Having spent over eighteen years in the property industry, where he has gained a wealth of experience covering all market conditions, Michael Chapman has now decided to go it alone and set up his own independent estate agents in Alderley Edge.
Michael explained "Estate agency is in the blood, I am the fifth generation of my family to have a successful career in the industry. I started in 1991 working for one of the top agents in central London, moving back to my home county of Cheshire in 2002 and more recently I was manager of Savills in Wilmslow."
The last two years have certainly been challenging for the property market. The turbulent financial events of 2008 left many buyers cautious and unwilling to move, or invest, and the lack of consumer confidence continued into 2009. However Michael is not phased by the housing market slump, "The signs are that when a property is marketed at a realistic price there is an excellent chance that it will be sold within a reasonable time period."
Michael added "For estate agents to be a success it is all about winning the instruction then putting it on the market for a sensible price and sensible fee. For the client the most important thing is communication. Lack of communication is one of the most common complaints. Our ethos is that we shall contact our clients at least once a week and will not shy away from bad news."
Michael J Chapman estate agents, covering Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Prestbury and the neighbouring towns and villages, is unlike the traditional 9 - 5.30 estate agents that are on the high street. They are available over extended hours, during the weekend and clients can log onto their software at any time of the day and see how their property is being marketed.
Michael said "There is little benefit these days in being able to visit a high street office, when over 80% of people start their property search on the internet and 10% through newspapers."
Michael moved to Alderley Edge in 2004 where he met my wife, who lived a few doors down from him, and told us "We feel immensely proud to live and be part of such a tremendous community. As a business we are committed to being an important part of the vibrant local community and are looking to support local schools and events through sponsorship and fundraising."
For more information visit the Michael J Chapman website.
