“Anyone can sell a house these days, but not anyone can sell your home.” This is what I discovered when my mother aged 89 needed to downsize her 4 bedroom home. It took real empathy, compassion and human understanding to pull this off, something that I have to be honest I never associated with Estate Agents. It felt different from the start as the first meeting was not about the house at all, but all about people. Mr Vann the Director, who I now know as Dave insisted on meeting my Mum and myself. I don’t think he looked around the house or gave the valuation a thought. I remember thinking that this was Smart as my Mum took to him and trusted him from then on. I came to realise that this was usual for Northwood in that they really seem to understand the true value of a home is not just the price they can sell it for but the memories it holds for the owner. Moving people, selling memories…. It is emotional…. Well it certainly was for Mum, and didn’t she let me know!! Now I don’t know if this is a thing, but I believe Northwood should call themselves ‘Down size Specialists’. Her house had been sold twice previously before I met Dave, but she never ended up moving. This did not phase him as it would have me…. You see, I saw my Mum as difficult, but he saw her as frightened. He had clearly seen it before many times and knew exactly how to proceed….With a light touch. With nothing to lose, and assurances there would be no pressure to move, they marketed the House and showed people around her home, while she was out…..They even insisted all potential buyers took off there shoes….So they listened to Mum as well!! I could go on but I fear you may suspect I work for them….However there is one more important thing to mention….The unique service we received was not from the Director alone, but all the team, many of whom we only spoke with on the phone. In fact it was them who probably did most of the heavy lifting. So thank you Lilly and Matt with an extra special big thank you to Hannah Drummand, the office manager who was our main contact…..My Mum has gone through many emotions through out this process and she was the constant voice of calm, reason and reassurance…….Thank you for selling her home…. With secured and boxed up her memories, she is ready for another adventure.