One office, no targets set in a head office.
Independent since 2009. Nobody above us has ever asked us to inflate an appraisal to win an instruction.
We both worked for a corporate agency. The listings targets were the problem.
When branch performance is measured on instructions won rather than sales settled, over-valuing becomes rational for everybody except the seller. We watched good agents do it because the alternative was a difficult Monday.
Marlow & Vale has one office, five staff and no regional manager. We measure ourselves on the fee we charge and the length of our tie-in, both published on this site and reviewed every January.
Four things, and how you can check them
Each one is verifiable rather than merely nice.
Evidence with every appraisal
You get the comparable sold prices we used, on paper, whether or not you instruct us.
No fee until settlement
No upfront charges, no withdrawal fees, no marketing costs. If it does not settle, you owe us nothing.
Twelve-week maximum tie-in
If we are not performing you can leave. Long tie-ins exist to protect agents from the consequences of over-valuing.
Accompanied viewings as standard
Every viewing, by someone who has been in the house. Never a key handed over at the door.
Three stages, and what each takes
A free appraisal at the house, about an hour, with the comparable evidence left with you whether you instruct us or not.
Photography, floor plan and description, all approved by you before anything goes live. Usually on the portals within four days.
Accompanied viewings, honest feedback within a day, and a weekly call about what the market is telling us — including when the answer is that the price needs revisiting.
Five people, all of whom live here
You will meet at least two of us and the same one will handle your sale throughout.
Kate Marlow
Director — sales and appraisals
Sam Vale
Director — property management
Toby Ellery
Have us out for an appraisal, even if you are only thinking about it.
You keep the evidence either way, and there is no follow-up call unless you ask for one.