Background

Craig Bees was born in Northampton in 1960 and his career as an Estate Agent began in 1981, becoming a Branch Manager and later, a Board Manager for a National firm. In 1993, Craig joined Richard Greener Estate Agents as a Senior Negotiator, specialising in the Valuation and Sales of properties from terraced houses to Country Cottages and Mansions. In 1999, Craig became a Partner of the firm and continued to build a wealth of experience and knowledge in Valuing properties for Probate and the Court of Protection, acting for Solicitors on behalf of Private Clients and creating and selling properties and plots for development.

In 2005, Craig decided to leave his Partnership and form Estate Valuation Services. The Company concentrates specifically on:

1. The valuation and Sales of property for Probate purposes.
2. The valuation and Sales of property for Private Clients.
3. Acting on behalf of the Court of Protection. 
4. Creating building plots for development.
5. Selling new homes for developers.
6. Overseas property for investment and leisure

In focusing only on these areas of expertise, Estate Valuation Services are able to offer an exceptional level of service and marketing, dedicated to each individual Client and property.

Marketing

Each property benefits from individual marketing 24hrs a day, through our dedicated website. We also feature in newspaper property suppliments focusing on each house individually. In this way, we ensure that every property receives the attention it deserves and is not hidden in page after page of advertising. 

Strategic Development Land

This is land that is well sited for possible future development and represents a potentially highly profitable investment. We carefully select strategically placed sites that will increase dramatically in value, should the land be re-zoned for future residential development. Approaching the market in this way allows individuals to buy and benefit from the rising value of land and to either re-sell, or build their dream home, should planning be granted in the future. 

Plot Creation and Development

Many properties provide potential for future development, a fact that is often missed when selling. Whilst Planning Laws can be complicated and long winded, there is no doubt that having the knowledge to spot a potential plot or development opportunity and then managing this through the planning phase to successful completion, is a valuable asset.

Sales by Informal Tender

This method of selling is usually applied to property that requires renovation or provides potential for residential development. It is a specialised service which requires an in depth knowledge of the property market and professional marketing skills and management. Handled properly however, it can provide outstanding results in terms of selling prices and speed of sale to completion. Over the years, Craig has completed the sales of many properties in this way and would be pleased to offer advice to any Clients who feel this approach may help them.

Probate and Court of Protection

Where a Valuation for Probate or the Court of Protection is required, Estate Valuation Services will provide a detailed written valuation, supported by suitable comparable evidence from Land Registry figures and Archive. A comprehensive knowledge of local property values and Historical house price indices, has proven very useful in negotiations with the District Valuer over the value and therefore tax implications relating to a Client or Estate.

Everybody Benefits

When Estate Valuation Services was at the planning stage, I wanted to ensure that my approach to this business was different. Yes, I would offer an exceptional level of professional service, high quality marketing and accompanied viewings, but "that's what they all say". I had a few extra ideas though, developed over the years, including all of the above and a few more. Now we are well and truly established, these ideas are providing benefits for all.

Most properties requiring renovation, sell to developers/builders, who in turn make a substantial profit on re-sale. I have agreed with a large number of developers, that where I sell them a property for development/refurbishment, they will make a donation back to the Estate or Beneficiary, on completion of the re-sale. The size of the donation will be linked to the expected profit, but in most cases, should be between £500 and £2000. This amount of money will be of benefit to everybody, especially Charities and Estates where there is a dependant relative or outstanding debt to repay.

Concentrating on just a few properties for sale, allows me to be proactive in many more facets of the business than an Estate Agent with a hundred or more houses to sell. As a consequence, I am able to devote more time to each property, providing a higher level of service which, as I mentioned earlier, means everybody benefits. 

Overseas property

Whilst on holiday in Spain during 2005, I discovered a brand new leisure development of luxury villas and apartments in the early stages of build.  Designed around a fantastic 18 hole golf course which is due to be completed by the end of 2007,  I looked at the plans and was very impressed by the properties, the attention to detail and quality of build. Almost a year on and the leisure complex is taking shape with a number of villas and apartments built and the rest of the scheme well under way. Having made contact with the sales manager during my initial visit, I was delighted to be approached by them with a view to selling properties on their behalf. To accomodate the developer, Solera S.L., one of the largest and most sucessful builders in Southern Spain, I have added a new section to the website which goes into detail about the site, prices, specification, location and availability. I have also managed to negotiate some excellent discounts for private buyers, consortiums, investors and golf societies.

This is a superb development of luxury properties, built to a high standard and in a beautiful location, approximately 30 minutes from the beach and airports, with cheap flights available from Luton and Stansted. 

There are a range of discounted purchase schemes available through EVS, where some of the villas and apartments give you instant equity and mortgage holidays. If you are considering a retirement home or an investment property in Spain, please take a close look at this superb development. You won't be disappointed.

In the immortal words of Victor Kiam, the CEO of Remington, "I was so impressed, I bought the company". Well I couldn't afford that, but I am going out in June 2006 with a view to buying a property.