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