Interview with Paul Bonett, Managing Director of Bonett's Estate & Letting Agents

My role at Bonett’s is partly strategic, assessing trends and seeing how we can keep at the front of the wave, but not falling into the trap of assuming all innovation is good...too many companies jump on trends and lose their own identity. I also do the day-to-day work, visiting prospective clients to give advice on value, saleability; and see how we can fit our offer to what they need.  Outside of work, I’m an aikido instructor and was on the coaching squad for the last world championships. I love to live a very full life!!

 

 

Bicycles...and we try to always be ‘intelligent’ about the people we work with and the job we do. We need to be open and transparent both with customers and with each other.  We expect our clients and customers to treat us with the respect we treat them. Clients pay our wages, so let’s give brilliant service; then they are pleased to pay...simples!  

 

We have for over 20 years used bicycles as much or even more than cars  It’s clear cycling around the City is the only efficient way to travel so we get to our appointments on time!  We joined the City Car Club scheme when it first came to Brighton to lessen our reliance on the ‘estate agent company car’ routine.

 

We have been long-time supporters of the Brighton Festival and the Artists’ Open Houses and other cultural sides to the City...great fun!

 

We’re not about suits, flash, bull...

 

Lastly, we always phone you back! Unusual, I know...

 

 

Brighton and Hove is so diverse and interesting, people and architecture, and every day and every hour, you have a new challenge. It is a City but very small, so we spend our lives bumping into clients, customers and friends as we tootle around on our work...it’s great and lots of fun...and, as we are honest, we have no anxiety about bumping into anyone!!

 

 

I’ve known Henry from back in the ‘80s, even before Bonett’s opened in 1990, and we often discuss synergies in our operation, even though the products are so different. Both our customers rely on expert knowledge, great service, localism, being embedded in the community and so much more.

 

 

I love the fact it is so welcoming and forward thinking.

 

 

Be sensible and work with a firm you trust...as a seller or landlord don’t go for the highest price and lowest fee. Like in any industry, you get what you pay for. If you are a buyer or tenant, I have always said that when you see the place you like, don’t hang around, go for it.  As far as price, pay only as much as you feel is right or else you will regret it. But, don’t try to screw people down or they won’t want to sell to you. Do as you would be done by!