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An interview with Drivers & Norris

Posted on: Tuesday, February 26, 2019

This month, we caught up with Simon Etson, Residential Sales Manager for Drivers & Norris. He tells us about the history of Drivers & Norris, the property market in North London and his idea of a dream home.

Simon, tell us about yourself…

I am the Residential Sales Manager for Drivers & Norris. I was fortunate enough to join the company a year ago. I have worked in estate agency for seven years, originally with a construction background, and I will shortly attain a Building Surveying degree. I aspire to be known for my extensive market knowledge and my devotion to our clients.

Tell us about Drivers & Norris

We can trace back our origins to Mr. Driver, an agricultural agent in Tufnell Estates, who established his business in 1852 practising as Driver & Co until 1870. The business originated from the Northern Estates Office corner of Seven Sisters Road, Islington, London. 

In 1919 Mr. Driver and Mr. Norris merged their respective companies to become Drivers & Norris, now one of London’s oldest estate agents.

We are a multi-practice business offering Residential Sales, Residential Lettings, Property Management, Block Management, Commercial, Auctioneers and Surveys. 

We are proud to support and are trusted by our community since 1852. 

Why do customers choose Drivers & Norris?

Our clients choose Drivers & Norris because of our innovation, customer relationships and astute recruitment practices. We know our people are our brand and we have created a culture built on intelligent, friendly people. 

We try to utilise inventive technology, but without straying from the traditional values of service and customer care.

What is next for the property market in your area?

There is a lot of negative press surrounding the property market and much of the downbeat forecasts and pessimism is blamed on the lack of clarity surrounding Brexit. 

Lack of supply and affordability will continue to affect the market, but in North London we are still experiencing good instruction levels with motivated vendors. Whilst the market is reporting a lack of new buyer enquiries, (which fell for a sixth month in a row in January 2019) we are seeing positive signs in North London, with buyer registrations remaining solid.

If you became the Housing Minister for a day, what would you change? 

There are no easy fixes, but we need to remove the uncertainly over Brexit. We need a clear plan, regardless of the eventual outcome of Brexit. From releasing more land, relaxing planning laws, and stamp duty changes to speeding up transactions. 

Describe your typical day

We start the day with an effective morning meeting that drives the pace of activity, structuring the day and focusing on maximising opportunities and sharing knowledge.

Most days I carry out Market Appraisals, but I still contribute to canvassing, call out sessions and conducting viewings.

A great part of being an estate agent is that no day is the same. There are always different people, responsibilities and properties to keep you engaged. 

Can you give six tips for anyone who wants to work in the property sector?

1. Excellent customer service – service is the cornerstone of any agent’s success 

2. Professionalism

3. Patience – buying and selling property is a stressful process that can result in high emotions

4. Persistence 

5. Appetite to for learning – constantly looking to improve yourself and your knowledge

6. Multi-tasking

What makes the perfect home for you?

Location will play a big part for my perfect home. Being within walking distance to a park, local pub or restaurant would be ideal.

I also like open-plan living, which is great for entertaining, but with a separate reception room. I would like generous bedrooms with a master with en-suite, a large rear garden, off street parking and a double garage are all preferable! 

What charities do you support in your local area?

Our business is authentic, and we try to show shared goals and values. We speak to people and businesses in our community, ask them questions and tell them about our staff and our business.

Some charity fundraisers and community activities we did in 2018 include: Beacon Festival, Virgin 5k Run, Manor Gardens Street Festival, Tufnell Park Summer Fair, ULHS Housing Fair 2019, Tufnell Park Winter Fair, Whittington Park Christmas Lunch, Whittington Park Big Day Out, Christmas Jumper Day, National Jeans Day, #DoItForDom - Huntington's Disease Association, Agents Giving #AgentsGotTalent, Agents Giving  #OneThousandItemsOfFood, Children with Cancer, MacMillan Cancer Support – Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning, MacMillan Cancer Support - Sober for October, Agents Giving - #DonateACoatCampaign, Tufnell park Primary School Calendar and Tufnell Park “Race Night”.

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

What Our
Clients Say

"

I would highly recommend Hardings. Their knowledge of the local area is outstanding, and they give honest and reliable advice. They have always been my partner of choice when buying and selling.

Rhiannon Prothero

"

Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

"

I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

"

Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

"

I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

"

Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

"

We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

"

I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

"

We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

"

What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

"

Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

"

Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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