too cluttered or busy? If so, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get things looking fresh, spacious and homely.

What is your experience?  I started in estate agency in 2014 after graduating from University and have never looked back.

The best part of your job? Putting a deal together that our clients are happy with and when a plan comes together.

Top tip for buyer or seller? My top tip for a seller would be to de-personalise, clean and tidy your house as much as possible ready for marketing and viewings.

I always say that if you were going to sell your car, you would  wash it, wax it, polish it, the same applies (if not more) to your house!

Dream Home: Stone cottage in the country with a log burner, large garden and vegetable plot.

Best part of your job? I love everything about my job, from meeting new people to agreeing sales. The best thing is seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we have done our job!

Top tip for buyer or seller?  Choose an agent with a great reputation and great local knowledge, one that will provide you with the highest level of customer service. Of course, this means choosing John German!

What would be your dream home? A detached home with a fabulous modern living kitchen and great outdoor space to entertain from.

What is your experience? Even though I am new to the sector with no previous Estate Agent experience. I have always been interested in property and the skills I have gained from my previous roles have given me good foundations to build on in my new career.

The best part of your job? My favourite part of my job is building relationships with both vendors and buyers. I love that every day is different, and you never know what the day will bring and being part of helping people find their dream home brings me joy.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Being new to the industry, my top tip would be to listen to your Estate Agent as they have the experience and knowledge to navigate you through the process and know that they always have your best interest at heart.

What would be your dream home: My dream home would be a detached, modern, cottage feel farmhouse in the middle of the countryside with hundreds of acres of land with stunning views and lots of sheep.

What is your experience?  I have worked in sales and customer service-based roles for many years both in Cambridge and Derbyshire area and love working with people. I have always had a passion for property and feel excited to start my career as a Sales Negotiator with John German.

The best part of your job? So far I am really enjoying getting to know the John German family and gaining knowledge about the industry. I also really enjoy the reward of seeing people find their dream home.

Top tip for a Vendor? I’m very new to the industry however, my top tip would be to listen and trust in your agent’s advice and always have your home decluttered & presentable to allow potential buyers to see their own vision of how they would style it.

What would be your dream home? My dream home would be a detached semi-modern home in the countryside with lots of land and animals.

What’s your experience? I have completed work experience twice with John German. I have recently joined the company as an apprentice as I really enjoyed my time with the lettings and management team.

Favourite part of your job? My favourite part of the job is going out and seeing beautiful houses and letting them to excited, happy tenants.

Top tip for tenant or landlord? Choose a good agent. The team I am working with are all qualified and highly experienced – I am looking forward learning from them.

What would be your dream home? My dream home would be an open plan detached house with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the countryside.

What is your experience?  I have 2 years’ experience in student and residential lettings, with a background in hospitality that has given me great people and customer service skills.

The best part of your job? Getting to know people and properties and helping create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Top tip for a landlord? Good tenants love good homes – keeping on top of maintenance and investing in your property is the best way to attract them.

What would be your dream home? My dream home would be a light, cosy home with character and modern touches – warm tones, wood features and large windows overlooking water or the countryside.

Favourite part of your job? Is saving the day! When something has gone wrong with someone’s mortgage application and we are able to intervene and get them into their dream home.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Before taking the plunge and applying for a mortgage speak to an independent mortgage advisor. With so many different lending policies between mortgage providers these days, it is worth your while to speak to someone impartial who will find you a mortgage based around your own needs.

What would be your dream home? My dream house would have to be a place overlooking the sea. There is something really calming about watching the waves roll in. Being by the sea takes me back to my childhood in the Northeast, having lemon tops in Redcar and enjoying fish & chips in Whitby.