#chiswickestateagent

With 413 years combined residence locally and 235 years property industry experience, no one knows and serves Chiswick better… According to James Matthews, co-founder of Whitman & Co estate agency, there’s no secret to the company’s consistent success in the local market: ‘Our aim has always been to build a close-knit team that focuses solely on Chiswick and, most importantly, knows the area street-by-street. It’s a simple philosophy, but it has stood us in good stead.’ Taken together, Whitman & Co’s 13-person staff has clocked up 413 years of living in the area – it helps that six of them are West London born and bred – and over 235 years experience in the property industry. ‘It was only recently that we sat down to do the maths,’ smiles Sales Director, Chris Chalmers. ‘I must admit, we were surprised by the totals.’

Chris Chalmers No one better epitomises the ‘keep it local’ philosophy than Chris himself, who joined the company in 2002. ‘My great-grandparents bought our family home in Prebend Gardens in 1926; my grandmother moved in when she was eight years-old, my mother was born there and so was I.’

James Matthews James and co-founder Russell Savage met at long-gone estate agency Tyser Greenwood and bought Whitman & Co in 1995 (the company was founded in the 1920s by Colonel Whitman, who was also a coal merchant). Today, together with Chris and Jeremy Day, the newest team member and a Grove Park resident for 29 years, they lead sales, letting and commercial departments from the same office on Turnham Green Terrace.

Russell Savage The Whitman & Co approach clearly still delivers impressive results. According to the latest verified Rightmove statistics, the company is the Chiswick market leader for sales – a position that it has held for over three years – and, since last August, it has also been number one in lettings. ‘With valuations, we are always realistic,’ says Russell. ‘Over the years, I’ve seen countless examples of properties being valued astronomically to secure an instruction. If that’s the case, we pass. We quote figures that we’re convinced we can achieve and that pays dividends in the long run. Also, we’re transparent; we don’t put clients under pressure, we flag up issues and we try to solve them without fuss. If you’re straightforward, people will come back to you.’ Since he started off in the lettings department, Chris has seen the same clients return time and again. ‘What’s fascinating is that you catch up with them at different stages of the property-buying cycle – from rentals to buying a first home and then moving into a family house. Over the last 18 years, I’ve been a part of their lives. That also epitomises what we’re about; customers know that they’ll see a familiar face and receive a friendly service.’ As a successful business, Whitman & Co has always believed in investing in the community, increasing its involvement year on year. ‘We’re always delighted to help if we can,’ says Chris. ‘Currently, we sponsor Chiswick Cricket Club and Chiswick Rugby Club juniors, support the Bedford Park Festival, school fetes and street parties, choirs and charities and, last year, we were delighted to assist Abundance London with the hugely successful Turnham Green piazza project.’

Denise White ‘The Whitman’s way is all about building relationships – that’s why people often pop into the office for a chat and advice about the market. No matter how busy we are, we keep it personal. Longevity is at the core of our business.’

Jeremy Day

Why Horton and Garton gives back to the community… John Horton ‘Since opening in 2008, we’ve always supported local charities and schools, arts groups, residents’ associations and churches,’ says John Horton. ‘It is extremely important to us as a successful independent, family-owned business, especially at Christmas time. ‘Why? As a Hammersmith resident and the founder of Horton and Garton, I believe more businesses should help out in the communities they serve. At a time of ever-increasing austerity and cuts to essential services, Horton and Garton is proud to go the extra mile, not only for our clients, but for the community at large. ‘Here are just a few of the charities, fine causes and organisations that we know and love and currently support. Their positive work actively improves the lives of people in Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush. West London Action for Children (WLAC)

‘This charity promotes the wellbeing of local children in need, working with them, their families and carers to achieve positive change. ‘This Christmas, WLAC has put together a cookbook of delicious recipes. These come from celebrity kitchens, including pop stars, actors, authors, restaurant owners and even our MP! The WLAC mission is to help children and that’s why we’ve sponsored this year’s cookbook and purchased more than 100 copies to support the charity. Some lucky elves in Hammersmith may just find a copy in their stocking…’ https://www.wlac.org.uk/ Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank

‘I have seen first-hand the huge demand for the local Foodbank. We have helped spread the word about the service and included it in our regular appeals. In 2019, it’s unacceptable that families in our community should be unable to feed themselves or their children. ‘The Foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred in a crisis. It is part of a network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, that works to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.’ https://hammersmithfulham.foodbank.org.uk/ The Addison Singers

‘Founded more than 30 years ago, this West London group consists of three different singing classes and four choirs for singers of all ages, abilities and musical interests. David Wordsworth has served as Musical Director since 1995. See and hear them perform The Gravity of Kindness on Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm at St. Peter’s Church, Acton Green W4.’ https://www.addisonsingers.com/ Grove Neighbourhood Centre

‘The Centre provides a social centre for local people, a drop-in support service and premises for a wide variety of groups and practitioners in Brackenbury Village. It was launched in 1973 from a house in Overstone Road – and has been at the heart of Brackenbury ever since. Horton and Garton helps sponsor its seasonal fundraisers as well as special events that draw in the community to this vital hub.’ http://www.groveneighbours.org.uk/ Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council Christmas Lunch

‘Residents aged 60 and over who aren’t having lunch with anyone on Christmas Day are invited to enjoy some festive cheer at Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s annual Christmas Day Lunch. ‘I have volunteered and attended on Christmas Day and helped serve food and drink. It’s a great way to meet new people and hear some great stories. I see a lot of people every day in Hammersmith and it’s always nice to put a name to a face.’

‘Held this year at the Novotel Hotel on Hammersmith Broadway, guests will enjoy a hearty Christmas lunch, music and dancing. Door-to-door transport, qualified carers and a team of volunteers ensures guests are well looked after. RSVP by 5 December.’ https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/xmaslunch Petros Singers

‘The Hammersmith-based Petros Singers is one of London’s leading amateur chamber choirs. They give three or four concerts each year in London and sometimes further afield. ‘Our sponsorship of the Petros Singers has enabled the choir to create two bursary places to help coach new singers and push the choir’s singing forward. See and hear them at A Festival of Christmas on Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm at St Peter's, Black Lion Lane, W6.’ http://www.petrossingers.com/ The Upper Room

‘The Upper Room in Shepherds Bush has been helping the homeless since 1990 and it recently moved back to St Saviour’s Church in Wendell Park after a year-long renovation. ‘Horton and Garton has helped raise funds which will allow the charity to expand its work. It provides inter-linked services that focus on giving the socially disadvantaged the tools and skills they need to restore their dignity, reduce their risk of homelessness and help them to become economically independent. ‘In the autumn, my team and I attended The Upper Room’s fundraising curry lunch at Indian Zing in King Street and donated cash and prizes to their auction. On the day, £2,300 was raised!’ https://www.theupperroom.org.uk/ GIVING IS THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

‘The Christmas Present Tree appeal at St Peter’s Church collects new Christmas presents for local children in need. Horton and Garton are long-time sponsors of St Peter's as it is close to my heart. It’s my local church, I am a parishioner and it’s where my two sons were christened. ‘If you can help with the Christmas appeal, just take a tag (with gender/age of child) from the tree in the Hammersmith church and return it with a wrapped present + tag attached. The deadline for presents is Sunday 8 December. For more details or a list of suggested gifts, visit https://stpetersw6.org/

‘If we can lend a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.’

John Horton

Chris Chalmers Whitman & Co has again been ranked as Chiswick’s market-leader in property sales It has been another excellent year for Whitman & Co. According to the latest Rightmove figures (covering the period from 1 January to 10 November), for the third year running the company is Chiswick’s number one estate agency for sales, with 20% of the W4 market, while also being number two for lettings. With such an enviable track record, who better to peer into his property crystal ball than Sales Director and co-owner, Chris Chalmers. ‘Obviously, we’re delighted to have delivered such a consistent performance again,’ he says. ‘The local market has stabilised and, if anything, there’s been a marginal improvement in some price ranges, for example flats from £500,000-£700,000 and houses from £900,000-£1.5 million. ‘Of course, with many people simply postponing moving, there is a pent-up demand. We’re anticipating a bounce when everything is finally settled, so we’re encouraging potential sellers to have their homes valued now; the market is still very active with buyers looking and they will have a head start in the New Year.’ One of the secrets of Whitman & Co’s success is local focus. The close-knit team know the area inside and out – Chris himself is Chiswick born and bred – and believe in investing in the community. ‘It’s why we’re delighted to support Chiswick Cricket Club, the Bedford Park Festival and local school fetes and charities. ‘This is our second season sponsoring Chiswick Rugby Club Juniors, and the first time we’ve put our branding on their shirts. We’re subsidising an exchange scheme: anyone with an old shirt can exchange it for a new one. The old shirts are then sent to the RFU who distribute them to under-privileged children in the UK and abroad.’

John Horton John Horton will soon return to the same Hammersmith premises – 172 King Street – where he started his property career 23 years ago John Horton founded Horton and Garton in May 2008 with a clear vision in mind. ‘I wanted to create an independent business that provided the best service. That meant treating every client as an individual rather than a potential sales figure and building enduring relationships – and doing it with a smile.’ Clearly, the formula has worked. Horton and Garton is the market-leading estate agent for sales and lettings in W6 and W12 and a Chiswick franchise opened in 2016. With the company about to move two doors down to a new office at 172 King Street, here John looks back to his first day in the industry which, by coincidence, was in the same premises. ‘Roll back the years – or decades – to 1996. I turned up for my first day working at the Hammersmith office of Barnard Marcus at 172 King Street. I was wearing my smart blue blazer and grey trousers. The manager, Barry, took one look at me, duly raised the fashion “yellow card” and marched me down the road to Moss Bros. He bought me my first pinstripe suit and said: “Now you look the part – remember that you’re in Glamour-Smith!” ‘Whizz forward to 2019 and 172 King Street currently looks like a building site as we prepare for our move. Over the last 11 years we have developed a strong business and, inevitably, outgrown our current premises. Our new home has been an estate agency for over 50 years, before that it was a branch of Barclays Bank and, back in the early 1900s, a gift and novelty shop. The surroundings have certainly altered since 1996 when I started there: the cinema has gone and, with four years of works due to begin at the Town Hall, the view will change even more dramatically… ‘The success of Horton and Garton has been based on achieving consistent positive results. We have an experienced team who have worked here for many years and they know every pocket of Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, Brook Green and West Kensington like the back of their hand. ‘We’re always transparent, we flag up issues and try to solve them without fuss. Naturally, many clients want to hear the highest price and the lowest fee; but what they need to hear is an accurate valuation and a clear strategy for realising the best price in the market. If you’re straightforward and clients have a positive experience, they will come back when they are trading up or downsizing. Longevity is at the core of our approach. ‘I also believe that a successful local business should invest in its community. That’s why we’ve sponsored Hammersmith Food Bank, Artists at Home, the Petros Singers and many other charities and school events – it’s little and often and I try not to turn people down. ‘We will be opening our new office later this year. In the meantime, if you are considering selling, letting or renting in West London, make Horton and Garton your first call.’

Jeremy Day There’s a new face – but the same tried and trusted service – at Whitman & Co’s commercial department Not only does the team at Whitman & Co specialise in Chiswick’s property market, the individual members don’t change that often. There’s always a good chance that you’ll deal with a familiar friendly face, however long it has been since you last used their services. So, the recent retirement of Commercial Director Andrew Clark after 18 years is worthy of note. His place has been taken by Jeremy Day and, in classic Whitman style, he is a W4 local, having lived in Grove Park for 29 years. A chartered surveyor, Jeremy has spent the past 30 years working with major firms. ‘I’m delighted to have joined the business. My responsibility is for all non-residential properties – shops, offices, industrial sites, new developments – and I’m looking forward to working with owners and occupiers, landlords and tenants, offering them a straightforward, market-aware service.’ The number of empty shop premises on the High Road is indicative of the challenges facing retailers. ‘We are in a period of re-adjustment and commercial rents must be reasonable,’ says Jeremy. ‘We find that our landlord clients are pragmatic – an occupied shop is better than a void one. We also work with occupier clients to ensure rents, rates and service charges are affordable. In Chiswick, we’re lucky that we still enjoy a thriving retail sector.’ The local industrial sector is performing strongly. ‘One reason for this is that many buildings have been removed from the supply chain and converted to residential properties,’ explains Jeremy. ‘Of course, in Chiswick we benefit from being close to the West End and City, Heathrow and the Thames Valley; these geographical advantages have also contributed to keeping the W4 office market healthy. ‘As a Commercial department we follow the approach that has made Whitman & Co Chiswick’s leading sales and lettings agent. We’re transparent, we don’t put clients under pressure and we try to solve problems, whether it’s a dispute with a neighbour, an issue with compulsory purchase or negotiating a lease or rent. We like to build relationships – longevity is at the core of what we do.’

John Horton John Horton will soon return to the same Hammersmith premises – 172 King Street – where he started his property career 23 years ago John Horton founded Horton and Garton in May 2008 with a clear vision in mind. ‘I wanted to create an independent business that provided the best service. That meant treating every client as an individual rather than a potential sales figure and building enduring relationships – and doing it with a smile.’ Clearly, the formula has worked. Horton and Garton is the market-leading estate agent for sales and lettings in W6 and W12 and a Chiswick franchise opened in 2016. With the company about to move two doors down to a new office at 172 King Street, here John looks back to his first day in the industry which, by coincidence, was in the same premises. ‘Roll back the years – or decades – to 1996. I turned up for my first day working at the Hammersmith office of Barnard Marcus at 172 King Street. I was wearing my smart blue blazer and grey trousers. The manager, Barry, took one look at me, duly raised the fashion “yellow card” and marched me down the road to Moss Bros. He bought me my first pinstripe suit and said: “Now you look the part – remember that you’re in Glamour-Smith!” ‘Whizz forward to 2019 and 172 King Street currently looks like a building site as we prepare for our move. Over the last 11 years we have developed a strong business and, inevitably, outgrown our current premises. Our new home has been an estate agency for over 50 years, before that it was a branch of Barclays Bank and, back in the early 1900s, a gift and novelty shop. The surroundings have certainly altered since 1996 when I started there: the cinema has gone and, with four years of works due to begin at the Town Hall, the view will change even more dramatically… ‘The success of Horton and Garton has been based on achieving consistent positive results. We have an experienced team who have worked here for many years and they know every pocket of Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, Brook Green and West Kensington like the back of their hand. ‘We’re always transparent, we flag up issues and try to solve them without fuss. Naturally, many clients want to hear the highest price and the lowest fee; but what they need to hear is an accurate valuation and a clear strategy for realising the best price in the market. If you’re straightforward and clients have a positive experience, they will come back when they are trading up or downsizing. Longevity is at the core of our approach. ‘I also believe that a successful local business should invest in its community. That’s why we’ve sponsored Hammersmith Food Bank, Artists at Home, the Petros Singers and many other charities and school events – it’s little and often and I try not to turn people down. ‘We will be opening our new office later this year. In the meantime, if you are considering selling, letting or renting in West London, make Horton and Garton your first call.’

John Horton (Centre) It’s been a very promising start to 2019. We’ve resumed where we left off last year in achieving excellent results for our vendors and landlords. Our sales and lettings teams are still busy and we’re continuing to grow our market share by working with the very best clients and their properties in Hammersmith. Our success has been down to accurate and realistic valuing accompanied by a clear marketing strategy tailored to each property. While it can be a considerable investment to appoint the best local estate agent, it can be far more expensive to appoint the wrong one who fails to deliver or to achieve the best result. Over the last decade our sales and lettings teams have worked incredibly hard to earn the right to say we are the number one estate agents in the W6 0 post code and the wider W6 and W12 and W4 postcodes. Last year, we sold more houses and flats in the W6 0 post code of Hammersmith than our top four competitors combined (according to Rightmove). We’re also firmly ahead of the competition for rentals. If you would like Horton and Garton to get on with it for you, pop into the office and see us. John Horton MNAEA MARLA +442088190510 [email protected] Horton and Garton 176 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0RA +442088190510 [email protected] https://www.hortonandgarton.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/hortonandgarton/ https://www.facebook.com/hortonandgarton/ https://twitter.com/hortonandgarton https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-horton-46474823/ https://www.youtube.com/user/hortonandgarton