#hammersmithestateagents

John (centre) and his team Are you planning a property move? Horton and Garton is W6’s leading sales and letting agency for a good reason It was 1996 and John Horton had recently returned from 18 months backpacking in Asia. He owed his parents money, so a job – any job – was the priority. And that was when he popped into an estate agent. ‘I needed to send a fax, so I asked if I could use their machine – it was cheeky but it cost £5 at the Post Office. The lady I spoke to was really nice, we got chatting and, before I knew it, I had an interview. I started work two days later.’ John founded Horton and Garton in May 2008. He had a clear vision of the independent business he wanted to create. ‘Put simply, I wanted to provide a better level of 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 Number One estate agency for both sales and lettings in W6 and a thriving Chiswick franchise opened in May 2016. ‘There’s no secret to our success,’ John explains. ‘We have an experienced team and they have worked here for many years and know Hammersmith like the back of their hand. We’re always transparent, we flag up issues and try to solve them without fuss. Naturally, every client wants to hear the highest price and the lowest fee; but what they need to hear is an accurate valuation and a clear strategy for achieving the best price in the market.’ John also strongly believes that a successful business should invest in its local community. ‘That’s why we’ve sponsored Hammersmith Food Bank, Artists at Home, the Petros Singers and many other local charities and school events – it’s little and often and I try not to turn people down. ‘If you are honest and clients have had a positive experience, they will come back when they are next trading up or downsizing. Longevity is at the core of our approach to business.’ Horton and Garton 176 King Street, W6 0RA +442088190510 [email protected] http://www.hortonandgarton.co.uk