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Lesters Didcot office has taken delivery of their new office company car. With it’s distinctive styling and catchy punchline the vehicle will no doubt be a constant sight on Didcot’s streets. Branch Partner James Gesner commented; We have always been keen to look at alternative ways to get our message across, a few years ago both offices had Lesters Mini’s and they were a storming success and people kept asking us when we would be bringing them back!...
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An unexpected surge in interest from potential homebuyers in December bodes well for the house market this year, commented James Gesner M.N.A.E.A National Association member and partner at Lesters in Didcot. The typical number of house hunters registered per branch in December was 294,132 more than the average figure for November, with viewings continuing right up until the Christmas break, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) found....
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Lesters have reported a strong start to 2012 in terms of enquiries, which they believe is at least partly due to the fact that homeowners are enjoying the cheapest mortgages on record, thanks to historically low interest rates. The public, it seems, are realising that this current mortgage opportunity is just too good to let pass....
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Winter is often seen as a low-point for property sales but there can be advantages to buying or selling a property in these months. "There are fewer homes for sale in the winter but also fewer buyers which means less competition for both parties," said NAEA President, Wendy Evans Scott....
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Buyers and sellers can easily become confused between the various different house price surveys reproduced in the media, which often appear to conflict with each other. Thankfully, your local independent Guild estate agent, Lesters have the necessary specialist knowledge to interpret this and provide you with expert guidance....
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Lesters are once again leading the way with technology with all their properties available on their free apps. You can browse all our properties with full details with apps available on the iphone and android platforms. Damian Meech at the Wallingford office commented; The response has been overwhelming especially over the festive break with people downloading our apps....
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We were all delighted to hear the news of the birth of Tula Ava Twiss born on the 7th January. After a long wait! We all wish Denise and her family the very best for the future. The team at Wallingford clients and customers will miss her greatly but after a busy start to the year we will keep you posted on all developments!...
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Lesters Wallingford office are delighted to offer Cleeve Lock House for rent Julian Walley Senior Partner commented: This property is situated in a truly Idyllic location outside Goring and Streatley and has three double bedrooms and is available to let on an unfurnished basis....
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Lesters have a vacancy for a Weekend Sales Negotiator working in our busy Wallingford office. Previous experience is not essential as full training will be given. A lively outgoing personality is essential be a car owner (mileage re-imbursed) and good computer knowledge required!...
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Celebration was the order of the day when The Guild of Professional Estate Agents and its members were recognised with a clutch of trophies at the Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2011. In the awards for which The Guild and its members were eligible, gongs were scooped in an impressive nine categories – four of which were gold....
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Falling house prices and increasing rental demand has made it cheaper to buy a property than to rent one in 45 of the 50 largest towns across Britain. The cost of renting is now 13% higher on average than the cost of owning, according to the latest research from property website Zoopla....
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All the team at Lesters wish our clients present and past a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable festive break. We will be open on the 28th, 29th and 30th at both offices and there are extended times that our Property Mangagement office can be contacted over the festive break for emergencies....
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Surprisingly not all estate agents are currently required to meet standards of compliance within the industry. This is particularly worrying to potential tenants and landlords who are unaware, unprotected and inexperienced in this often confusing market....
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We need your support to stop a huge gravel pit between Wallingford and Wallingford and Cholsey over the next 25 years. Branch Partner and local Wallingford resident Julian Walley commented: I have been inundated with calls from anxious members of the local community and clients both past and present understandably concerned over these proposals....
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This picture dates back to August 1950 and was sent in by one of our clients recently. Denise Twiss at our Wallingford Office commented: It was of her father cleaning the windows of her Grandfather`s house dating back to the 4 August 1950, over sixty years ago....
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Last night Neil Ruddock ex Liverpool defender hosted an entertaining evening at the Didcot Town Social club. As a keen supporter of the club James Gesner and a table of twelve attended the event helping raise funds for our local club. As a keen supporter and indeed coach of a local boys team Senior Partner at the Didcot office James commented: ‘We a had a great evening as usual the folk of Didcot enjoyed a entertaining evening and all to support our local team’ Lesters employ local people and actively support a number of local schools and charities in the area and we are always keen to help in anyway including promoting any events, please contact James at j....
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The property market has experienced some significant highs and lows since 2008 but is now steadily regaining favour among investors as property-focused investment companies are proving a source of much sought after income. Here, the Association of Investment Companies reveals the findings of its survey of property managers` views on the outlook for the sector....
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Lesters are leading the way in the local property market, by utilising QR codes in their window displays. You may have seen these square, almost pixellated images recently appearing on signs, buses, business cards, in magazines and shop windows across the UK - and even on TV cooking programmes....
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Lesters in Wallingford have appointed two new staff members, Dawn Oakley and Susan Ryan, who both live locally, to further enhance their experienced team. Julian Walley, Senior Partner at the office commented ‘We are delighted to welcome Dawn and Susan to our friendly team and I am also pleased to add another 20 years experience to this great team in Wallingford....
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Falling house prices and increasing rental demand has made it cheaper to buy a property than to rent one in 45 of the 50 largest towns across Britain. The cost of renting is now 13% higher on average than the cost of owning, according to the latest research from property website Zoopla....
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The National Landlords Association has reported a continued increase in the popularity of buy to let mortgage products. A survey by NLA Mortgages found that the number of schemes provided during the second quarter of 2011 grew by 25% when compared to the first three months of the year....
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More than eight out of ten young people (aged 18-24) still aspire to own their own home by the time they are 30, according to the quarterly consumer survey published by the Building Societies Association. Among potential first-time buyers overall, more than nine in ten (94%) respondents say that they would ideally have bought by the time they are 35 with more than seven in ten (75%) having an aspiration to become a homeowner in their twenties....
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Just released via our recommended Mortgage Advisers, this exclusive First Time Buyer mortgage deal seems to be one of the best around! Here are the basic details: Maximum loan to value - 90% Interest rate fixed until November 2013 at just 4....
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New research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) suggests that the housing market will make a recovery over the next two years before house prices push upwards to reach a record high, 14 per cent higher than their current levels, by 2015....
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Lesters are pleased to announce the launch of their new, fixed-price tax return service for Landlords. The service is provided by Chartered Accountants, and is offered to all Lesters Landlord`s at a fixed-price of just £99 plus VAT. Commenting on the launch, Matthew Nash said "We are delighted to be able to offer this valuable additional service to our Landlord clients....
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Despite a strong lettings market benefiting thousands of people who cannot get a mortgage, it has seen one victim, however: household pets. With many landlords simply denying pets or asking for a much greater deposit, many tenants are now having to give up their pets in order to secure the rental house they want....
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Size DOES matter when it comes to pictures in inventories, says an expert. Photographs no bigger than thumbnails are causing problems when it comes to disputes over damage at the end of tenancies. According to the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks, inadequate photographs are regularly being used in inventories at both check-in and check-out....
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With demand for rental property at an all-time high, here are our top five tips for securing a rental home in a tough climate. James Gesner, Senior Partner at Lesters, said: "We are seeing an unprecedented level of demand for homes, with prospective buyers turning to rented property as a more flexible option than buying "However, although the rental market is highly competitive, it is still possible to find that ideal home - if the search is carried out in a thorough, well-informed and realistic manner....
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The government wants to double the number of people building their own homes. But is it wise to encourage the population to take up DIY house building? Programs like Grand Designs tap into the desire to build your dream home. Now the government - keen to raise the stubbornly low house building rate - wants to start "a self build revolution"....
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Lesters are proud to be the first Letting Agent in Didcot and Wallingford to be accepted into the SAFEagent scheme, which is a kitemark for consumers to recognise which agents belong to a client money protection scheme. The SAFEagent scheme is endorsed by organisations such Shelter, NUS, Trading Standards Institute, Council of Mortgage Lenders, Residential Landlords Association and the British Property Federation....
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The big day is looming, the excitement is mounting and then you realise you can’t put it off any longer – the packing! Have you got enough boxes? What about the breakables and family heirlooms? How will you find the kettle? Having drawn up a ‘to do’ list well in advance, it should be plain sailing....
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James Gesner, Lesters Senior Partner is off on a Golf Day in aid of one of the Cancer Charities. James is a keen golfer, and thoroughly enjoys playing a round, especially to help such a worthy cause. He`s even properly embraced the day by sporting a pair of the brightest pink trousers....
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Purchase approvals rose 6.7% in June, in part as lenders increased activity to meet planned half-year lending targets. Approvals on all property over £125,000 increased as those buying property over £125,000, typically on higher incomes, were able to secure mortgages....
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Lesters were pleased to accept the opportunity to sponsor a recent race meeting at Oxford Greyhound Stadium, and all the staff went along to support the event. Lesters Senior Partner, James Gesner, is a Greyhound owner himself and a keen follower of the sport....
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Lesters, the South Oxfordshire-based independent Estate Agents, are pleased to announce the launch of their Commercial Property department. Working from local offices in Didcot and Wallingford, the firm has specialists dealing with Sales, Lettings and Acquisitions of all types of Commercial Property....
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Meet Sally a lovely 16 week year old Labrador who visited our Wallingford Office this week with one of our clients. With wooden flooring in each office and local staff who are all avid dog owners we warmly welcome dogs (and their owners!) into both our High Street offices....
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Approvals for home loans - notably for people remortgaging their properties - picked up slightly in November, Bank of England figures show. The number of mortgages approved for house purchases stood at 48,019 in November, a marginal rise on the previous month....
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A Wallingford based estate agent has secured a nationally recognised industry qualification, and has joined the growing number of qualified agents across the UK to do so. David Rayfield of Lesters has passed the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) Technical Award in the Sale of Residential Property, the industry standard for all agents working in this area....
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Would-be first time buyers in the South Oxfordshire area are being offered a lifeline to get onto the property ladder. In these days of large deposit requirements and restricted mortgage lending, the lifeline is being offered by Catalyst Housing....
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Senior partner James Gesner let in a bit of a howler at the weekend whilst playing for the local team Crowmarsh. James commented `It just came out of nowhere and got an unlucky deflection it must be every keepers worst nightmare a nutmeg with the local cameraman at hand`....
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Landlords are being urged by Lesters to take full advantage of a Government initiative which helps them to improve the energy performance rating of their properties, and reduce the amount of tax they are obliged to pay in the process. The Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) is a tax allowance which allows landlords to claim tax relief of up to £1,500 on their tax return against the cost of buying and installing energy saving items....
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The coalition government has suspended the use of Home Information Packs (HIPs) by home sellers. HIPs were introduced in 2007 in England and Wales. The aim was to speed up the house selling process by obliging sellers to provide much of the required conveyancing information when properties are first put up for sale....
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Lesters Sales & Lettings are pleased to announce details of their new ‘Environmentally Aware’ initiative, which applies to all new clients of the firm from the New Year until the end of 2010. Working alongside the local `Northmoor Trust` charity, Lesters will dedicate one new tree, planted locally, on completion of the sale or letting of every new property instruction received by the firm in 2010....
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Lesters, the independent Estate Agents, have announced a market leading price for the supply of a Home Information Pack. Priced from just £230 plus VAT for a Freehold property, they are the best value available locally and more importantly they are sourced from a local supplier....
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Keeping up to date about the latest properties available is now much easier thanks to Lesters and Twitter.com. To help anyone looking for the latest properties, Lesters send ‘tweets’ to registered followers on the networking site, to instantly notify them of the very latest properties available for sale and rent....
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Recent research suggests that for every property for sale, there are now eleven potential buyers. This means that the much anticipated `green shoots of recovery` are clearly visible in the local property market, according to Lesters Senior Partner, James Gesner....
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The number of homes sold in the UK jumped by 40% in March from the previous month, according to figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). There were 60,000 property sales worth at least £40,000 each, compared with 43,000 in February. The figures suggest that the slump in home sales seen in the past 18 months may be coming to an end....
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Hard on the heels of figures from Rightmove which showed that using floor plans increases buyer interest by a whopping 30%, there’s further confirmation of the power of floor plans as a property marketing tool - this time in the authoritative Home Moving Trends Survey 2009, published by The Academy....
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PropertyLive.co.uk is the only property search site that`s regulated, protected and run by a professional body of fully accredited agents. Every member belongs to one or more of the following associations, NAEA, ARLA,NAVA or ICBA. Members have joined their respective associations to demonstrate their commitment to professional standards in the property industry to which they can be held accountable....
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Lesters in Wallingford and Didcot have joined findaproperty.com. Julian Walley, senior partner with the firm comments: `with the number of people increasingly starting their search for property on the web it is imperative that your agent show your property on ALL the major property portals`....
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Lesters Property Management Department have seen a huge increase in enquires from potential tenants registering on our mailing list. Debbie Walley at the firms Wallingford`s office comments ` we have a portfolio of about 280 properties at the moment and we just cannot meet the demand for properties at the moment....
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The Guild of Professional Estate Agents is an organization that is represented by over 700 independent estate agents nationwide. Lesters, who are also Wallingfords only guild member member have now strengthened their coverage to Didcot. The network is an excellent way for sellers to promote their property nationally and through the associated London office in Park Lane where they can be contacted on 0207 0791440....
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Lesters, the market leading independent Estate Agents, have recently opened their latest office in Didcot. Established in 1992, Lesters is a fully independent firm, and is still managed by the Senior Partners, James Gesner and Julian Walley....
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Lesters have a vacancy for a weekend Sales Negotiator working in our newly opened busy Didcot office. Previous experience not essential as full training will be given. A lively outgoing personality is essential and computer knowledge required!...
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The Bank of England`s rate-setting committee has cut interest rates to 5.25% from 5.5% Many banks have already said they will pass on the cut. Halifax, Nationwide, Abbey, NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland have announced they will reduce their standard variable rates....
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We are really pleased to announce that Lesters have raised over £400 for the local charity Helen & Douglas House. After a couple of days in Wallingford’s town square and their open evening at their office on the Medieval evening Lesters are pleased to hand over the money raised to the locally based charity....
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Lesters Supporting local charity The Lesters mini`s will be in Wallingford Market Square on the 4th and 5th of December and outside the office on the 6th (medieval evening) when the office is open all evening welcoming everyone to come in and have a drink on us....
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Lesters Estate Agents have continued their support of local clubs, schools & organisations in the Wallingford and Didcot area and splashed out on a new kit for Harwell International Football Club. The club compete in the North Berks top flight Saturday league....
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The Government has announced that Home Information Packs (HIPs), including Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), will be rolled out to include three bedroom properties from 10 September 2007. HIPs and EPCs are being introduced on a phased basis and already apply to properties with four or more bedrooms....
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The opposition motion in the House of Lords to abolish HIPs was passed this week. Commenting on this vote, Shadow Housing Minister Grant Shapps stated: `This is another embarrassing development for the Government as the fiasco over HIPs goes from bad to worse....
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A government campaign to raise awareness of Home Information Packs has been launched. Home sellers in England and Wales will have to offer the packs, including documents such as surveys and local authority searches, from 1 June. Critics say the packs, which will cost about £400, are confused and flawed....
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The Home Information packs will "go live" on 1st June 2007. Housing Minister Yvette Cooper has confirmed that the government still intends to launch the new home sellers` packs on the scheduled date. The National Association of Estate Agents, the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Law Society and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors are all seeking to persuade the government to delay the implementation date....
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What a hectic evening! It was really good to see so many people through the door last night on the medieval evening and hundreds of Lesters balloons around the town The drink finally ran at 9pm but it was great to see so many customers old and new and local people just coming in for a glass of mulled wine....
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On Saturday 16 December Father Christmas will be at Lesters Estate Agents, 23 St Martins Street. Everyone is welcome! There are a variety of events held throughout the day including face painting and a raffle. Lesters are supporting Paddocks Pre-School who are a local registered charity....
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Wallingford and the surrounding countryside is one of the most desirable areas to live in Oxfordshire. Therefore it is no surprise that properties are very popular – and not just with residents. Estate agents are here in even greater numbers too....
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Leading Wallingford agents Lesters have got plenty to celebrate after winning a top industry award. Against stiff competition from all over the country the company was named Highly Commended in the Single Office Category at the prestigious Guild of Professional Estate Agents National Awards, held in Cambridge earlier this month....
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Lesters are supporting `Kenya Children Centres`. These centres advance education, relieve poverty, sickness and distress among children in the country. If you are thinking of selling or letting your home we would be delighted to provide you a free up to date valuation and provide you with further information about `Kenya Children Centres` (Charity (No 1103868) our charity challenge....
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Investment opportunity a terrace of three Individual three bedroom properties with views over open farmland built in 2001 with potential rental income of £2700 per month. The properties have three bedrooms fitted modern kitchens, downstairs cloakrooms and upstairs bathrooms....
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Our office at 23 St Martin’s Street, Wallingford is the first in the area to use Inter-active Video Displays illustrating all our images on all our properties 24 hours a day! Three large screens have been installed showing all our client’s properties to the best possible standard....
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Oxfordshire Estate Agent Lesters, have taken the lead in the region’s property market by dropping the time clause from its agency agreements with house sellers. The clause that states the minimum period of time you must leave your business with an agent can often cause house sellers serious dilemmas and stress....
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On 1 September 2005, the Office of Fair Trading awarded their approval to the OCEA Code of Practice under the Office of Fair Trading’s Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. Julian Walley M.N.A.E.A Partner at the Wallingford office states “Lesters fully support the OCEA code of practice in conjunction with the added security of the Office of Fair Trading....
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According to local independent estate & letting agents Lesters, demand for rental property in and around Wallingford is currently at record levels. “Many first time buyers are choosing to go for the more flexible option of renting at the moment, realising that the property market is not going to leave them behind,” says Donna Gordon, Lettings Manager at Lesters....
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WOOD STREET, WALLINGFORD - PRICE ON APPLICATION A grade two listed cottage in the centre of Wallingford and in the heart of the conservation area. The property has a wealth of character with alot of the original features. The property is in need of some modernisation throughout and a surveyors report is available on request....
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If you’re serious about selling your home, this is an excellent opportunity!” The presentation, scheduled for 15th April, is to be held at the firm’s Mayfair Office at 121 Park Lane, Mayfair just down from Marble Arch Lesters staff will be presenting the firm’s full portfolio of property for sale and to let, to a varied and motivated audience starting their search in the nations capital....
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Lesters are now advertising their portfolio of properties on Rightmove.co.uk. Branch partner James Gesner states ` In addition to our extensive press advertising we have decided to advertise all our properties on the Rightmove site after a number of requests from our clients` Lesters also advertise their properties on fish4homes....
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Time is running out to take part in our Oxfordshire property Exhibition. Partner at Lesters James Gesner comments: `Last years event was hugely successful with a great deal of interest shown in the event` Extensive advertising and mailshotting will be carried out prior to the event....
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The partners at Lesters would like to thank all the local schools who took part in this years `Drawing Competition` the response was overwhelming and the Mayor had a difficult job picking the eventual winners as the standard was so good. This culminated in a hectic Victorian Evening with the results on display in our office....
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Following on the success of last years exhibition Lesters present ` The Oxfordshire Property Exhibition`. During January 2005 a number of leading Independent agents in Oxfordshire will be actively promoting the exhibition to be held on the weekend of the 28 and 29th January at the firm’s Mayfair Office at 121 Park Lane just down from Marble Arch....
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As usual Lesters will be open on Wallingford’s Victorian Evening. EVERYONE WELCOME Until 9pm the office will be open for refreshments including mulled wine. The team will be on hand to give a warm welcome especially to client’s past and present....
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2004 Drawing Competition for local schools.  ...
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Julian Walley, partner with Lesters, is delighted to report the success of the firm’s Property Presentation held at their Mayfair Office on 17 September. Significant advertising and mailshotting was carried out in the lead-up to the event, and serious interest in many properties was shown during the event....
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London Property Presentation shaping-up to be huge success. With less than a month to go the next London Property Presentation by estate agents Lesters, the event is “shaping-up to be an enormous success”, according to James Gesner M.N.A.E....
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Partner of Lesters Julian Walley explains: “If you’re serious about selling or renting your home, you simply cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity!” The presentation, scheduled for 17th September, is to be held at the firm’s Mayfair Office at 121 Park Lane, Mayfair just down from Marble Arch Lesters staff will be presenting the firm’s full portfolio of property for sale and to let, to a varied and motivated audience starting their search in the nations capital....
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Lesters are pleased to announce that all there offices are now fully air conditioned for the comfort of our clients. Drew Conroy a senior negotiator added `during the busy summer months its imperative that our clients can feel comfortable whilst in our offices`....
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Lesters are pleased to announce a further expansion into the Didcot market. We are seeking quality properties particularly on the Ladygrove estate in Didcot. All properties will be managed locally with regular advertising in the local press and the usual comprehensive service including advertising through Primelocation....
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Due to a busy start to the year Lesters are looking for more quality properties for their portfolio. Dealing with the principle relocation agents and companies in the area we have let a high number of properties in the middle to upper price ranges in the South Oxfordshire area....
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In 2004 Lesters are providing digital floor plans on all their in-house property brochures. Lesters are pleased to announce this feature to enhance their property brochures. In conjunction with IMS Communications of Twyford all our brochures will have high quality digital plans produced as an inclusive part of our service to our Clients....
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Lesters are accredited by the National Approved Letting Scheme. The NALS is an industry-wide accreditation scheme which offers peace of mind to landlords and tenants through the knowledge that the firm they are dealing with provides defined levels of customer service and has the necessary insurances to protect their clients` money....
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