Member Article

Durham property firm voted best in North East

A leading property company has scooped four industry accolades after being championed as the best agency in the North East by its clients.

Bill Free Homes, based in Durham City, has triumphed at The Estate Agency of the Year Awards (ESTAS) 2016, the most prestigious national estate and letting agent awards ceremony in the UK, sponsored by Zoopla Property Group.

The event is unique in the industry, as all of the winners are decided solely on the basis of customer feedback.

Bill Free Homes’ clients overwhelmingly gave the thumbs up for the second year running, as the team retained the two Gold ESTAS they won in 2015 for Best North East Lettings Agency: as voted for by landlords, and Best North East Lettings Agency: as voted for by tenants.

The agency’s new sister company Elvet Estates, which launched last year, is following in its sibling’s successful footsteps by being crowned the Best Estate Agency in County Durham and scooping Silver in the Best North East Estate Agent category.

TV property expert Phil Spencer hosted the ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, which was attended more than 900 of the UK’s top agencies from the property industry.

Director of Bill Free Homes Sean Lawless said: “We’re thrilled to retain our Gold awards at the ESTAS this year – and we’re delighted that our newest venture, Elvet Estates, is receiving such positive feedback and has achieved two major accolades in its very first year of business.

“This is the only ceremony which puts our customers directly in the judge’s chair and asks them to deliver detailed opinions about us, so it means a great deal to know that they appreciate what we offer. We’re very proud of the personal, efficient service we provide, and our three awards are a testament to our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible standards of service to both of our client bases – landlords and tenants.

“We’re now determined to improve our service even further, to ensure we stay at the top of the tree in such a competitive market.”

Simon Brown, founder of The ESTAS, said: “The ESTAS are special because shortlisted and winning firms are selected purely on the service they deliver to their clients. In fact, just taking part shows a firm’s commitment to their customers, so to be shortlisted is a great achievement in itself and for the winners this is the highest accolade they can receive in the industry.”

During ESTAS’ research process, Bill Free Homes received a wealth of positive feedback, including landlord Craig Dixon who commented: “Excellent service as always, year in, year out” and tenant Matthew Harris who said: “Delighted with the service provided time and time again.”

TV’s Phil Spencer, who has hosted the ceremony since its inception in 2003, said: “For many customers, moving home is one of the most stressful experiences of their lives, so it’s our job as agents, mortgage brokers, conveyancers or developers to help make the journey as smooth as possible. It only takes one bad apple to reflect badly on the others so it’s crucial everyone provides the high quality service the customer expects and deserves.”

For further information about Bill Free Homes, visit www.billfreehomes.com or call 0330 330 0999

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bill Free Homes .