Critchlow holds the Key

A Stoke-on-Trent Estate Agent – who not only charges a fixed fee – but only asks for it on completion of a sale – have not only exceeded sales targets in their first 12 months of trading – but also expanded their services and team.

Critchlow Estate Agents, founded by 35-year-old Martin Critchlow in July 2020, set out to sell around 85 houses by the summer of 2021.

But that figure had already doubled before the agents anticipated target date with the Critchlow ‘sold’ visible across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme in abundance.

Martin, who has a wealth of local knowledge and more than ten years experience working as an estate agent, said: “Setting up the business during the pandemic was not an easy choice to make, but I knew I was ready to start and it has been a brilliant first year for us – I really cannot complain.

“I never in a million years expected to have sold 175 houses in the first year. The housing market has been incredibly busy this last year and house prices have continued to rise.”

Martin, who was keen to implement the fixed fee on the completion of a house sale when he set up the business, adds: “It was important to me to charge a fixed fee of £995, which is only paid if a house sale is made. We do not charge a commission at all and we find this is a great way to work with our clients who appreciate the fixed fee on completion. It also saves our clients huge savings – for example on a £250,000 house – approximately £2,000 can be saved. For a £400,000 house savings of around £4,000 saved. It’s a great way to serve our customers and we endeavour to always get the right price for them.”

As well as house sales, Critchlow Estate Agents welcomed sales manager Lee Dono to the team in May, and have since gone on to introduce lettings to their portfolio.

“Lee is a great asset to the team and has more than eight years in the industry,” says Martin, who has also had previous experience running a successful bricklaying business before his estate agent career.

“It was a natural fit for Lee to join us as we looked to introduce lettings to the business and he has been working with us on valuations and has already settled in really well.”

Lee said: “I am thrilled to be working with Martin at Critchlow Estate Agents. The personal touch which is embedded into the customer journey from start to finish and the wealth of experience and knowledge we share fits like a glove.”

For more information about Critchlow Estate Agents telephone 01782 962425 and visit www.critchlowestateagents.co.uk