London & Country Estate Agents

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for asking John D Wood & Co. to advise on your forthcoming sale or rental and we look forward to acting on your behalf. For over 130 years we have specialised in residential property in London and the south of England. Our highly professional and well trained staff have a thorough understanding of the property market in their local area and have a track record of success in marketing property at a national and international level, achieving the best results. This brochure is designed to tell you a little more about us and how we will handle the sale or rental of your property.

JOHN D WHO ?
John Daniel Wood founded the company in London in 1872 at the age of 23. The first premises were in Mount Street, Mayfair opposite the Connaught Hotel. He developed his practice with considerable success around the turn of the Century and after the First World War the company regularly took instructions on major houses and country estates. Properties were advertised over the entire back page of The Times and in Country Life magazine. This era included the sale of Dorchester House, Park Lane (now the Dorchester Hotel), Leeds Castle in Kent and Parham Park in Sussex. In 1930 the company moved headquarters to Berkeley Square where the firm remained until the late 1980s. Commercial and development work became a significant part of the companys business in the 1950s and 1960s followed by an important step in the central London residential field when the Chelsea Green sales office opened in 1966. Further growth in London strongly confirmed the company as a major force in residential sales and lettings and resulted in a network of offices across London and the south of England. In 1982 the commercial side of the company separated and in 1986 the Residential and Agricultural arm was floated on the London Stock Exchange. Further growth proved attractive to investors and in 1997 the listed company was acquired by Countrywide Assured Group plc, the UKs largest estate agency group. Today John D Wood & Co. has fourteen London offices, six country offices and associated offices throughout the south of England. Our range of services include residential sales and lettings in London and the country; land and new homes advice; agricultural sales, acquisitions and estate management; valuations for all purposes; a full surveying service and advice on leasehold enfranchisement and freehold acquisition.

LONDON & COUNTRY PROPeRTY SeLeCTiON

www.johndwood.co.uk January 2011

Then

Now

NATURAL LEADERS
Although John D Wood & Co. has a traditional image, it has always taken the initiative and remains at the forefront of the industry. Directors of the company played a leading role in the creation of two important agency movements: CLEA, the organisation of Central London Estate Agents, and ARLA, the body which regulates the countrys principal lettings agents. We also co-developed the market-leading estate agency software system now used extensively throughout the UK. We were the first estate agent to establish a computer network linking all offices in 1980 and one of the first to launch a property search website in 1995. Our in-house advertising production department was established when it was still uncommon and we created an in-house Press Office to generate regular editorial comment. The innovation continues - we design and publish our own regular property magazine; our ground-breaking Sales Service & Interior Consultancy department has been assisting clients for ten years and we have just launched the fifth version of our website designed for compatibility with social media.

Our smart and distinctive office faades are easily recognised

PEOPLE, NOT PROPERTY

Anyone who works for John D Wood & Co. has to fulfil a number of important criteria. In recruiting staff we only accept the very best because for us to be successful we must differentiate ourselves from the competition. We therefore have to recruit the right calibre of people, people who understand what we are offering in terms of a long and successful career and, just as importantly, what you expect from them. As a company we adhere to the tried and tested values of integrity, efficiency, courtesy and going the extra mile. We give our clients sound advice, putting your interests first and earning your trust, even if it means we do not earn a fee. Coupled with this we are at the forefront of technology, presenting your property to the widest possible audience, in print and online, to attract the best buyers and tenants. Good estate agency is an art as well as a science and to be successful we must be able to accurately value your property and have the style and flair to negotiate a successful conclusion on your behalf. When dealing with higher value properties it is essential our negotiators and managers have experience, as they will be guiding and advising you on what will be a major financial decision. The average age of our employees is 38 and many of our staff have been with us for a considerable number of years. Long service awards are regularly presented recognising service ranging from 10 to 35 years.

Our people are our strength

SOUND ADVICE
Advising you on the sale or rental of your property is something we take very seriously. Having made a full inspection we will write to you reporting on the property, the market and timing. This will include comments on marketability, current demand, comparable transactions and a suggested price. Accurate pricing is vital as todays buyers and tenants have access to so much information online for comparative purposes. As no two properties are the same it is essential that an element of wisdom is added into the appraisal process. There is a new breed of residential agent who values by floor area only. This is dangerous as it ignores the other vital ingredients of an appraisal an experienced agent will incorporate such as location, condition, volume, aspect and other attributes. A full appreciation of the property will be made and then compared with similar properties which have recently been sold or let. We will discuss all these aspects with you in greater detail and explain how we arrive at our suggested guide price together with agreeing a bespoke marketing strategy tailored specifically to your needs.

interior consultants
Our complimentary interior consultancy service is available if necessary and has proved indispensable in assisting clients in presenting their property to the market in the most enticing way. Our team has considerable experience in taking care of all the little things that never seem to get done but are so essential prior to a sale, whether arranging for windows to be cleaned, minor repairs, organising a professional clean or some redecoration. We offer a wide range of additional services to assist throughout your sale and beyond, including: Packing, removal and storage of contents Changing locks Valuation and auction of chattels House clearances Professional cleaning Transfer of utilities Home staging including furniture rental Design advice Refurbishment Decoration & Maintenance Referal to education consultants for all levels of school Whilst our service is complimentary, suppliers costs are chargeable and will be agreed with you prior to any work commencing.

Preparing to let
To ensure that your property performs properly as an investment, it is important to present it to the market in the best possible decorative order. Essentially the higher the rent you expect, the higher the quality must be. To help with this, we are pleased to be able to offer all landlords advice on presenting their property in the best way. The following are some useful suggestions: Light/neutral colours are preferable, they make a fresher impression and have a universal appeal Choose fabrics and furnishings that are both modern and able to withstand wear and tear Easy to maintain paint finishes are preferable to wallpaper. Good quality curtains or blinds are important in giving a positive first impression Lots of storage space in both kitchens and bedrooms is essential Kitchens should be well equipped, ideally with dishwasher, fridge-freezer, microwave and washer/dryer Bathrooms must be modern and well-lit, preferably with a tiled floor Properties should be clean. Regular cleaning will improve presentation Gardens should be well maintained Good quality carpets in neutral colours or wood floors are popular with tenants If you are renting your property furnished, high quality modern furniture is required, cast-off furniture and second hand fittings are not acceptable

LESS PAPER, MORE WORK

Successive Governments have introduced increasing levels of legislation affecting estate agency and property transactions ranging from the Estate Agents Act 1979, the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991, the Housing Acts 1988 & 2004, the Landlord & Tenant Act 1987, Energy Performance Certificates, Money Laundering Regulations, Gas Safety Regulations and more. We monitor and implement this legislation as necessary and ensure our staff are fully conversant with all aspects. Whilst we try and keep our paperwork to the absolute minimum so we can concentrate on selling or letting your property, there is a lot of information we are legally obliged to provide to you. Our separate Fees and Terms of Business document covers all the relevant points, which we will be happy to talk you through if required. Legal Preparation When selling we recommend your solicitor is instructed to obtain the title deeds and copies of any relevant planning consents, draw up a draft contract and prepare replies to standard enquiries to coincide with the launch of the property to the sales market. Once a suitable buyer is identified there will then be no unnecessary delay in exchanging contracts. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Legislation requires an EPC for the property to be commissioned prior to the property being offered for sale or to be available for potential tenants to view. We are able to help you source an EPC, which must be attached to all printed or online property particulars. For a more detailed explanation of legislation applying to letting your property, please see our Landlords Responsibilities and the Law leaflet.

MARKETING MATTERS
This is our specialist subject which we have developed and honed since the inception of the company. There is an awful lot of hot air spoken about marketing: a Google search on the word will deliver 483 million results. We keep it simple we market your property in the most effective and efficient way through proven channels to attract the best buyer or tenant. Having been estate agents for over 130 years we are often the first port of call when people start their property search. Over 75% of our enquiries now come from the key websites on which we advertise, ensuring 24 hour worldwide coverage for your property. The table below shows a recent snapshot of visitors to our website over a one month period.

United Kingdom United States France Germany Italy Australia Spain Hong Kong Switzerland Ireland Canada

72,527

UAE Singapore South Africa Netherlands Sweden Greece Belgium New Zealand Malaysia Portugal Russia

210 196 167 165 144 139 110 109 109 105 103

1,456
610 489 486 385 301 291 280 249 225

Source: John D Wood & Co. (Google Analytics) February 2011

MARKETING COLlATERAL
Photographs and Brochure Upon receipt of your instructions, detailed particulars will be prepared immediately. We will co-ordinate our photographer and floorplanners to arrange a convenient time to visit your property to draw up a set of particulars. Print Advertising We publish a regular property magazine which is delivered to 100,000 London households and a Surrey version with a distribution of 20,000. We will also propose advertising your property in the most suitable magazines and newspapers, dependent on the property location, including The London Magazine, The Resident, The Hill, SW, Richmond Magazine, Elmbridge Magazine, MoveTo, Country Life, Vogue, Tatler, GQ, House & Garden, The Sunday Times and the Financial Times. Online Advertising Your property will be featured on our website. In addition, it will appear on the key property portals as illustrated opposite. We invest in Google Adwords to drive more traffic to our website, provide a Facebook login to our website and regularly Tweet interesting property information. All enquiries from these sources are referred directly to the office with which you are dealing, ensuring we have full control of the interest generated. Boards & Postcards If appropriate we will erect a For Sale or To Let board at the property as these are proven to be an extremely successful way of generating local interest. In addition, we can send a postcard to up to 500 neighbouring properties announcing the sale or rental, which is another effective way of alerting potential buyers through your neighbours social and business networks. Editorial Coverage We have an in-house Press Office which is dedicated to achieving free editorial coverage in national newspapers, magazines and online wherever possible; depending on future features, it may be possible to utilise this to increase market awareness of your property.

TO LET
johndwood.co.uk

020 7824 7900

FOR SALE
020 7908 1108
johndwood.co.uk

10

WEBSITE COVERAGE
www.johndwood.co.uk

nestoria
the easiest way to find UK property

Over 37, 000 visits every month Over 3 million visits every month

Over 700,000 visits www.nestoria.co.uk every month

Over 833,000 visits every month

Over 5.5 million visits every month

Over 2 million visits every month

Over 287,000 visits every month

Over 2.9 million visits every month

Over 37 million visits every month

Over 300,000 visits every month

Over 259,000 visits every month

Over 10.1 million visits every month

Source: trafficestimate.com February 2011

11

LANDLORDS Services
Accounts Our dedicated accounts team is on hand to ensure that once rent is collected it is remitted to you as soon as possible. We prepare regular statements of accounts, respond quickly and efficiently to queries, and ensure you are kept updated of any issues which may arise. In the unlikely event of your tenant falling into arrears, we act proactively on your behalf to make sure that the correct legal process is followed to obtain payment as soon as possible. Whether you are based in the UK or abroad, we can provide a full tax advisory service by providing you with an income, disbursement and payments schedule to incorporate into your UK tax return form. Management We offer a comprehensive management service designed to give you the peace of mind that your property is being cared for by an experienced team in a professional manner. You will have a designated point of contact who will handle the day-to-day maintenance issues that arise, liaise with utility suppliers and arrange all the necessary safety reports on your behalf. We can also organise the payment of outgoings such as ground rent and service charges at your request. Many tenants, particularly corporate ones, expect their properties to be professionally managed, which increases the chances of the tenant remaining for a greater length of time. Renewals We have a specialist renewals department staffed by highly experienced and trained negotiators. Should you wish to retain your tenant, we will work hard on your behalf to negotiate an extension of the lease, in liaison with the local branch, in order to achieve the best possible rental considering prevailing market conditions. The longer your tenant stays, the lower your costs will be and the greater your overall return. We will also provide advice on current legislation and can arrange an up-to-date market appraisal for both sales and lettings at the end of the term to ensure you can make an informed decision.

12

SERVICES AT A GLANCE
Our Service
Comprehensive marketing, with an automatic applicant match, including relocation agents and corporate contacts. Arranging the EPC* Introducing a tenant & negotiating terms Applying for references Preparing documentation including tenancy agreements* Digital signing facility Client accounting and arrears TDS membership 24 hour login facility for Landlords Negotiating renewals Arranging the periodic electrical inspection* Application for exemption to HM Revenue & Customs Client accounting and arrears Arranging the inventory and check-in* Transferring utilities Handling insurance claims Routine repairs & maintenance* Payment of invoices Arranging the annual gas safety inspection* Managing the check-out process Deposit reconciliation

Rent Collection Full Management

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

*Please note additional charges for services and documentation may apply. You will be liable to pay contractors for any work / inspections carried out.

13

MORE TO OFFER
We are able to offer more property related services which may be of assistance to you now or in the future, including: Leasehold Enfranchisement Our surveyors are highly experienced in negotiating the acquisition of extended leases or of freehold interests, under the relevant enfranchisement legislation. We only act for leaseholders and have been successfully advising clients since the original Leasehold Reform Act of 1967. Valuation and Surveying Formal valuation reports may be required at many stages before, during and after ownership of a property. Our experienced Chartered Surveyors can provide valuations for loan security, capital gains and inheritance tax, litigation and matrimonial purposes. We handle negotiations with HM Revenue & Customs and undertake portfolio valuations. Country Professional Department Specialising in the sale and acquisition of farms and estates and conducting valuations for all purposes including probate, marital and security. With many years of experience our team can advise on all aspects of country property from party walls to DEFRA grants, mixed use to development potential. London Country Association Our London based Country Department works with our country offices and co-ordinates with a wider network of associated agents throughout the south of England enabling us to assist both buyers and sellers of country property.

14

THE DIFFERENCE
At John D Wood & Co. traditional values and a straight-talking approach go hand in hand with modern technology. That is why we are different and why our clients trust us. Thank you for everything you did to achieve the successful sale of our house. We were impressed with you from the start and it has been a real pleasure to work with you.
Mr & Mrs N, London SW6

I would recommend you without a doubt.

Mrs M, London SW3

I was very impressed with your professionalism and the proactive way you managed the sale from start to finish.
Mr K, Wimbledon, SW19

Thank you for being so efficient in finding a respectable tenant so quickly and for such efficient communication on all matters related to the rental of our property.
Mr S, Surrey

Thank you for all your efforts in achieving a very good result for us. We are delighted with the outcome and very glad to have selected John D Wood & Co.
Mr C-B, London SW7

John D Wood & Co. have been letting several of my properties for a number of years and Ive found they work in the most professional manner at all times and resolve any tenant issues.
Prof T, Oxford

Thank you for the help and confidence you gave us from start to finish. It was extremely reassuring to feel the increasingly firm grip you kept on progress.
Mr & Mrs L, London W8

Your professionalism was exceptional. We have no difficulty in recommending John D Wood & Co. and will certainly use you again in the future.
Mr & Mrs K, London W8

15

OFFICE DIRECTORY
LONDON OFFICES
BAttERSEA 501 Battersea Park Road, SW11 4LW Sales 020 7228 0174 bat.sales@johndwood.co.uk Lettings 020 7223 8848 bat.lets@johndwood.co.uk BELgRAViA 48 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PA Sales & Lettings 020 7824 7900 belgravia@johndwood.co.uk ChELSEA SALES 9 Cale Street, SW3 3QS 020 7352 1484 cst.sales@johndwood.co.uk ChELSEA LEttiNgS 296 Kings Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 8111 chl.lets@johndwood.co.uk CitY & DOCKLANDS 22 Widegate Street, E1 7HP Lettings 020 7650 1702 city@jdw.co.uk FuLhAM 287 New Kings Road, SW6 4RE Sales 020 7731 4223 ful.sales@johndwood.co.uk Lettings 020 7371 0123 ful.lets@johndwood.co.uk KENSiNgtON SALES 162 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BN 020 7908 1100 kcs.sales@johndwood.co.uk KENSiNgtON LEttiNgS 10 Portland Road, W11 4LA 020 7727 2233 por.lets@johndwood.co.uk PRiMROSE hiLL 166 Regents Park Road, NW1 8XN Sales 020 7586 9060 prh.sales@johndwood.co.uk Lettings 020 7586 9882 prh.lets@johndwood.co.uk RiChMOND from May 2011 31 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1AD Sales & Lettings 020 8940 6611 richmond@johndwood.co.uk SOuth KENSiNgtON 125 Gloucester Road, SW7 4TE Sales 020 7835 0000 skn.sales@johndwood.co.uk Lettings 020 7835 0044 skn.lets@johndwood.co.uk WANDSWORth 324 Trinity Road, SW18 3RG Sales & Lettings 020 8871 3033 wandsworth@johndwood.co.uk WiMBLEDON 5 Church Road, SW19 5DW Sales 020 8944 7172 wim.sales@johndwood.co.uk Lettings 020 8946 9447 wim.lets@johndwood.co.uk iNtERiOR CONSuLtANtS 140 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BN 020 7908 1564 ssd@johndwood.co.uk VALuAtiON & SuRVEYiNg 140 Kensington Church Street London W8 4BN 020 7908 1110 professional@johndwood.co.uk hEAD OFFiCE 140 Kensington Church Street London W8 4BN 020 7908 1110 hq@johndwood.co.uk

COUNTRY OFFICES
ChELMSFORD 80 - 86 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0PD Sales 01245 344222 chm.sales@johndwood.co.uk COBhAM 19 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3DH Sales & Lettings 01932 864252 cobham@johndwood.co.uk EShER 53 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9RQ Sales & Lettings 01372 462211 esher@johndwood.co.uk LYMiNgtON 53 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9ZB Sales & Lettings 01590 677233 lymington@johndwood.co.uk OxFORD 235 Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxon OX2 7HN Sales & Lettings 01865 311522 oxford@johndwood.co.uk WEYBRiDgE 7 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AF Sales & Lettings 01932 842323 weybridge@johndwood.co.uk AgRiCuLtuRE 235 Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxon OX2 7HN 01865 511215 oxag@johndwood.co.uk Associated offices throughout the south of England. All enquiries 020 7908 1108

16

johndwoodandco

www.johndwood.co.uk