A new estate agency covering Hale, a village in south Trafford, as well as surrounding areas, has been launched by Jackie Atkins, who has 30 years’ experience in the property sector.

Atkins, who has worked for the past 12 years as an estate agent, property developer, and home buyer in the local area, has decided to launch Hale Homes without a shop front.

She said Hale Homes will offer the type of “bespoke, personal boutique service you would expect in the prestigious postcodes of Hale, Hale Barns and Bowdon coupled with an interactive website”.

Atkins continued: “We will combine the best of a traditional estate agent – the local knowledge, property sale expertise and the best in customer service – with the simplicity and speed of an online operation – a bricks-and-mortar agency without the bricks and mortar.

“I have been a property customer in Hale myself and customer service often falls short of my expectations – our service is built around meeting my high standards and redefining what customers should expect from their estate agent.

“I’ll be using this personal experience to make sure we are there every step of the way for our customers who expect integrity and discretion from their estate agent – from making an enquiry to putting the keys in the door and beyond.”

Hale Homes, which is launching with investor backing by global software company ICX4, will offer an introductory fee of 0.5%, excluding VAT.

Hale Homes is entering what is currently a rather buoyant market, despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to Atkins.

She added: “It is a really tough time for a lot of individuals and businesses and it has forced many to adapt in ways that were unimaginable 12 months ago, but it has opened many doors for estate agents.

“Potential clients realise the need for more space for a home office, others have decided not to wait to buy their dream home. People are spending more time than ever at home and, maybe in some cases, too much, leading to divorce and the sale of the family home – so the market is huge.

“But no-one wants to peer at properties through an estate agents’ windows anymore or make unnecessary office visits in the light of the Covid-19 threat. I meet clients face-to-face, outside, or in a lovely coffee shop, to get a good feel for the area or at their home – wherever they feel most comfortable.”