What we found out when we asked agents about their office – Sea-gulls, emergency CPR and a naked seller.
We asked some of the UK’s top estate agents four quick questions about their company and their customer’s house-buying habits.
What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you on a viewing?
Francis from Daniels Estate Agent: Whilst at a valuation, Brendan walked into the garden backwards and fell into the pond!
Chris from Benham and Reeves: We were let in by the nanny who told us no one was in, and to look around on our own. When downstairs, the owner came out the bathroom, totally naked and said “well you’ve seen everything now, carry on”.
Bob from Jeremy McGinn: My vendor had lent me the keys and requested for them to be posted back through the letterbox after the last viewing. A couple minutes after posting the keys back, the lady who had just viewed the property announced that she had left her handbag inside with all her keys and purse in. Unfortunately, the vendor was away for a couple of days!
Memish from Purplebricks: I was showing a prospective buyer the rear garden and heard the seller call me from the greenhouse. The sun was in my eyes as I walked briskly towards the greenhouse, banged my head off a steel railing, landed unconscious flat on my back and woke up after the seller tried to give me mouth to mouth.
What’s the fastest sale you’ve ever had?
Chris from Benham and Reeves: Fastest sale agreed was within 2 minutes! Sold to an immediate neighbour.
Memish from Purplebricks: As I was leaving an apartment, the neighbour asked me why I was taking photos. I told him the flat was about to go on the market and he made an offer… sold in seconds!
What is the most unusual property your office has sold or let?
Francis from Daniels Estate Agent: We just sold a row of derelict garages to the rear of our office
Chris from Benham and Reeves: Former church hall sold in Hampstead Village. Allegedly ‘The Who’ used to practise there.
Bob from Jeremy McGinn: The old police station house built in 1894 – beautifully refurbished inside.
Memish from Purplebricks: I sold a three-bedroom semi, that had been converted for use as a seagull sanctuary. Every room was dedicated to injured seagulls; there was even a pond dug into the living room!
Who in the office spends the most time in front of the mirror?
Francis from Daniels Estate Agent: Umar Ahmed at our Wembley branch
Chris from Benham and Reeves: Geoffrey
Bob from Jeremy McGinn: Probably the budgie in the corner of the office
Memish from Purplebricks: I don’t have an office and at my age, I avoid all mirrors!
Thank you for the agencies who took part, why not share your unusual properties and stories with @RightmovePro