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An interview with Midcalf Nicholls

Posted on: Friday, May 10, 2019

This month, we caught up with Dawn Dickinson, General Manager at Midcalf Nicholls who talks us through the property market in the West Midlands and her advice for those looking to move home.

 

Tell us about yourself…

I’m Dawn Dickinson, General Manager of Midcalf Nicholls. I’ve worked in the property industry for many years in all roles to work my way from the bottom up. At one time I was the Area Manager for a large independent firm which was lots of fun, but there’s nothing like being at the helm of a strong, local agency.

 

What makes the perfect home for you?

It may sound obvious, but one that feels like a home. There’s no point having a beautiful show home if your spirits don’t lift each time you walk through the front door.

 

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

I would impose rules to ensure the conveyancing process better embraces modern-day technology. It still takes too long, on average, between agreeing a sale and exchanging contracts – the point at which everyone can plan with certainty and the stage before which people can often be in a state of nervous limbo. 

 

Tell us about Midcalf Nicholls…

The firm was established in 1992 by Robert Nicholls and Stuart Midcalf, initially with one office in Stourbridge. Stuart retired some years ago, but Robert remains at the head of the practice. 

The business has grown significantly over the last 27 years, with the addition of a second office in Kinver in 1998 and the acquisition of two other businesses – one sales and one lettings. 

Our ethos has always revolved around a simple mantra: treat clients, buyers and tenants as you would wish to be treated yourself. We invest in our clients and benefit from repeat business and referrals.

 

What is next for the property market in your area?  

Properties are currently in short supply in many of the areas that we cover. We cover Stourbridge, Kinver, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Kidderminster, so most of the West Midlands. It’s good news for sellers and landlords, because premium prices are being achieved and properties are selling and letting very quickly. Our hope is that more properties will come to market. 

 

Why do customers choose Midcalf Nicholls?

Reputation is a huge factor. Feefo reviews have spread the world further afield as well, and are proving to be somewhat of a Godsend for us. 

 

Describe your typical day

No one day is the same! That’s the joy of working for an independent firm. I’m involved in HR, marketing, market appraisals, social media, business development, viewings, morning meetings, trouble shooting and keeping the team caffeinated. 

 

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

Tip 1

Be a people person: estate agency isn’t just about property, it’s about dealing effectively and empathetically with people from all walks of life, at a time that is potentially very stressful for them.

Tip 2

Be a good listener: this is important when it comes to identifying a motivated seller, or spotting buying signals from a potential buyer. 

Tip 3

Know your stuff: ensuring you give the best possible advice to your clients is important. Estate agency is becoming increasingly technical, with an ever-expanding raft of legislation to comply with.

Tip 4

Learn diplomacy and bite your tongue: keeping both parties of a transaction happy requires tact and discretion. The reality is that disappointed parties often blame the messenger. 

Tip 5

Be upbeat and enjoy yourself: always wear a smile – it makes everyone feel better and is good for business. Estate agency isn’t an easy ride, so you shouldn’t be in it unless you enjoy it. 

 

Do you have any advice for those thinking of moving home?

If you’re ready to move, now is a good time as any. Don’t put your life on hold because of Brexit and if you’re thinking of downsizing, don’t leave it too long. You’d be amazed how many people tell me how they’ve struggled for years to maintain an overly large house. Think it through, obviously, but then bite the bullet!

 

What charities do you support in your local area?

We like to support a wide variety of local activities. Currently, our focus is on Kinver: we’ve sponsored Kinver KRUFTS, Kinver Light Operatic Society and the Open Garden Weekend. Sue Capon, our Lettings Manager and Eliza Little, our Lettings Coordinator are currently training to run the 5k Race for Life to raise money for cancer research. Support them and donate to a worthwhile cause here. 

Find out more!

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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