Residential Magazine

Issue Spring 36

BEST

ESTATE

AG E NCY

ESSEX

•

6

Y EAR S

R UNNING

Founders, Reg and Eileen Beresford

Upminster Office 1968

When Reg and Eileen Beresford decided to open an estate agency in 1968, the philosophy was simple: To be part of the community and provide a friendly, personal and ethical service to people at all times knowing that moving home can be a stressful experience.

Fast forward 50 years and those ideals are just the same and just as important.

Although Beresfords has grown considerably over the last 50 years now employing over 200 local people, it is still a ‘family owned and independent’ estate agency that has retained all of its core values.

In turn that has led to a culture of longevity when it comes to those that work at Beresfords. The Company has long had an industry wide reputation of not just recruiting the best people but developing them and most importantly, keeping them.

Reg and Eileen were successful because people trusted them and that is equally true today. Yes trust has to be earned but when you have people that have been with Beresfords for years, and in many cases decades, they know their job, their area and the people that live there. That’s how reputations are forged and trust is built, not just in a business sense but also in the individuals themselves.

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When R Beresford & Co opened its door for the first time it was from humble origins, a small office in Corbets Tey Road Upminster.

When we say small, we mean small. At its widest point it was no more than 8ft, and at the rear no more than 6ft.

A refreshing approach to marketing has been a vital part of the success. The widely experienced Marketing Team believes all aspects of property marketing are integral to success so our presence across the full offline to online marketing spectrum is unrivalled.

That didn’t stop it from becoming a huge success and it wasn’t unusual to see people queuing to get into this little office.

The Company is proud of the fact that our success has been rewarded with 44 national and regional awards being won over the last 10 years, including being voted Best Estate

When Reg developed a long-term illness, his son Paul, at that time training as a surveyor in London came in to help in 1975 at the original office. Paul soon noticed that a number of their clients were moving out of Upminster and north into areas such as Brentwood, so when an office came up in the heart of Brentwood, it was an opportunity seized.

That foresight of noticing the trends of people migrating out from Greater London into Essex proved to be the core of how the business has expanded. Since then, each new office planned has added to that network, which now stretches out as far as Suffolk and the Hertfordshire borders where branches throughout the county can promote properties to the offices nearer and into London.

Today the Beresfords Group of companies have various divisions specialising in a particular sector of the property sector. They are all successful in their own right and include residential sales, lettings, land, new homes, surveying, mortgages, International property and holiday Lettings.

Upminster 1968

Upminster Office 2018

Agency in Essex for the last 6 years in a row at the UK Property Awards.

Beresfords has always recognised that the local community is the backbone of the business and therefore supporting local groups and charities is massively important to us. We are proud that we have been able to support a variety of charities, including raising over £45,000 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance over the last two years.

To see reviews go to: Brentwood

Brentwood Office 2018

Brentwood 1981

Office 1981

www.beresfords.co.uk

Chairman, Paul Beresford and Area Director, Alex Beresford

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To many of us, reaching middle age has few if any advantages. However for Beresfords it’s exactly the opposite.

To start with reaching 50 years but continuing to grow and be successful in a very competitive marketplace is a clear sign of getting it right.

Of course it helps to have a pedigree of professionalism, experience and customer service spanning six decades but that will only get you so far. Where you are today and where you’ll be in the future is what counts.

One of the benefits of having a history is playing a part in where countless thousands of Essex people live today and people remember that.

The result is that they and their homes have become interwoven with Beresfords as you meet the same people at various stages of their lives.

There are few better feelings as an estate agent than someone saying to you “I don’t know if you remember, we bought our last property through you!”

When people come back it’s because you made an impression the last time whether that was a year ago or a decade. In the vast majority of cases we do remember them because it’s likely that the person they dealt with is still there.

Generations of the same family have chosen to use

Beresfords and for us there’s a real sense of pride in that.

We have also dealt with the same property on numerous occasions and it’s fascinating to see how the properties have changed (and increased in price!) over time.

The Upminster property featured here was first marketed and sold 35 years ago, and yes the person who inspected that property then is still at Beresfords today!

Since then we have sold the property for different owners numerous times. Over the years it has been extended into a very impressive family home and that type of property remains as desirable today as it was in 1982 when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, Michael Jackson released Thriller and London’s Barbican was opened.

This Upminster property was first sold by us in 1982 and then again in 1986, 1991, 1994 and in 2010.

4

Hornchurch 1983

Landlords and tenants are always encouraged to use an established letting agent whose staff retain extensive industry experience and detailed knowledge of their local areas. Furthermore customers should ensure their agent is a member of a recognised professional body.

In our case we are part of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), the professional body that regulate the lettings industry. Therefore our staff are ‘fully’ regulated and adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.

As a ‘regulated’ agent the rent and deposit monies we process are automatically protected. This operates in a similar way to the cover provided by ABTA within the travel industry. Unfortunately many lettings agents are ‘unregulated’ and therefore cannot be held accountable for their actions nor provide any guarantees in terms of rent or deposits they receive. So whether you’re a landlord or tenant be sure to make the right choice of agent otherwise it could prove to be an expensive mistake!

Let & Managed

Having used another letting agent before who were awful, Beresfords sourced us a lovely family who are looking after my property.

The rent is paid on time and we’ve had no issues so couldn’t ask for better tenants. My niece is now renting through Beresfords on my recommendation.

Mrs O’Sullivan

Let & Managed

My experience with Beresfords has been nothing but positive. I used the managed service and their professional approach takes a lot of worry away. When an issue arises they deal with everything in a very professional way.

Mr James

Let & Managed

We have used Beresfords as our agent for the last 16 years. They manage five properties for us and we are delighted with the service and support provided to both ourselves and our tenants.

Mr & Mrs Lander

To see reviews go to:

www.beresfords.co.uk Gidea Park 1987

5

When I joined in 1981, Beresfords was just a 13 year old teenager, in 2018 it reaches respectable middle age with its 50th birthday. At the time I joined the Company it just had the one office and was about to open the second in Brentwood. I became the first full-time employee working as Manager at the Upminster office, allowing Paul to steer the expansion out into Essex. Since then I have seen the Company grow into one of the most successful and respected estate agents in the UK with a string of national awards to its name and a workforce of over 200 local people.

I am proud to have played a part in getting Beresfords to where it is today, but at the same time I am thankful that it has never lost its core values of professionalism and integrity and remains an independent, family orientated business.

Terry Holmes Director 37 years with Beresfords

On arriving at a property for an accompanied viewing, the couple were waiting on the door step and with them was a dog. We entered the property and the elderly couple that lived there welcomed us in. We looked round the property with the dog also running around the house with us. Just as we were about to leave the elderly couple thanked them for coming to view the house and commented on how lovely their dog was. The couple replied “it’s not our dog we thought it was your dog as it was sitting on the door step when we arrived.” On opening the front door to leave a frantic man was calling out in the street for his lost dog!

Carl Gable Area Director 24 years with Beresfords

My memorable moment of being part of the Beresfords team is definitely the social side and especially the Summer Awards Evening and Ball. I think it’s a great reward for the whole company to be together for one night and celebrate the success everyone has contributed to.

It allows us all to feel part of the Beresfords family and I look forward to them every year and with a different theme at each event it is always a great surprise for us all.

Jo Hall Branch Secretary 20 years with Beresfords

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Billericay 1989

We were instructed to sell a home which had remote controlled electric gates and we had a key which gave us access.

We often held the viewings and we were under strict instructions to call the vendor before as they had two Rottweiler guard dogs which had to be safely kept away. On one particular day I had phoned ahead. As I arrived and got out of the car, I crunched across the drive and the sound of flying stones come round from the back of the house. A huge bark followed and I saw the dogs hurtling towards me with bared teeth. The blind panic took over as I ran for it at top speed. I finally managed to get myself safely into the property before the frenzied hound could sink its teeth into the seat of my trousers! I moved pretty fast considering I was 54 at the time. At 62, I think the dogs would catch me now!

Robert Bushell Listings Manager 24 years with Beresfords

I have many memorable recollections but I suppose my proudest moment was being offered a Directorship position within Beresfords in 1990.

At the time, Beresfords had a small network of offices, particularly in the London Borough of Havering and Brentwood.

Since then, I have been proud to be part of the expansion of the Group across Essex, none of which could have been achieved without the superb and committed teams we have. Today, I still get the same buzz as I did when I joined back in June 1987 and it is a pleasure dealing with so many clients over so many years.

Mike Sayers Sales Director 31 years with Beresfords

My memorable moment was definitely my first day with Beresfords. At the young age of 17 I was really excited to be starting my role within an Estate Agency and as you see by the picture, my mum was just as excited. She ushered me into the garden to pose as though it was my first day of school!

At that time I never dreamed I would spend the next two decades working for the same company.

Over the years I have dealt with some wonderful people from all walks of life and there is no better feeling than believing you have played some part in helping people move home, which for many can be a life changing experience.

Lauren Wilson Lettings Manager 20 years with Beresfords Shenfield 1993

7

Newspaper advertisment dating back to 1983.

At Beresfords we have always recognised the vital role that marketing plays in the promotion of a property be it for sale or to rent. To remain a ‘market leader’ it’s imperative you constantly push the boundaries and remain innovative.

website, which incidentally is being viewed in 164 different countries around the world, there are some unique features that are not readily available elsewhere. These include a detailed and interactive schools guide as well as the most recent OFSTED reports, including pupil to teacher ratios, local area videos and useful information to commuters.

In the early days we were the first local agent to introduce colour advertising and on our current

Visit www.beresfords.co.uk for more information.

Newspaper advertisment dating from 2018.

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Chelmsford 1997

Writtle 1998

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A night of Glitz & Glamour...

Raising over £31,500 for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance guests enjoyed a night of entertainment with a luxury charity auction hosted by BBC Look East and Inside Out TV presenter, David Whiteley, pictured here with Chairman Paul Beresford, Jane Gurney (CEO) of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and the Marketing Team from Beresfords.

Prizes included a fabulous stay at the world famous Sugar Hill Resort in Barbados, a week at a vineyard in South Africa and many other stunning prizes, which all helped to raise a fantastic amount on the night at the spectacular setting of Braxted Park

Beresfords Christmas Dash for Cash...

Over 40 sporting fundraisers took part and raised an incredible £500 in Beresfords’ 5k Dash for Cash starting in Chelmsford and finishing at Bridge Street Lounge & Grill, Writtle. It was held in aid of the Lord's Taverners, the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity that gives disadvantaged and disabled young people a sporting chance.

Maldon Mud Monsters...

We love the Nuclear Races...

On Sunday 7th May the Beresfords ‘Mud Monsters’ took part in the annual and world famous Maldon Mud Race, where they survived trudging through the mud in aid of the Maldon based charity ‘Action for Family Carers’ raising an amazing amount of over £230.

Beresfords ‘B52s’ got stuck in at the Brentwood Nuclear Race.

From the ‘Deathslide’ to the ‘Slack Attacks’ the Nuclear Race had it all and the Beresfords team marched through the obstacles and raised an outstanding amount of over £1,100 for The British Heart Foundation.

10

Ingatestone 1999

Each year we sell and let thousands of properties across the region, so we certainly understand that home is where the heart is and we are proud of the fact that for over half a century we have built a strong reputation for supporting communities and organisations throughout the County.

Whether that be helping local schools with their fetes and events through to town or village carnivals, where we get to enjoy the day of festivities along with the community. As you see we also are always keen to get involved in different charity initiatives whether it be crawling through the mud or dashing through the county. This year we are striving to complete many more and will be taking part in events such as the Farleigh Hospice Bubble Rush, The Inflatable 5k Obstacle Run, The World Famous Maldon Mud Race and the Brentwood Nuclear Race so if you happen to be there on the day don’t forget to give us a cheer!

Beresfords Community Foundation

Paul Beresford is Chairman of Beresfords Group, which has over 25 offices and departments throughout Essex, Greater and Central London and provides services in sales, lettings, land & new homes, surveys, valuations, mortgages, international property and holiday lettings.

Paul, Joanna and their family have contributed to the work of many charities over the years and the team at Beresfords is always finding innovative ways to get involved in supporting many local and regional organisations and Commu n iactivities, t y F o uasnwell d aas t inational on fundraising events.

Beresfords

Paul said, “Establishing a charitable fund in the name of the family and the business will allow us to bring all our giving together.

Working with Essex Community Foundation means that we can support some of the less well-known local charities whilst having confidence that the money is being used efficiently and effectively.”

We are fully committed to helping and giving back to the community. If you have an event or charity that you would like us to support, please get in contact with full details of the event:

G.Page@beresfords.co.uk Braintree 2004

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Take a look at a small selection of the properties that we currently have available across our network of offices. We cater for all budgets big and small, so whether you are looking for a one bed starter home or a sprawling country retreat, we are sure to have something for everyone.

Lexden £229,995

2 1 1 Colchester Sales

01206 805134

Our Manager’s Top Property!

Upminster

Braintree Guide Price

£830,000

£180,000-£200,000

3

2

Situated in a sought after road enjoying easy access to high achieving schools for all ages, town centre and station with its direct rail links to Fenchurch Street and The City, this detached family house offers superb accommodation of a high standard throughout.

2

3

1

Upminster Sales 01708 873867

1 Braintree Sales Gary Jenkins

01376 388677

Beresfords Country & Village provides a unique and tailored approach to selling property and we pride ourselves on the quality of service that we offer.

From large estates to chocolate box cottages, we ensure that we meet the expectations and requirements of each and every one of our clients, no matter how big or small.

Shenfield • Brentwood Located discreetly via a scenic half mile driveway, this stunning residence has been occupied by the same family for nearly a century. The property is set in a mature and well established garden of approximately 5.3 acres (STLS). The main residence comprises seven substantial bedrooms. The remainder of the property is made up of seven reception rooms, pool house, stabling, numerous outbuildings and an all-weather tennis court.

Guide price £3,250,000 Country & Village 01245 806980

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Colchester 2008

Brentwood £925,000

4 2 2

Fryerning

2

Ingatestone Sales 01277 888930

1

2

Brentwood Sales

01277 888937

£700,000

Dunmow OIRO £1,450,000

5 6 3

Gidea Park Gidea Park Sales 01708 873868

2

1

1

£320,000

Dunmow Sales

01371 868454

Little Braxted • Essex • Grade II Listed five

bedroom cottage, dating back to the 17th century.

• Set on a stunning plot of circa 1.75 acres (stls).

• Timber beams and feature brick fire places.

Guide price £1,150,000 Country & Village

01245 806980

Moreton • Ongar • Grade II Listed five

bedroom family residence.

Little Waltham • Essex

• Three good sized

• Charming five bedroom detached farm

receptions and kitchen/ breakfast room.

• Detached double garage, further extensive parking and beautiful rear gardens.

house in a semi rural location.

• Two bedroom residential barn set on a half an acre plot.

• Surrounded by farm views, parking for numerous cars, and a car port.

Guide price £725,000

Guide price £1,250,000

Country & Village

01245 806980

Country & Village 01245 806980 Great Dunmow 2013

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DIVISION Beresfords Land & New Homes Division is one of the most successful in it’s field and has been recognised with major national awards.

A unique opportunity

We work with some of the UK’s most recognised builders such as Crest Nicholson, Redrow, David Wilson, Croudace, Taylor Wimpey, Linden and Bellway as well as top regional and local developers.

As a result we have a huge range of new homes across the county including city centre houses, riverside and commuter apartments, spacious executive homes, rural retreats, suburban family properties and downsizer homes in historic market towns.

To see an extensive selection go to: www.beresfords.co.uk

PRICES FROM £479,995 A gated collection of superbly appointed 3 & 4 bedroom homes within walking distance of Chelmsford station

Allsaints - Maldon • Six stunning apartments and two cottages.

• High vaulted ceilings & internal court yards on selected homes.

Prices from £320,000

• Contemporary kitchens all individually designed.

• Just 0.5 miles from Maldon High Street.

2 S TU N N I N G S H O W H O M E S A V A I L A B L E TO V I E W B Y A P P O I N TM E NT

Maldon Sales 01621 834623

All enquiries please call Beresfords on 01245 806977

Your most valuable asset could be under your feet!

Garland Court - Billericay • Superb one and two

bedroom apartments on the High Street.

• Secure gated parking.

Prices from £295,000

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• 32 minutes by train into

London Liverpool Street.

• Fully fitted kitchens and flooring throughout.

Billericay Sales 01277 889701

If you think your land may have development potential, call our land specialist Chris Hayward or one of his colleagues on:

01245 447938 or email land@beresfords.co.uk Maldon 2014

5: 1

Demand for rental property in Essex has remained consistently high across the entire property sector.

Also, the imminent arrival of Crossrail in Essex has already stimulated interest from a new batch of tenants who would previously have searched for something to rent in other areas.

Currently across our own branch network there are 5 prospective tenants registered for every property we have available to rent.

164

Recent statistics from our own website show that the properties we are promoting online are now being viewed in 164 different countries around the world so the exposure we can offer to landlords is considerable. Many of these tenants will be working professionals re-locating to the UK to work in The Capital or its surrounding areas including Essex, which we all know offers great road and rail links into Central London.

Our Manager’s Top Property!

4

£3,250pcm

Do you have a property to rent and want to maximise your return? Call us on 0808 301 7468 to discuss our bespoke marketing packages. We will also include a FREE Rental Valuation!

£1.895pcm

3

2

Havering Lettings

01708 874863

1

2

2

Situated in the sought after location of "Old Shenfield" and within 0.4 miles of Shenfield mainline railway station with its direct links into London Liverpool Street station.

Shenfield Lettings 01277 889504

2

£750pcm

2

1

Colchester Lettings

Adam Johnson

3

£1,150pcm

1

1

Chelmsford Lettings

01206 805133

01245 806979

Providing Various Types of Surveys & Valuations • • • • •

Home purchase Buy to let purchase Help to Buy New Builds Shared Ownership

• • • • •

Divorce Probate Inheritance Tax Capital Gains Tax Charity Valuations

T R U S T E D F O R N E A R LY 1 5 0 Y E A R S

For a FREE online quotation visit: www.chekes.co.uk Alternitively call or email us: Freephone: 0800 023 2424 Email: info@chekes.co.uk

CHARTERED SURVEYORS SINCE 1873

Witham 2016

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Flagstone, making mortgages childsplay

0808 163 4059

www.flagstone.co.uk

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