S J Smith estate agents was formed with one guiding principle in mind – to offer a level of service and client care that we felt was not available locally to either buyers and sellers or landlords and tenants. Our avowed aim has been to establish our company as the first choice estate agent within our area of operations and to that end we have combined tried and tested estate agency practices with cutting edge technology to offer our clients the very best service possible. Of course, more important still than the technology available is the people who use it, and our staff are by far our greatest asset and are what we believe sets us apart from our competitors. Unlike most of our competitors we operate a ‘shared commission‘ system which ensures every member of staff is incentivised to look after every client, not just the ones they themselves are dealing with. A little about our team:
Simon has been an estate agent since the late 1990’s when he began his career working for the Surrey division of one of the largest estate agency groups in the UK. He has subsequently worked for independent, partner run companies and believes that our combination of the best of both the corporate and the independent approaches enables us to offer our clients the very best service. He has experience across a range of markets from flats to country houses and everything in between and has a passion for providing the highest levels of service to clients that often means you’ll find him at his desk until late into the evening. Simon was born and educated locally and his daughter attended a local Ashford school.
Contact Simon on 07530 528 736 / simon.smith@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
With nearly 20 years’ experience within the property industry, Philip is one of the most knowledgeable property professionals working in this sector. Philip joined S J Smith Estate Agents as a consultant and his wealth of experience has helped drive the already successful lettings department to new heights.
Philip lives in Surrey and his love for travel once led him to spend a week in the Amazon jungle!
Contact Philip on 01784 243 333 / philip.stuart@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Chads journey to Ashford started over 20 years ago when he left his native New Zealand for the UK, and almost immediately upon arrival embarked on his career in estate agency. Chad joined a local firm as a Trainee Negotiator and was so successful in his new career that within 18 months of starting, he was running his own branch, something that he continued to do for the next 15 years with his branch being consistently the top performing office in a network that by then covered Surrey and South West London. Chad joined S J Smith in early 2017 to manage the flagship Ashford branch and his client focused approach to estate agency, work ethic and leadership have helped drive the office to new levels of success.
Chad lives locally with his wife Leah (also in the property industry), their two sons as well as Tia and Kenny the bulldogs. Chad is a passionate sports supporter , and as a native New Zealander was taught the Haka (the All Blacks pre game ritual) at school, and is always happy to give a demonstration during a valuation appointment!
To discuss any aspect of your property contact Chad on:
Contact Chad on 01784 243 333 / 07899 886 558 / chad.newbould@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Local lad Louis joined S J Smith Estate Agents in 2016 bringing with him 10 years experience of valuing and selling houses , and his previous roles had management experience as well, making him a strong all round estate agent. As one of the youngest members of the Ashford sales team Louis brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the role along with his considerable experience, something that is much appreciated by clients and colleagues alike. For many clients their first contact with Louis is upon registering with the office and on accompanied viewings and often develops into asking Louis to help value and sell their own home.
Louis lives in Ashford with his partner and their two children who both attend local schools. Louis is also a keen sportsman and once appeared on a television program alongside a young Michael Owen, leading Louis to say that one of them went on to have a great career – the other became a footballer!
Contact Louis on 01784 243 333 / 07792 262 888 / louis.devins@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Being one of the longest serving members of the S J Smith team, Robert joined in 2012 and brought with him fifteen years of local industry experience including a period of managing branches for well regarded local companies. Joining S J Smith’s Ashford office was something of a return home for Robert who grew up in the town and attended a local school and it is this in-depth knowledge of living in the local area that is such an asset when it comes to helping clients sell their properties locally and also to guide buyers who may be new to the area.
Robert is the consummate professional and is renowned for his calm and patient approach to the sometimes stressful business of moving home. He still lives locally with his partner and stepson and outside of work is a keen sportsman.
Contact Robert on 01784 243 333 / 07708 072 562 / Robert.pearce@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Nicola combines a dual role at the S J Smith Ashford office, dealing with all of the administration needed to keep a busy sales office running smoothly and also with the vital sales progression role which involves managing the sale of a client’s property all the way from an offer being accepted through to exchange of contracts and completion. This involves speaking to and monitoring all the various sales in a chain, liaising with solicitors and mortgage lenders and providing regular updates to S J Smiths client’s , keeping them up to date with every milestone reached and helping to resolve any difficulties that arise along the way.
Nicola is originally a Surrey girl and moved to Spain as a child before returning to the UK after completing her education and has been in customer service based roles ever since including six years experience in estate agency prior to joining S J Smith. Nicola lives locally with her partner and their puppy and is a noted connoisseur of fine wines.
Contact Nicola on 01784 243 333 / nicola.elson@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Amir has a wealth of experience in the industry, built up over many years, and has proven to be a natural since day one. Prior to joining S J Smith, he worked at a corporate estate agency and led his area in sales on a consistent basis. A personal highlight for him was leading his branch to a first place position on sales, out of over 220 branches. More recently, his biggest achievement within the industry is becoming the Branch Manager of S J Smith’s Staines office in April 2020.
Amir has lived in the local area for his whole life and his knowledge of the area is second to none. It is this detailed knowledge of the local area, combining with his wealth of industry experience, that ensures he is in the best possible position to be able to competently and confidently help all potential buyers and sellers.
Contact Amir on 01784 779 100 / amir.rafiq@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Alannah joined S J Smith in 2018 as a lettings negotiator in Ashford, and has since moved to the Staines team as the property Photographer and Administrator. Everything you see on our brochures and online portals is created by Alannah, she uses her GCSE and A-level photography skills whilst shooting our new listings, creating floorplans and write ups.
In her spare time, Alannah enjoys dining out as well as exploring and traveling to new countries. Her favourite city she has visited is Barcelona!
Contact Alannah on 01784 779 100 / alannah.goacher@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
Emma joined the S J Smith team back in 2020 after taking a break from working in the industry to start her family. Emma is now the Move Manager for the Staines office, dealing with all of the sales progression needs, from managing various sales in a chain, to liaising with solicitors and regularly updating S J Smith clients. Her role is integral to ensuring a sale is run smoothly, right the way from when an offer is accepted to completion. With a number of years working in the industry, Emma has brought with her a level of professionalism and understanding of what a client needs so is able to help resolve any difficult situations and manage expectations.
Emma lives locally with her husband and three children, who all attend schools in the area. She is passionate about interior design and after purchasing their family home from S J Smith, Emma has now found a new hobby in home renovation.
Contact Emma on 07760 910 892 / movemanager@sjsmithestateagents.co.uk
The team at S J Smith all look forward to meeting you and helping you to achieve your property dreams, whether it’s to buy your first pad, upsize to accommodate a growing family, find your ideal retirement location or invest in bricks and mortar, S J Smith are here to help.