‘Estate agency isn’t just about buying and selling homes’

A West Sussex estate agent says the job shouldn’t be all about buying and selling homes and that helping people achieve their aspirations goes much deeper than bricks and mortar.

Paul Davies, owner and director of At Home Estate and Lettings Agency (pictured left), told The Neg that the company already invests 20% of its profits into local community groups but more could always be done.

He says: “As an estate agent, I feel very strongly that we have a responsibility to our community.

“Estate agency isn’t and shouldn’t be just about buying and selling homes.”

“It’s about helping people achieve their aspirations so they can create a positive lifestyle, and that goes much deeper than bricks and mortar. It also means doing what we can to leave our own positive legacy.”

At Home Estate and Lettings Agency moved to new premises in the Carfax, Horsham just months after it acquired Storrington-based Clarke and Charlesworth.

Both offices have been refitted with suppliers selected for their use of 100% renewable energy and recyclable materials.

Natural carpets, recycled seating and fabrics, and custom-made compostable dividing walls have been used along with TerraCycle bins and compostable covers for property brochures.

COMMUNITY

At Home already provides Community Chest schemes in the area (every time a property is sold £100 of the fee goes towards a community project) as well as Positivity Projects as a direct way of giving back.

Davies worked closely with a sustainability consultant to achieve his ambition.

He adds: “We have revaluated our operating practices, our suppliers and our materials. We know we’re not perfect, we know there’s a lot to do but we are determined to be part of a new and more responsible era of estate agency.”