You Get What You Pay For

Like many people, I’m partial to the occasional McDonald’s. My order of choice? A Quarter Pounder with cheese. It hits the spot, it’s consistent, and the service is usually quick and friendly. Interestingly do you know what McDonalds brand essence is? Quality? Speed? Convenience? None of the above - Consistency. When you visit any restaurant globally, you know what you’re getting — and there’s nothing wrong with that. And consistency is great, but let's face it, sometimes, you fancy something a bit more special. A well earned treat.

At the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got somewhere like The Ivy. You can still order a burger there, add bacon and cheese and you’re parting with around £35. And that’s before you’ve even thought about fries. Fries of chunky chips? There is an estate agency metaphor in there somewhere - watch this space!

But the difference isn’t just what’s on the plate. It’s the experience. The greeting at the door, the lighting, the ambience, the way everything just feels right and special. You don’t leave thinking you’ve paid £35 for a burger without fries; you leave with a smile and a quiet sense that life’s pretty good. And it’s not just the 2012 Pinot Noir talking.

A few weeks ago, my wife booked a family trip to Hatters Farm in Takeley to pick pumpkins. Sure, we could’ve bought them at Tesco for a few pounds each but where’s the fun in that? We paid our £5-per-person entry fee, chose our time slot, and set off. As we joined the steady stream of cars into the car park, it became clear just how popular this place was. But rather than chaos, there was calm efficiency — car park attendants everywhere, even spotters on raised platforms guiding us to empty spaces.

Once inside, it was more of the same: organised, welcoming, and full of thoughtful touches. Pumpkin displays, themed activities, and a field full of pumpkins ready to pick. Staff were everywhere — clearing litter, dressed in Halloween costumes, helping kids with wheelbarrows. It was busy, but it worked. We had a brilliant afternoon, and when I handed over £17 for three pumpkins, I didn’t flinch (well, not much). Because it was worth it.

And that brings me to estate agency. At Cooke Curtis & Co, our fee for selling is 1.1% + VAT, or 12% + VAT for lettings. We’re not the cheapest, and we’re not the most expensive but, like Hatters Farm and The Ivy, what we offer is about value, not price. And very much about quality. A fee only feels high when the service is poor. When you’re left muttering under your breath and wondering what exactly you paid for.

With Cooke Curtis & Co, you’re paying for experience, expertise, and results. You’re more likely to sell, more likely to achieve a better price, and more likely to look back and think, “that was worth it.” We can’t promise every move will be stress-free, this is property after all, but we CAN promise you’ll get value for money, genuine care, and a service that leaves you feeling it was money well spent. Trust me when I say saving a couple of quid and getting none of the above, is very much a false economy.

If you’re thinking about selling or letting, get in touch. We’d love to show you why, in property as in life, you really do get what you pay for.