1. Client testimonials
Within this document are many testimonials given by our clients – both sellers and purchasers! You
can also find ‘shorter’ versions on our website at: www.aprilhomes.co.uk
The sellers and purchasers who have offered these testimonials have done so for a variety of
different reasons, perhaps just to thank us for handling a successful sale, or because they wanted to
praise our approach to the handling of their transaction. Read on to find out more...
Feedback from our seller clients:
Having just sold our house through April Homes, I can honestly say that my wife and I found the service we
received better than we’ve ever experienced elsewhere.
I’d used the agency once before and had dealt directly with Gareth throughout the process. I was delighted that
he was able to handle this latest sale himself as I’d been so impressed with him the first time.
Gareth gives straight, honest answers to questions and, unlike other agencies I’ve dealt with, does not make
promises he can’t keep. The advice he gave us proved to be sound in every respect, and we always had the
impression that, for Gareth, his integrity comes before his profit! At all stages of the process Gareth was
accessible and understanding – I’m sure that anxious house-sellers like us can be a little demanding at times,
but Gareth was always prepared to take the time to talk things through and reassure us when we needed it. He
also popped in and checked the heating was correctly set when the house was standing empty – not many
agencies offer that level of service!
Andrew & Helen Haynes
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"We would like to thank Gareth and the team at April Homes for the hard work, patience and support relating
to the sale of our house. They found buyers quickly for us, but unfortunately incompetent solicitor's made a
lot of work for everyone involved. Gareth was constantly liaising between all parties to try to keep the process
moving along and keep everyone informed of any developments. It is greatly appreciated."
Danni & Craig Dykes
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Dear Gareth
I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work that you have done on my behalf. You are totally
professional, doing everything possible to get the property sold. Almost like a pit bull, you get your
teeth into your work and do not let go until everything is completed… …You are one in a million.
Kindest regards and many thanks
Elizabeth
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2. "April Homes handled the sale of our property to our complete satisfaction. Gareth kept us up to date
with frequent clear information on progress with viewings and the eventual sale process. At no time
were we ever wondering what was happening. April Homes offer a first class service that will exceed
your expectations.”
Mr & Mrs Farrant
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Dear Gareth and Team
Thank you for your hard work relating to the sale of Rodney's house and here's hoping that you will
all have a cheery Christmas and a very successful New Year.
Best Wishes always
David & Bibi
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Dear Gareth & Mervyn,
Just a note to say thank you very much for all your work and advice with regards to my house sale.
You have been fantastic.
Take care until next time
Jody
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Hi Gareth
Thank you for all your support during our sale, although our purchase was long and drawn out you
were very patient and considerate, always keeping all parties informed of any developments.
Thank you once again.
Terry and Linda Axton.
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It is my great pleasure to write this recommendation. When we were ready to sell a property in
Cambridgeshire we invited a small number of estate agents for their advice on the sale, and had no
hesitation in opting for Gareth Scourfiled-Thomas of April Homes. He provided professionalism and
knowledge coupled with kindness and sincerity. Thank you Gareth.
Helena g Anderson
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We were very impressed with Gareth and his team at April Homes. The sale of our mothers property
was not straightforward but they handled everything very efficiently and were very helpful throughout
the process.
We would recommend your services.
Thank you Gareth.
Jane Oliver & John & Peter Godliman
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3. My solicitor in Cambridge recommended April Homes to perform the valuation of my mother’s bungalow after
her recent death. They used their expertise and research to give us the correct valuation compared with the other
estate agent. April Homes took the trouble to show us the evidence for their recommendations. As a result we
placed the sale of the bungalow to them.
We found them to be very attentive to detail and discussed the details of the sales strategy. They proceeded to
continue monitoring the sale progress for the bungalow and recommend any changes to the sales strategy. After
6 weeks at the worst time for bungalow selling, they found a buyer and fostered the exchange process to get
completion in another 6 weeks liaising continuously with solicitors, buyer and seller until the buyer had taken
up residence in the bungalow. They took the trouble to go out to the bungalow and make sure that the buyer was
able to enter the bungalow when the sale was complete.
Finally I would like to say that April Homes have the expertise to complete all the services you would expect
from an estate agent. They have the integrity to treat all their clients with respect and give appropriate advice at
appropriate parts of their transactions.
Allan – 22/04/2015
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your professional help and guidance through this
lengthy case.
Simon Haines
Thetford, Norfolk
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April homes took on a fresh and enthusiastic approach to selling my property for me.
They handled everything in a prompt and professional manner, whilst giving me such great personal care and
went above and beyond their call of duty.
I wouldn't hesitate to refer them as such a friendly and caring, yet efficient team.
Thanks
Rachel
Ely, Cambridgeshire
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We would like to commend April Homes for the service they have given us in selling my daughter’s
house in 2011 and our own house in 2014.
Both properties were period ones with unusual features so these were not run-of-the-mill sales but
we found Gareth from April Homes approached the tasks with energy and enthusiasm and, we
believe, got good prices for both sales.
We were kept informed of developments and April Homes acted promptly on our instructions. We
would not hesitate to use the firm again or to recommend it to friends.
Dr & Mrs Stephen Martin
Burwell, Cambridgeshire
01/12/2014
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4. 24th September 2014
To whom it may concern
I was recommended April Homes to handle the sale of my mother's bungalow back in February 2014
and although the situation was very difficult emotionally, it was dealt with in a sympathetic and tactful
way by Gareth.
Being a family firm it certainly added a more personal touch and I found this took the 'formality' out of
the selling process, which was, at times, exasperating.
If you want a friendly, obliging company to deal with the sale of your property, then look no further
than April Homes.
Janice Hart
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25th
August, 2014
We have recently had to sell my mother’s bungalow because of her unfortunate ill health and we
needed an Estate Agent that would act sympathetically yet still provide the advice we needed.
Gareth and Helene were requested to attend at short notice and upon their advice we appointed
them to act as our agents.
Throughout the whole process they kept us informed and were nothing but professional and helpful.
Subsequently the sale of the bungalow went through quickly and smoothly thanks to their efforts.
We will have no hesitation to recommend April Homes in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Jan Fenn ICPA (Fellow) Director
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Just a note to say how impressed I was with the service provided by April Homes. Gareth was
courteous, friendly, extremely helpful and efficient. It was refreshing to find an agent who made the
whole process simple and uncomplicated and all at a very reasonable price.
I would have no hesitation to recommend April Homes to anyone.
Christine Harris
Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
05/08/2014
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Gareth has just completed a probate sale which I referred to him. He quickly gained the confidence of
my client (the seller) and persuaded her that is was worth putting the property on the open market
rather than simply accepting an offer from a neighbour who knew that she was selling.
Gareth managed to increase the eventual sale price by several thousand pounds over the
neighbour’s initial offer.
5. Well done Gareth!
Steve Harris – Mayfield Bell Solicitors (probate sale)
17 July 2014
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We found the staff at April homes extremely helpfully and efficient. They were always available at the
end of the phone. They made selling my home easy as they dealt with everything and keep you up-
to-date on progress.
Thank you April homes from start to finish.
Ms W Kingham
formerly of Soham, Cambridgeshire.
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We found that April Homes were very positive and helpful in achieving a successful sale of our property. We
could always communicate quickly and efficiently and when there were technical difficulties April Homes were
there to talk to and help smooth through the transaction towards completion.
Thank you Gareth and the Team! We do recommend your services.
Mrs Cannon-Brookes and Mr and Mrs Leport.
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"During what transpired to be a challenging and complicated sale, Gareth and his Team at April Homes
provided helpful and professional advice and support which was so very much appreciated at such a stressful
time. The straight-forward, open and honest approach taken by Gareth and the April Homes Team made such
a refreshing change to previous experiences of stereotypical estate agency... I believe that as an organisation,
April Homes has achieved what it set out to..."
Louise Merton
formerly of Diss, Norfolk.
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Excellent job 103 Chedburgh Road
I would like to place on record how impressed I was with you and your team, your commitment and
professionalism was outstanding.
I was particularly impressed when you or your representatives appeared 15 minutes before any
viewing time, and the no rush policy on the viewing. Consequently you sold my house quickly and
efficiently.
I would definitely recommend April Homes to anyone wishing to sell a house quickly.
Thank you all once again.
David Lamberton
of Chedburgh, Bury St Edmunds.
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6. Dear Gareth
Just a short note to say how impressed I have been with the service provided by April Homes.
Throughout the sale of my house, you were always courteous and efficient and I have always found my
dealings with you to be most refreshing after having had so many assurances from other estate agents prove
unfounded. You have always given clear advice without the over-optimistic sales pitch one normally receives.
Having had my house marketed unsuccessfully by two agents before yourself, I was so relieved to find an agent
who gave no-nonsense opinions and sensible estimates.
Your marketing strategies obviously worked as well: I had more viewings through you than the other agents
combined!
Thanks again for all you have done - should I ever need the services of an estate agent in the future, I shall be
straight on the phone to you - in the meantime, I shall be recommending you to anyone looking to sell!
Yours sincerely
Andrew Haynes
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Dear Gareth, Mervyn and Helene,
I am delighted.
Thank you so much for all you have done.
I have been extremely pleased with your service and would recommend you to anyone I know who
is thinking of moving home.
With very kind regards to you all.
Melanie
formally of Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
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Our house went on the market in late 2012 with April Homes & was under offer after only two
viewings.
The whole process took under nine weeks to complete & subsequently the stress levels were
kept to a minimum.
I would like to commend April homes for the professionalism shown & would recommend
them in the future.
John Dunne
formally of Hardwick, Cambridgeshire.
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7. To Gareth, Mervyn & Helene,
Thank you all so much for making it possible for us to move home.
Never would we have been able to afford this had it not been for yourselves. It is all very much
appreciated.
Also we are so grateful for you collecting our keys…
Thank you all so much.
Hayley, Richard & Jake
formerly of Bury St Edmunds.
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Gareth of April Homes is a very pleasant and friendly person to deal with, and is also knowledgeable and
astute on valuing properties. During our first meeting, when he did a valuation on our property he did not
employ any pressured or clever sales techniques, but instead calmly and confidently explained his companies
methods and ethos, explained the marketing options we had, and expected timescale to achieve a sale.
He had done quite a lot local price research prior to his valuation visit, so was able to give us an accurate
valuation based on how similar properties had faired in the present market; has also made several suggestions
as to how some areas should be described to give a more flexible choice of usage by a new owner.
All viewing appointments were made direct by April Homes; and we were notified by them to make sure that
they were convenient for us to show the prospective buyers around. We were notified of their names;
normally told how many there would be, and if they were in a chain, or cash buyers. We were always phoned
after viewings, so that we could give feedback on the viewers, and Gareth would give us any feedback that he
had received from the viewers.
Within three weeks we had received two offers, Gareth dealt with getting the best offer at our behest, and let
us know what the two final offers were, and advised which was the best offer to accept.
During the sales process Gareth has kept us updated throughout this time, and has also updated my solicitor;
helping to keep the sale progressing smoothly.
I can fully recommend Gareth, and April Homes as being an honest, helpful, and successful estate agency.
Mr Robert J. A. Jennings & Mrs J. Jennings
formerly of Depden, Suffolk.
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“April Homes were fantastic in advertising our home, providing feedback from viewers and generally
helping us with the sale process of our home, I would definitely recommend them to everyone I know
as they did such a brilliant job for such a good price!”
Thanks
Sarah
formerly of Elmswell, Suffolk.
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8. To whom it may concern
I would like to recommend the services of April Homes to anybody who is considering selling their
house.
Gareth and the team are very helpful and always contactable.
It’s a bit of a leap of faith paying for a service such as theirs but once they have sold your property
you will realise what a wise decision you have made just as we did.
A big thank you to Gareth and all at April Homes.
Yours sincerely,
John Sadler
formerly of Troston, Suffolk.
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"Gareth sold our house in 2011 & was very professional & courteous at every step of the process.
I've owned several houses over the years & wish I'd known Gareth before now to instruct him on
each of those past sales. Not only this, but his commission rates are extremely competitive (to the
point that our solicitor phoned me to check they were correct before paying him!). There are no short
cuts, with the widest circulation of your property being advertised on the most effective portals. I can't
recommend Gareth highly enough - if you want fast results - he's your man."
Richard Green
Soham, Cambridgeshire.
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I am happy to say that I received a completely professional yet very friendly service. Queries and
issues were dealt with promptly and all in all great value for money.
Thank you!
Mrs Knipe
formerly of Kenninghall, Norfolk.
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In March 2010 I put my property on the market with April Homes. The initial consultation was carried out
promptly and my house was being advertised on twenty websites within days.
From that point I received fortnightly updates on how my property was performing. This included an analysis
of interest, current market conditions and advice on how I could generate further enquires.
As a first-time seller I was unfamiliar with the process. With in-house financial advisors and a vast wealth of
property knowledge within the April Homes team this was not a problem. They were quick to reply to any
questions I had and were always at the end of the phone.
For 14 weeks I also had a well-known estate agent advertising my house. Considering the additional £2344
commission payable had they sold my house, I didn’t feel that I received a better service than what April
Homes were providing.
I received an offer through April Homes in September 2010. Considering the volatile nature of the housing
market I think April Homes did a superb job of finding me a buyer and carrying out a fantastic viewing.
Since accepting the offer, April Homes have kept in close contact, keeping me updated with all developments.
9. We exchanged within weeks and will be completing within days.
We now have to sell my partner’s house and will definitely be using April Homes to do so. Offering such a
professional service they have proved that you do not need to pay estate agent fees in order to sell your
property.
L. Law
formerly of Thetford, Norfolk.
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Feedback from some of our buyer and seller clients:
Dear Gareth,
We would both like to thank you for assisting us in selling my property, and purchasing our new house.
Both of us really appreciate the time and effort that you put in, and also feel that often you went beyond what
was expected.
The knowledge that you brought to both sides of our transition was thoughtful and insightful, and any feedback
we gave to you, felt like we were being heard.
We will be highly recommending your services to others, and would like to wish you all the best for the future.
Please extend out gratitude to your father also..
Kindest regards.
Nicky & Catheryn
formerly of Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire.
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Apologies for not contacting you sooner, we have only just had our internet connected!
We are settling in very well thank you and would like to say that you provided an excellent service to us with
both the buying and selling of our homes
We would certainly recommend you
Regards
John and Judy
formerly of Romford, Essex.
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Feedback from some of our buyer clients:
We recently bought our home in Thetford through April Homes. We found them to be attentive and
helpful throughout the buying process and we would recommend them to others.
Thank you April Homes.
Geoff & Imogene Phillips
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10. Hi Gareth,
Thank you for all of your help and assistance during our recent house purchase. You were always prompt with
replying to queries and excellent at coordinating information between the interested parties. This was always
carried out in a polite & professional manner.
You went beyond the call of duty, even assisting with queries after the sale completion.
We definitely recommend April Homes for a smooth, hassle free process.
Many thanks,
Ian Cope
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Dear Gareth
As promised, I am just dropping you a line to thank you for the quiet efficiency with which you handled our purchase of
the property in Ashill.
Kind regards
Jane
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When we saw the house we really liked advertised with April Homes we were a little anxious to find out that
the estate agency was internet based and did not have a main office that we could go and speak face to face
with someone. This anxiety was quickly dissolved when we first spoke with Gareth who we found to be very
knowledgeable and personable.
During the conveyance period Gareth kept in contact with us and always made us feel as if our purchase was
important to them and that he wanted to support the whole process to reduce any potential stress!
Next time we consider putting our house on the market we will definitely look to work with April Homes.
Thank you from the Bamford’s.
Saxmundham, Suffolk.
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Dear Gareth
Having completed our purchase of 29 Hereward Avenue on Friday, we would like to say how pleased we were
with the service you provided.
We feel you provided a very professional but friendly service and you were always very helpful and prompt
with replies to any queries, enabling the whole process to go very smoothly.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anybody thinking of selling or purchasing a property and we wish
you all the best for your future success.
Many thanks
Angie & Bob Cwiklinski.
Mildenhall, Suffolk.
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11. Just a line or two to thank you so very much for all the hard work you
have put into the sale of this house. Unusually I speak from my experience
as a buyer.
It is a most welcome occurrence to have an agent work so tirelessly on
behalf of the purchaser. I have never known such a steady succession of
updates regarding the ebb and flow of change that occurs along the chain -
whether via solicitors, land registry (in our case) or from the various
prospective vendors and buyers.
Without this communication buying a house can become rather frightful and
at its worse stressful. Gareth you made the journey a smooth and steady
progression towards purchase.
And it did not stop there. You even liaised with the vendor’s solicitors
and ours to arrange a most convenient situation in which one of your staff
picked up the keys and delivered them to my office.
If this is not a commitment to service and a (prospective) clients
complete satisfaction and fulfilment I have not the foggiest idea what is.
Peter Allen-Jones
Norfolk
April Homes would be my first choice whether buying or selling and I would
have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them.
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We purchased our house through April Homes in September 2010 and found Gareth and the team to be
extremely professional, courteous and helpful at all times. Emails were always responded to promptly, the
level of attention to detail throughout the purchase was excellent and the process ran like clockwork. We
would not hesitate to recommend them to sellers of property looking for very good value on fees, and also
buyers looking for a first class personal service.
SM
of Barrow, Bury St Edmunds.
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