Posted: Monday, December 10, 2018

An interview with Holroyd Miller

We spoke with Simon Miller, Partner at Holroyd Miller about his 30-year career in the industry, his top tips for success and the future of the property market in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

Tell us about yourself
My career in estate agency currently extends to thirty years. I have worked for both large corporate and independent agencies, and of course I have been running my own business with two other partners for the last 20 years. It comes as no surprise to many that I am a craft beer enthusiast and wholeheartedly support the growing number of micro-breweries in my town.

Tell us about Holroyd Miller
We are a small independent agency based in Wakefield and Dewsbury. We offer a comprehensive range of property services from a company that dates to 1897. From residential sales and lettings, commercial management and sales, RICS valuations and surveys, our trusted teams are experts in their field who focus on individual needs in an easy and relaxed way.

We are hands-on, providing a service that removes the complexity and pressure of property transactions. Whether buying, investing or letting, we simplify the process and co-ordinate everything to ensure our customers’ experience is positive and enjoyable. There’s no estate agent jargon here, just well-informed advice and actions.

If you became the Housing Minister for a day, what would you change?
Bring back HIPs (Home Information Packs)

Can you give six tips for anyone who wants to work in the property sector?
You must be a people person. Patience, empathy, a sense of humour and a genuine desire to help are key skills. It also helps if you like and understand the nuances of different types of property. Enthusiasm and a genuine understanding of the property market is essential – it shines through when consulting with vendors and buyers alike. These are all key traits I look for in agents.

Why do customers choose Holroyd Miller?
Repeat business is a major part of who we are. I have worked and lived in the area for a long time, as have my business partners, Jonathan and Hearl. We are known in our community and are a part of it. I think our customers really appreciate that, not to mention their good experience with us. We take the stress out of the process for them – we manage the complications and their expectations, and that keeps them coming back. 

What is next for the property market in your area?
There are lots of new builds in Wakefield. Given our position next to the M1 and M62 motorway network, our excellent rail links to London, Leeds, and Edinburgh, and top-rated schools, Wakefield has a great deal of potential to be the next “hot spot” in the North.

What makes the perfect home for you?
A home that feels like a home, not always show home ready but one with character, charm and interesting features, probably an older property with lovely well-stocked gardens.

What charities do you support in your local area?
This year we chose to support Andy’s Man Club, MS Society Wakefield, and the Wakefield Hospice by becoming the lead sponsor at the Wakefield Festival of Beer. We are very proud to have been involved in promoting the event, and to announce that almost £10,000 was raised. 

Another charitable cause that we are committed to supporting is our local homeless charity Cap Care. Our support extends to providing food hampers, clothes donations, and furniture donations throughout the year. During the festive period we will be taking part in a supermarket sweep, piling the trollies high for food stocks to be made into Christmas hampers for the charity.

Describe your typical day
There isn’t one! The element of surprise is always there and I continue to be the “Swiss Army Knife” of estate agency – I am involved in HR, marketing, social media, branding, business development, valuations, viewings, negotiating, and making tea… you name it, I do it.

Do you have any news you would like to share?
We have recently launched a new website which includes a produced film in which the team and I take a completely different approach. 

We promote the businesses in and around Wakefield, as well as the area itself. 

The film has received lots of positive comments from locals including Peter Box, the leader of Wakefield Council, all of whom really appreciated our positive promotion of a town we all love.

How has The Guild benefitted your business?
We’re really seeing the benefits; our Guild membership status lets our clients know they are dealing with professionals. They also know they are receiving the best possible chance of selling by being part of one of the largest network of agents in the country. This alone has allowed us to maintain income levels by emerging as the agent of choice for the higher end of the market.

 

For more information regarding membership to The Guild of Property Professionals email parklane@guildproperty.co.uk or to see more click here.

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Customers Say

I can't speak more highly of the team at Homesearch. When I met Michael to discuss the sale of my home instantly from that meeting, I could tell how knowledgeable they were. From that moment until closing, everything went absolutely flawless. This experience of selling went without a hitch with them giving great tips on preparing my home for viewings. Thank you. I really appreciate all your help during this process. I highly recommend Homesearch to any person who is looking to sell their home or buy a new home.

Loretta Barrett, Seller

I started with two very well known real estates, but I hated it. I was simply another number to them and I didn't feel they were honest and transparent. With HomeSearch I felt comfortable that they were on my side and they were always available to help. The process is hard enough, so having a team who supports you can make such a difference. Highly recommend.

Arian Barvarz, Seller

The reason we chose Homesearch to sell our property was that we liked the straightforward, no-nonsense approach of both Anna and Michael. They gave an honest appraisal of our property and a clear idea of what we could expect to sell it for. In fact, the offer we accepted exceeded our expectations. The sale took longer than we would have liked, due to delays caused by the buyers' solicitor, but Michael was tenacious and must have worn his phone out keeping everyone informed of progress.

Nicola Watson, Seller

Homesearch are hands down the best agent I have ever worked with ! The team helped me in an extremely complex sale. Without the knowledge and experience of the whole team, my sale would not have completed. I dont normally write reviews, only when they are truly deserved. An exceptional team! Very kind and personable, reliable & trustworthy.

Leslie John, Seller

My experience with Homesearch is that they are professional, friendly and go above and beyond to ensure that something stressful like selling a house runs as smoothly and stress free as possible. They work hard to get the results and have kept me updated throughout the process. I honestly could not recommend them enough, they are easily the best company I’ve dealt with in the buying/selling houses field. And to top it all off, they always answer the phone in the most pleasant tone and always provide service with a smile.

Chanelle Hunte, Seller

Homesearch are PROFESSIONALS. I sold my property through Homesearch and I have not dealt with a more competent agency. Every single person  dealt with knew exactly what they were talking about and I can tell that they all have knowledge in the industry and were not just picked up from the street. From the get go I was impressed and I will certainly do business with them again.

Paul Hobbs, Seller

Many thanks Homesearch for locating professional corporate tenants for my property. I am very happy with your property management service as you always ensure that the tenants give the property back in good order at check out. Five Stars!

Maria Foran, Landlord

I have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional service I have received from Homesearch. They have removed all the stress & hassle of renting my property and dealt with all manner of situations I would have struggled with in such a professional & courteous manner. They give valuable unbiased advice with such a wealth of experience. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly & helpful. Homesearch let and managed my property and I am very happy with their property management services, they are very knowledgeable.

Paula Carter, Landlord

Homesearch always do what they say they will do. They are efficient and raise any issues early and provide options to resolve them. Homesearch is very  easy to get hold of and talk to, no matter where I am in the world! My property is well looked after, regarding tradesmen, replacement of items swiftly etc. with the minimum of fuss.

David Connells, Landlord

From our first viewing right through to the present, Home Search were brilliant. They helped make the whole process quick and stress free and even now we are in and settled, they are still happy to assist us with any queries we may have. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Julie Maney

Home Search helped us move into our new flat smoothly and Tim was always happy to provide help to put our nerves at ease. Arranging a viewing was easy and Home Search were happy to open after hours for us to sign the paperwork. They were very helpful and often would offer to help! Having moved in we received a lovely card and they have always been swift in communicating with Usif we have any questions. Would recommend it.

Will Houghton

Michael and his team were simply amazing!! They helped us to find the perfect house, offering a nice and attentive service from the beginning through to the end. Thank you so much!! 5 stars service. Highly recommended!!!

Giordana Sicali

Very helpful and friendly staff. Tim, Michael and the team Made the whole renting experience easier.

Amol Sinare

I had a very difficult situation as I did not have a guarantor and my dad was earning enough but was not a homeowner. It took a about 3 weeks but Michael sorted it all out in the end and my dad became my guarantor. I got a lovely home and all the staff were very helpful including Paris, Zainab and Tim. Thank you all very much! Would recommend them to anyone

Misti Chakraborty

On behalf of myself, Noa & Niamh, we would like to start off by saying a massive thank you for the amazing service Home Search Ltd provided us with, especially highlighting the work of Clorissa. Within a week we were able to sign, seal and move into the property that we looked at, all down to Clorissa's prompt and effective work ethic, which allowed us a smooth transition from one property to another, without her, this move would not of been possible to have happened within the time stamp that it did. We are very grateful for the work that was done by Home Search Ltd, highly recommend.

Lewis Francis
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