Cornish Connection :: Independent Property Search Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions

What will you do that an Estate Agent won't?
Any Estate Agent will only offer you the homes in his or her portfolio, a snap shot of what may be available - to get a broad representation of the local market you would need a relationship with all Estate Agents operating in the area. Cornish Connections will act on your behalf to ensure that your interests are met without conflict. We are wholly independent and unaffiliated to any Estate Agents or Investment Groups which means that the search we provide will take into account all properties available on the open market and often some that are not. It's important to remember that Estate Agents are ultimately employed by the vendor and although governed by strict codes of practise that prevent misrepresentation it's fair to say that the positive aspects of a property will eclipse any negative points as far as they are concerned.

Will you only represent clients with larger budgets?
Not at all, we are happy to represent clients across the buying spectrum. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway near the beach or a country estate please call us to discuss your requirements

What will your service cost?
This depends on the level of service you choose but typically there is a fixed registration fee and a completion fee based upon a percentage of the purchase price of any property introduced by us that you go on to buy. It is our aim to be as flexible as possible so if there are elements of our service that you don't feel you need we can leave them out and adjust our charges accordingly. Please take a look at our Service and Costs page for more information or call us for an illustration without obligation.

What advantage can you give me in a buyers market?
It's been widely reported that the property market is experiencing a downturn and this is certainly true on a national level and in some areas of the local Cornish market. However, well positioned and attractively appointed homes are still commanding a premium and will continue to do so for as long as demand outstrips supply. The best properties will still sell quickly even in a falling market often attracting multiple bids - it can be tricky for the unrepresented buyer to react quickly enough not to miss opportunities. It is our business to monitor the market closely on a daily basis and inform our clients quickly with information that is relevant to their search.

What benefit can you bring to the negotiation process?
One of the features of a changing market is a fragmentation in pricing strategy - some vendors inflate the fair price of their property in anticipation of being knocked down whilst others will pitch their asking price deliberately low to attract lots of interest in the hope of a bidding war. Without good local intelligence it's as easy to significantly overpay as it is to under bid and miss out. It is our job to guide our clients through this minefield so that you secure your chosen property without paying more than it's fair market value.

How do you source your properties?
We have a variety of techniques from the obvious to the slightly more radical! Internet and press searches will turn up a fair cross section of what is available but often we are made aware of properties for sale before they reach the open market. We have great relationships with local Estate Agents who know that we represent serious, qualified clients - sometimes a quick phone call ahead of any marketing will secure an early sale with minimum inconvenience for the vendor. We also have a strong network of professional contacts - solicitors, financial advisors, building contractors and shop keepers often know of property coming to market before anyone else.

How can you help once a sale has been agreed?
We are happy to help wherever we can to progress your purchase to completion as quickly and painlessly as possible. Cornish Connection will liaise with solicitors, vendors and agents where required to keep the process moving at an acceptable pace. We are also able to recommend architects, surveyors, builders, tradesmen, gardeners and designers so that you can start the ball rolling on any required improvements ahead of completion if you like.

I don't know Cornwall well enough to tell you whereabouts to search .
No problem. A significant part of our initial consultation will be to establish your preferences socially as well as architecturally. It will be our aim to recommend areas of the county that take into account your requirements for education, business and leisure pursuits as well as aesthetics.

Can I be confident of receiving a focussed and attentive service?
To avoid conflicts of interest between clients and ensure the highest levels of customer service our consultants will only represent a maximum of five clients at any one time. Our office hours are flexible - we do not run a 9 to 5 operation and your calls will often be answered personally as late as 10:00pm. You will also be provided with your consultants mobile phone number and e-mail address on registration.