Testimonial: Moving to Reading, Berkshire from Glasgow

Being 'veterans' of the relocation process, having used a relocation agent in the past to help us with the move, we have a benchmark against which to compare Sharon's performance.

Her effectiveness is best summarised in three 'Ps':

• Preparation
• Professionalism
• Personality

Prior to our arrival in Reading, Sharon had contacted me on several occasions to discuss the types of property we were interested in and our budget. As my thoughts were flexible I had changed my ideas on our needs on several occasions prior to our arrival, yet Sharon coped with these varying needs positively.

When we met with Sharon on our arrival in Reading, she had a comprehensive list of properties available for us to view over two days. She provided a pen portrait of each property, showed prices, location and agent details. This really helped us fix the properties in our minds and made comparisons of property and location for money much easier for us to establish.

Given that we had nothing more than a high level understanding of Reading and the areas that make up the town, Sharon's local knowledge was invaluable. She led us through the property viewing process wisely, establishing within our minds the lower level of property in terms of price and location by starting the exercise looking at accommodation at the bottom end of the scale of acceptability. From there we progressed to see properties more in tune with our needs and expectations.

Both my wife and I were taken with Sharon's ability to evaluate and assess our needs as the process moved on and also her flexibility. Our growing understanding of the Reading property market meant that she was required to change her schedule, to remove and add properties, all of which she did efficiently and with a smile.

We found Sharon very open and honest in her appraisal of properties and their suitability for us. It was especially positive that we felt that Sharon was working for us and not for any vendor or agent. Sharon's professional advice and her assessment of properties and locations guided us confidently through the decision making process.

I think Sharon's real value was exemplified in the way we finally found the property we chose. The property was not on our list to view, but was nearby two properties we had seen which were almost 'right' for us. Sharon was tuned in enough to recognise this, contacted an agent not on our list and arranged an immediate viewing of the property we finally took. Furthermore she guided us on the price to offer, which was accepted.

As I have mentioned, we have previously been through relocation exercises and know how trying and stressful this can be when the agent isn't the right person. In our minds, if we should do this again, Sharon now sets the level which others will need to achieve. Not only was her professional demeanour and management of the process 'spot on', but she was enjoyable to be with for the two days of the exercise.

We would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Sharon Hewitt and Chiltern Relocation to anyone considering a move."

Keith T, March 2008