Using a Property Finder

whitesatin

We’ve spent a long time trying to find properties in the area we think we want to move to.  We have certain criteria which is non negotiable (seaside, good transport links etc.) but haven’t found anywhere yet using the usual tools.  We wondered if it’s worth employing a property finder who might help us to think outside the box and do some leg work for us as it’s a bit of a trek to go and view a house only to find it’s already gone. It has happened!  Just wondered if anyone has used a property finder as opposed to an estate agent and was it worth doing.

hazyjo

Not Leigh-on-Sea is it? I'll keep an ear open if so 😁

dimbo61

That depends on your budget ?
Why not enquire with a few and see what charges they have

Or give Phil and Kirsty a call.
Seaside and good transport links 
I wonder why there is a massive shortage of homes by the sea. 

gwynlas

Why not use similar criteria to property search programmes to find something yourselves? Seperarately search out properties within a specific distance from your ideal location and see what you come up with maybe asking family/friends to join in. If you are looking for a four bed then include three and five beds. Consider multiple reception rooms or integrated garage that you could convert to a downstairs bedroom or a smaller house where you could extend or do a loft conversion. If access to good rail links is important do not limit yourself to one station but consider driving time and parking costs at others on the same line.

jonnydeppiwish!

whitesatin said:

We’ve spent a long time trying to find properties in the area we think we want to move to.  We have certain criteria which is non negotiable (seaside, good transport links etc.) but haven’t found anywhere yet using the usual tools.  We wondered if it’s worth employing a property finder who might help us to think outside the box and do some leg work for us as it’s a bit of a trek to go and view a house only to find it’s already gone. It has happened!  Just wondered if anyone has used a property finder as opposed to an estate agent and was it worth doing.

Where are you looking? Which part/s of the country?

whitesatin

Thanks all.  The Kent coast as I have always found it an easy journey to Kings Cross then I can take trains to visit family either from there or a short walk to Euston.  I won’t have to travel back that often but I’m getting on a bit so need the easiest route I can find.  I’m in Hertfordshire and we’ve been looking to move on and off for a few years.

hazyjo

I lived SE of the river for many years after being in Essex and found it a massive divide. If all your friends and family are north, I'd suggest taking a look at Leigh-on-Sea.

(Honestly not trying to encourage everyone here lol. I just think it would work better than Kent coast.)

Easier journey to Kings Cross. Short walk to either Aldgate Station, Tower Hill, Bank or Liverpool Street, and short tube ride. I often used to be out around Kings X. Very easy journey back home. 45 mins on train to Leigh.

Titus_Wadd

Four beds, 4bath, sea views of the English Channel, 2k+ square feet, double garage plus 2 car drive, big garden with 2 patios, private road at the foot of the S Downs?  90 mins to London Bridge?
Make me an offer....sadly it comes with sociopath and narcissist neighbours who try to kill our pets and have assaulted all members of my family.
Sorry OP, not trying to derail your thread with my own woes, but have you thought of Sussex, they're not all that dreadful here? Honestly!

whitesatin

Titus_Wadd said:

Four beds, 4bath, sea views of the English Channel, 2k+ square feet, double garage plus 2 car drive, big garden with 2 patios, private road at the foot of the S Downs?  90 mins to London Bridge?
Make me an offer....sadly it comes with sociopath and narcissist neighbours who try to kill our pets and have assaulted all members of my family.
Sorry OP, not trying to derail your thread with my own woes, but have you thought of Sussex, they're not all that dreadful here? Honestly!

Ha ha!  Neighbours can certainly make or break a house.  I’m reasonably lucky with mine to be honest.  The stairs and garden are just getting a bit too much and Hertfordshire costs a fortune (our part less so).  I lived in Surrey and taught in West Sussex for a while but for some reason the sea is calling me.  Oh yes, and somewhere flat too.

whitesatin

hazyjo said:

I lived SE of the river for many years after being in Essex and found it a massive divide. If all your friends and family are north, I'd suggest taking a look at Leigh-on-Sea.

(Honestly not trying to encourage everyone here lol. I just think it would work better than Kent coast.)

Easier journey to Kings Cross. Short walk to either Aldgate Station, Tower Hill, Bank or Liverpool Street, and short tube ride. I often used to be out around Kings X. Very easy journey back home. 45 mins on train to Leigh.

It’s not somewhere I know much about thanks but I will look at it online.

hazyjo

whitesatin said:

hazyjo said:

I lived SE of the river for many years after being in Essex and found it a massive divide. If all your friends and family are north, I'd suggest taking a look at Leigh-on-Sea.

(Honestly not trying to encourage everyone here lol. I just think it would work better than Kent coast.)

Easier journey to Kings Cross. Short walk to either Aldgate Station, Tower Hill, Bank or Liverpool Street, and short tube ride. I often used to be out around Kings X. Very easy journey back home. 45 mins on train to Leigh.

It’s not somewhere I know much about thanks but I will look at it online.

There have been lots of articles about the area recently. It's very popular/desirable. Worth a day trip. There's far more to it than just Old Leigh. Lots of shops on The Broadway and Leigh Road. It's very arty and quirky too. We have several festivals and lots to do. Nature reserve, nearby woods, countryside, etc.

https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/essex/leigh-on-sea/

PS was voted the Happiest Place to live in Britain twice 😁💗