We have  had a keenly contested situation for office of the month for the last quarter, Hertford took April 08, May was a draw between Hoddesdon and Hertford but June was contentious with Hertford finishing on 21 deals and Hoddesdon on 25, so it was decided to settle by a darts match between Linda and Marc for Hertford and Tony and Jean representing Hoddesdon, after 25 minutues on one game of 151, Linda the Albatross doubled out on 7, thus ensuring the above picture of Marc walking off with the prizes.

He also walked off with the monthly quiz prize but Jean salvaged some pride for Hoddesdon by winning photo of the month.

I am actually going to have a whinge at other agencies here - something I have not ever done before. However I am constantly amazed at the agencies that try to rip my clients via my website ( you know who you are guys ). It now seems that the penny has finally dropped and that our estate agency rivals are trying to switch to lettings as an attempt to save their businesses.

Listen,  if you ring me I will even tell you how to build your own successful lettings business, but first you will need to commit ten years of your time, work your butt off, be prepared to see the big picture, even lose money on some deals, look after your client like you have no others, invest in the best staff, train them in the practices of the business, take calls at two in the morning, start at 7.30 am, believe in what you are trying to achieve, be dedicated even at your families expense, work on Sundays, make personal sacrifices, realise this is a long, long term business, be a super sales person, learn that everyone you deal with has varied expectations, get a great business partner, trust me you will need one,learn to deal with your clients expectations do not give your services away too cheaply, invest in high profile premises, build a decent website, learn about marketing, advertise wisely………………………..etc

This is just the beginning, if you can achieve some of the above you may have half a chance, if not, consider a change of career.

Bad news for the property market, this has all we have heard over the last three weeks, doom and gloom, scaremongering and negativity. It seems all the media are trying to talk the country in to a property recession.

Is it all bed news ? Yes and No seems to be my thoughts, although the sales market has seriously cooled I strongly believe that we live in a great area that should remain unaffected by negative prices and if you have a good house to sell and the valuation is right you will still be moving

What effect does the credit crunch have on the property market ? For us working in property it is and will be affected by the mortgage lending situation. Most lenders now are tightening their belts and do not want to lend unless you have a much larger deposit than we have previously known. This simply means less people can move thus slowing down the market. Mortgage lenders are not even passing on interest rate reductions, our current labour government need to be much more pro-active in making sure interest rate cuts are passed on. Gordon Brown be aware the public are sure to be looking to your government for more support.

How is the rental market ? Lettings remain on target to see a 20% growth this year, without doubt this area is seeing more and more demand, we have less tenants than ever moving out of property so we can report good news in this sector.

There will be interesting times ahead, some agents will be feeling the pinch, especially those relying on sales only. In this market the experienced agents are likely to prevail and remain strong, I am certain there will be opportunities ahead for those still willing to invest in the housing market, all will be revealed over the next 12 - 18 months.     Richard