When buying or selling a property, trust is the most essential factor. This is one of the most significant decisions you will make, and you need to know that everything your agent is doing is in your best interest. This is why our service and your reviews are so important to us at Cross Keys.

Most people looking to buy or sell will check reviews before contacting an agent. Positive reviews strengthen our reputation and build trust between our clients and us. They help clients decide which agent to instruct, as we hope that each review reassures them that they have made the right decision in selling or purchasing a property. Just as when you choose a restaurant or a place to stay that is unfamiliar to you, we all tend to rely on recommendations and reviews from family and friends. Reviews are crucial, and depending on their content, they can significantly contribute to a company’s growth, whether by highlighting areas for improvement or reflecting a five-star experience.

Potential clients always look at reviews to learn about genuine experiences from past and current clients. In a competitive market, reviews can sometimes be the deciding factor in which agent a client chooses. Reassurance can mean a lot, whether the client is knowledgeable about the process or needs more guidance from the start.

We always aim to ask our clients for a review on different occasions throughout the process. For example, it is vital for us as a company to receive feedback following day-to-day viewings, during negotiations, once a property has exchanged, and again once the property has been completed. This demonstrates our interest in hearing our clients’ thoughts and experiences, whether about a specific transaction from start to finish or about their broader search for a new home.

Building a good rapport with our clients is essential. It allows us to build strong, genuine relationships and to foster continued business in the future.

Every review is targeted at a different audience, whether it is an investor selling properties, first-time buyers, or people selling to buy a new home. Reviews show that we can help everyone. Here is a lovely review from a first-time buyer:

“Great team. Very friendly and helped answer my questions. Made sure to keep me up to date on details and helped explain what would happen next. Highly recommend for first-time buyers.”

Alfie Bennett

This lets other first-time buyers know that we are a reliable agent who can cater to everyone.

Where to Start

As we all know, buying and selling a property is one of the biggest things you will do, and we understand that this comes with a certain amount of worry and stress. Whilst you will only do this occasionally, or maybe only once in a lifetime, choosing the best solicitor for you and your specific requirements is crucial. Your choice can impact the outcome of your sale or purchase and how smoothly the whole process moves forward to completion.

Who is best to ask for Advice?

We now live in a world where we don’t do anything without seeking recommendations or checking several reviews first, from making a major purchase to booking a restaurant so why would this be any different. Recommendations are always useful either from friends, family members and also the estate agent who is dealing with your property.

You may not go through this process often, but Agents work with numerous solicitors for sales and purchases daily and have a great working knowledge of which solicitors have a reputable background, and unfortunately ones that don’t. Excellent Communication between your agent and solicitor is also vital if your chosen agent does their own in-house sales progression from sale agreed to completion, as we do here at Crosskeys, to ensure a seamless process.

Our recommendations are selected carefully through years of working together and most importantly positive experiences and outcomes for our buyers and sellers.  We always know it is our reputation on the line too when we give recommendations! Cross Keys Estates can make solicitor recommendations, if desired, to suit the individual needs of your sale and or purchase.

Fees and Comparing

We also recommend you obtain 2-3 solicitors’ quotes from recommendations. This way, before deciding, you can compare the initial quotes and decide by liaising with the solicitors, which one you feel you have the most confidence in and whether they are the right solicitor for your transaction. Solicitor quotes can vary depending on the solicitor’s expertise and the complexity of your transaction i.e., if it’s a Leasehold. Is it a listed building? Remember, the cheapest option is not always the best option.

Is Local Best?

In our experience the answer is simple … YES. It’s common and frustrating that unfortunately most out of online solicitors, whilst seeming the less expensive option, quite often may not respond to you, emails will get lost and calls get missed with no returned contact. A local solicitor can offer the reassurance of knowing you can arrange an appointment to meet with your solicitor to raise or go through any concerns in person.

In addition, and equally as important, is a good knowledge of the local area and its properties which can be very different in different parts of the country such as radon gas, knotweed and unusual restrictions or covenants that seem specific to this particular part of the world, all of which can be easily navigated by local conveyancing experts. Our advice would always be to choose a local solicitor.

Every Client is Individual

One of the main things is making sure your solicitor is made aware and understands your specific legal needs, so identifying your requirements from the start is crucial to avoid any bumps in the road. This can be anything from just a normal selling and buying transaction, to a transaction where there are more complex needs being a separation / divorce, a complex lease transaction or a probate transaction. Knowing your legal needs will help you narrow down the field of potential solicitors with the experience that will be required for your transaction.

Good Communication is Key

Good communication skills are one of the most essential things to look out for, especially in what could be a stressful and tough time. Effective communication can give you the confidence to trust and also build a rapport with your solicitor, along with managing all expectations by making sure you are both on the same page, at the same time.

Lastly, choosing the right solicitor is a decision that should not be rushed. Take the time to research by looking into reviews for the individual and the company, liaise with multiple solicitors (2-3), and consider all aspects including their fees, the communication received to date and most importantly, do you feel confident, and could you trust your appointed solicitor?

Summary

Hopefully, by following these steps, you can ensure that you are well-represented from the start with a pro-active solicitor, and with the confidence that you will reach a point of exchange of contracts and completion as smoothly and with as little stress as possible. However, where obstacles do come up, you as the client have the full confidence in your acting solicitor to deal with the issues promptly and go “The Extra Mile” where required.

Hello again everyone and welcome to the third instalment of my guide to different aspects of life in Plymouth. With just about three months to go until Christmas, the mornings are getting colder and darker, and I’ve already noticed my food choices shifting to more seasonal dishes. It’s definitely the time of year when I start planning ahead – not just for Christmas, but also for a positive start to the new year. So I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ll be looking out for in and around Plymouth to keep life fun.

Oktoberfest – 25th October

The first event that springs to mind for October is Oktoberfest. Plymouth’s version is held in a huge Bavarian-style tent, complete with steins of German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, Oompah bands and traditional drinking games. It really does capture the Bavarian party atmosphere – lederhosen and dirndls included! If you’re up for lively music and plenty of laughs, this is one not to miss.

Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus – 26th October

For something a little more family-friendly, The Box is hosting Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus. I love that they’re encouraging everyone to dress up in their scariest outfits. Expect craft activities, magical science experiments, music and dancing – a real spooktacular. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stay on afterwards to try the special Halloween menu in the café (just remember it’s card-only).

A Season of Theatre

Plymouth Theatre Royal is one of my favourite places to spend an evening, and their upcoming programme is brilliant. You can catch Juliet & Romeo, Black Sabbath – The Ballet, The Woman in Black, Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes and That’ll Be Christmas music extravaganza. And of course, they always round off the year with the panto, which I’ll talk about later.

Big Nights at Plymouth Pavilions

The Pavilions never disappoints either. This season includes John Bishop, a Michael Jackson tribute, Bastille, Riverdance at 30, Fisherman’s Friends, and Jools Holland with his orchestra. They’re even throwing an 80’s themed Christmas meal and party – which sounds right up my street.

Lights, Markets and Shopping

For me, the Christmas build-up really begins with the light switch-on, which this year is on 15th November. From mid-November onwards, you’ve got late-night shopping and the city centre Christmas market running right through December. I love the atmosphere when the market stalls are up – mulled drinks in hand, browsing for presents, all wrapped up against the chill.

The Santa Run – 29th November

I’ve done this one myself and I can honestly say it’s pure fun. The Santa Run is a 3km dash (or jog… or walk!) through the city – but the best part is that everyone is dressed as Father Christmas. It’s impossible not to smile when you’re part of that red sea of Santas.

A Different Kind of Christmas

Normally, I do Christmas in a very big way, but this year will be a first – I’ll be away with my husband enjoying some winter sun. Lots of people choose to do the same, opting for something less formal and, often, less expensive than the traditional celebrations. If you’ve got family travelling down, another option is to book one of the many Airbnb apartments or houses in Plymouth, which can make hosting much easier.

Planning Ahead

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you really do need to book ahead in Plymouth at this time of year. Restaurants, pubs, cinemas, clubs – they all get packed. Roads and car parks get just as busy too, so sometimes I prefer to leave the car at home and use Park & Ride or hop on a local train instead.

Festive Drinks on the Barbican

The Barbican is always my go-to for catching up with friends in December. It’s a mecca for socialising and has everything – cosy pubs, cocktail bars, fish and chips, fine dining. Personally, I can’t resist a hot mulled cider at this time of year – it feels like Christmas in a cup!

Shopping – High Street to Hidden Gems

I love a good wander around the Barbican’s cobbled streets in December, dipping into the independent shops, antique stores and artists’ studios for presents. If you stray off the beaten track, there are so many little treasures – even quirky charity shops and lovely tea rooms.

Of course, there’s also Drake Circus for the big names. I always find myself in M&S for mum and dad, and Primark for nieces and nephews. If you’re looking for something more special, Allum & Siddaway and Michael Spiers Jewellers are both nearby, with Breitling and Omega tempting the watch-lovers.

Nightlife in December

With university students heading home for the holidays, the nightlife shifts a little and becomes more local. The bars and clubs are still lively, but many do charge entry fees at this time of year – so it’s worth bearing in mind.

Comedy at Marjon – 10th October

I can’t finish without mentioning comedy – one of my favourite nights out. Myra DuBois is performing at Plymouth Marjon University on 10th October. I’ve already got my ticket, and if you enjoy sharp wit and bold humour, I’d recommend it.

The Panto!

And of course – the panto. Oh no it isn’t… oh yes it is! This year it’s Dick Whittington, starring Shane Richie. He’s always hilarious, and it’s the perfect way to round off the year.

Wrapping Up

So that’s my guide to Plymouth this autumn and winter – from Oktoberfest steins and spooky science to mulled cider on the Barbican and panto laughs at the Theatre Royal. There really is something for everyone.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Part 3, and I’ll be back in the new year with Part 4. Until then – take care, have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.