WINCHESTER RESIDENT -t16 Aug | Page 48

Bright young thing Homeward bound Charles Balchin on growing his property search business and where he learned his negotiation skills I grew up in Chandler’s Ford with just my mum. I had a great upbringing, was taught to be very grounded, but we didn’t have lots of money. From an early age I became quite entrepreneurial, setting up a weekend car wash with a friend aged 14 and buying poorly listed items on eBay. At college I began working weekends at an independent estate agency and soon worked up to a senior negotiator role. In my third year at Bournemouth (University) I set up my own sales and letting agency in Chandler’s Ford. I’m 26 now and have spent the past seven years helping people find homes that they love! By the time I was 24 I had bought and renovated three of my own properties, managed a buy-to-let portfolio worth in excess of £15 million on behalf of clients and founded and later sold, in 2012, my share of an independent agency. Some people wake up in the morning and check Facebook or email – with me it’s Rightmove! My local knowledge of Winchester and the surrounding area means clients only view the best, including off market properties. What are you doing now? I’m concentrating on my tailored service; that means people choose to use as little or as much of my expertise as they want. It removes the hassle, but leaves the fun parts! I act on your behalf, representing your needs and objectives as a buyer. I work with people who are looking to move to or within the Winchester area (and a little further afield). After a consultation I conduct an initial search to find relevant properties. 48 Resident BRIGHT YOUNG Resident Aug Sept.indd 48 Words: Sue Hughes ‘‘ There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. ‘‘ Tell us a bit about yourself. Jane Austen, Emma I register interest with agents and make sure your search is foremost in their minds. Estate agents tend to prioritise clients who view through property-finding agents like me because it simplifies their job – and they know my clients are high calibre. If there is a particular road or area of interest, I can conduct a direct target campaign, including a mail drop to see if anyone is thinking of selling. I view shortlisted properties, refine that list with you, then make viewing appointments. If you love one of the properties, fantastic! I am an experienced negotiator and can undertake this or simply advise. I see people through to completion and key collection. What are your ambitions for the future? Having decided to work with buyers rather than sellers I’m keen to remain grounded and ensure my service remains personal by not taking on too many at once. Focusing on a couple of clients at a time means I provide a bespoke service and really get to know what they want, which ensures the best results. I aim to continue to expand my portfolio of properties. I’m keen to refurbish some more unusual properties. Where do you see yourself in five years? RIGHT: Property search agent Charles Balchin I’d like to still be working with local families, finding their dream homes. I’d ideally like to be either converting or building my dream home too in my early 30s. I also see my separate business, brandnumarketing.co.uk, growing. It’s a marketing consultancy specialising in advising businesses on the best forms of exposure. www.residentmagazine.co.uk 15/07/2016 12:01