Meet the people who make it happen

Adam Sentance has worked within the Financial Services industry since 2001, having most recently worked hand in hand with estate agents ensuring both sellers and purchasers get the best independent mortgage advice and guidance from the initial meeting through to completion.

Adam comments “Recommending a mortgage is a very personal service, every mortgage provider looks at a scenario in a completely different way, the art is matching the right client to the right provider with the right mortgage.”

Back in 1984, Aidan joined John German Estate Agents as a fledgling young trainee, worked his way up to become a qualified Surveyor and Partner at the firm. After 20 years at John German, Aidan went on to establish his own award-winning residential practice, specialising in Sales & Lettings and Student Lettings, selling the business in 2015.

Since then Aidan has returned to John German as the firm’s Performance Director, lending his expertise and industry know how to train and develop staff on delivering the very best customer experience.

Furthermore, Aidan is Chair of the Working group for The Junior Estate Agent Trailblazer Apprenticeship, he has been a member of the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) since 1989, having served on the Propertymark (NFOPP Main Board) for five years (2011-2016) and elected to The College of Fellows in 2017. He trains for NAEA and ARLA Propertymark on three of their courses “Market Appraisals and Valuation” as well as HMOs in the rental sector.

Favourite part of your job? Helping people find a new home, creating a great rapport with Landlords and tenants alike. I also love seeing all the different properties!

Top tip for landlord or tenant? Tenants, do your homework on utility providers, it could save you so much money.

What would be your dream home? A beautiful stone character cottage in a rural setting with wisteria climbing the walls.

What is your background? My career was within aero engineering, then whilst in retirement I was approached by John German for the role as Accompanied Viewing Representative. It is a role that I thought would last a few months but I’m still here over 12 years on! What I enjoy the most is meeting different people every day and being able to offer advice on the housing market.

Top tip for buyer or seller: For those selling, my advice would be to leave the viewings to the estate agent. Buyers tend to relax more with a third party and this helps prevent any awkwardness between yourself and the buyer. Plus a good agent will have the skills to point out all the plus points of your home and answer any difficult question asked.

What would be your dream home? A nice four bedroom detached house overlooking the Ocean on the Almafi Coast.

Time at John German? I joined John German Estate Agents in 2011 and have worked for both the Lettings and Sales departments.

The best part of your job? It’s a fast-paced job which provides me with a great feeling of accomplishment when I find the perfect tenant for a landlord. Another aspect of the job I enjoy is building great relationships with our landlords and tenants. It feels good when they come back to us time and time again to re-let their properties or when they are looking for a new home.

What would be your dream home? My dream home would be a period property with plenty of old features and open fires, with somewhere to put a very big Christmas tree.

Time at John German? I have been working at John German in Lichfield since 2014.

Best part of your job? Viewing houses with lovely people.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Declutter before you move, it’s the best thing – a chance to clear out all those things you never use!

Where is your favourite place in Lichfield? Tudor House, I love this fabulous building. With it being over 500 years old it is a real step back in time and a very peaceful place to enjoy an afternoon tea or champagne brunch. A true jewel in Lichfield’s crown!

Time at John German? Since 2005 both in Sales and Lettings.

The best part of your job? Building up a good relationship with landlords and tenants alike.

Top tip for buyer or seller? First impressions really do count, maximise your kerb appeal and be realistic with the rental price to avoid the property sitting empty.

What would be your dream home? I’ve always really fancied a grand design type house, perhaps by Frank Lloyd or similar.

Time at John German? I’ve recently started at John German however I have worked in estate agency for many years ever since I left college, having always had a passion for property.

Best part of your job? The best part of my job is meeting great people and ensuring we find them a property that they love! It’s very rewarding helping people buy and sell their homes.

Top tip for buyer or seller?  Buyer – prepare yourself financially before viewing properties. When you do find the property you want, you’ll be in much better position to make an offer. Seller – talk through any concerns/worries you may have about selling and moving with your estate agent and they will be able to guide you through the process.

What would be your dream home? My dream home would be a beautiful house within a natural setting surrounded by lots of wonderful trees.

Time at John German? I started working at John German in 2014.

Favourite part of your job? Dealing with a wide variety of people and helping them find a new home.

Top tip for buyer or seller? To ensure you don’t miss out on any new properties or price reductions sign up for JG Property Alerts, we will keep you posted before they go on Rightmove!

What would be your dream home? Ideally a modern, one of a kind property in a bustling city.

Time at John German? I have been in the profession for over 50 years and was delighted to join John German in December 2018.

Best part of your job? The best part of being an agent is the variety of different people that one meets, all with their own requirements and all adding something to one’s experience.
Clients are normally very loyal and after so much time in the job I find that I am now acting for sons, daughters and grandchildren!

Top tip for buyer or seller: For a seller I think forming a good working partnership with your agent is vital and always make sure that your property is ready for a viewing, try and put yourself in the mindset of a potential buyer. For a buyer I recommend doing your homework before looking at potential purchases, view more than once and always have an eye on selling at some time in the future.

What would be your dream home? Living in Derbyshire is a real privilege and a stone cottage in a rural village with a nice pub and lots of countryside walks would be difficult to beat.

How long have you been with John German Estate Agents? I joined the Stafford team in 2018, already having eight years of experience working in the estate agency.

Favourite part of your job? Negotiating sales and finding people their forever homes. 

Top tip for selling or buying a property? Clean and declutter your property before viewings.

What would be your dream home? A self-build, very modern with lots of glass and sea views.

Time at John German? I am a Chartered Valuation Surveyor with many years of experience in the Midlands. I first joined John German in 1988 as a Trainee Surveyor, qualifying in 1994 and becoming a partner in the business in 1999. I retired from the business in 2014 and am now employed to undertake professional valuations for various purposes and to provide advice for purchasers.

The best part of your job? I have always enjoyed this element of work and am delighted to be able to focus on this now.

Top tip for buyer or seller? My top tip to any purchaser is to commission a survey on the property you wish to buy. By doing so you put yourself in the position of being aware of any defects, anomalies in values and in consequence not making any costly mistakes.