PROPERTY programmes are an interesting subject, we often get calls into the office from programme makers.

For some vendors it is not for them and they feel it could have a negative effect on marketing, others see it as an exciting opportunity and actually, it could sell their house.

One of our properties in Oakridge Lynch was featured last year on “A Place in the Sun Home and Away”.

For us as agents, that was a new experience and an interesting one as to how wonderful film makers can be at capturing the mood of a home with the right camera angles.

I don’t often get the chance to watch these programmes, but on Sunday afternoon, whilst we were cooking, one such programme was on and it was a very interesting watch.

The couple featured had never actually viewed a property, they relied solely on the internet, Google maps and statistics about an area.

They were shown properties that they had seen online, but had dismissed and decided not to view for one reason or another.

The internet is of course a fantastic house hunting tool, but this particular film showed just how important property brochures and estate agents still are.

I am always so delighted when I hear my team enthusiastically talking about a house in detail while on the phone and then obtaining that all important viewing.

The same staff also do a great job of obtaining further viewings off the back of that initial enquiry.

I’ve been in this industry for a fair old time now and come from the days of applicant cards on the table in index boxes, posting out brochures, no computers and simply telephoning customers.

Whilst computers have automated so much, a phone call to a customer is so important and can achieve so much.

Likewise, people do not always like us to post out details like we used to, but for those without a computer, we can still get to know our buyers in the good old fashioned way and add them to our mailing list.

Property marketing has come a long way and some of the features on the websites are so helpful to prospective purchasers, but if you are living and looking locally one of the best things you can still do is to drive past a property and have a look at the outside first.

Property purchasing is as much a head as heart decision and with so many considerations today in terms of schools, jobs and lifestyle, customers sometimes appreciate some support when they have managed to find a home they like.

We as agents are of course not here to do the deciding, but we should be knowledgeable enough to ensure all prospective purchasers general questions are answered.

Here at Besley Hill Town and Country Homes we do believe in good old fashioned service and that should never be underestimated.