Sales
“Simon Shiers came to us on the recommendation of my brother whose house he sold in 2021. An initial conversation with him lasting well over 2 hours gave us a very good idea of how Simon would market and manage the sale of our house. We knew then he was the man for the job. Together we made a plan which was implemented meticulously over the course of the selling process: a set few days of all day viewings, last and final offers by a certain date and a decision on which offer to choose by a set date.
Selling a house like ours needs a personal touch and this Simon delivered in spades. He was endlessly patient with everyone involved and provided an excellent service throughout the process.
I would strongly recommend him to anyone looking to sell their house.”
Felicity Gradwell
Bodicote, Oxfordshire
“Simon came into our lives, after consulting a few Estate Agents, & completely changed the way our house was marketed & would be eventually sold.
I count myself extremely fortunate that Simon agreed to act for us, as he was totally involved from the start & led the whole sales process, with our agreement & his expertise.
All potential Purchasers were vetted before viewing the property which meant that time wasters were eliminated, & with Simon being available to show viewers around the property there were no delays & no inconvenience to us. Covid guidelines were strictly adhered to throughout the property being on the market.
Any potential problems which could have arisen were minimalised by Simon speaking to the other Estate Agents or Solicitors involved with potential purchasers.
You are kept fully informed throughout the whole process, with excellent feedback about the people interested in your house & their thoughts about viewing your house—- good or bad !! Which does give you a very good perspective.
I consider ourselves very fortunate to have found Simon, who we trusted implicitly with our house sale, & he never let us down at any time during the sale period. He sold our house!!”
Laraine Back
Lapworth, Warwickshire
“Once we had reluctantly decided it was time to downsize and sell our family home of 38 years, together with adjoining agricultural land, we invited several well-known estate agents to appraise the property; whilst they were enthusiastic for the business opportunity, we had concerns over their personal involvement with us as individuals. On meeting Simon from MCS he immediately impressed us with the amount of research he had already done on our property, his knowledge about all aspects of the property market and the complications of selling agricultural holdings. We never regretted our decision to appoint him as our agent.
Simon promised us that he would help us through every aspect of the long and complicated business of selling our home, he did this and more. He advised us when to start advertising, how to present the house, he produced a wonderful brochure, inspiring video and dedicated website and by using all the latest digital marketing tools he quickly reached the right potential buyers.
Then we hit the pandemic lockdown!
This was a new and extraordinary experience for us all but Simon immediately adapted to the new situation, and with his great encouragement and conviction, we carried on and felt safe with the procedures he initiated. He thoroughly vetted all enquirers and only brought viable purchasers to view the property, these viewings were carried out within all the Covid guidelines, we left the property, and Simon accompanied the viewers at all times, he was available and willing to do these viewings at any time or at short notice, we always quickly received a very useful full written feedback report after each viewing.
Once we had a buyer Simon’s strengths became really evident – he continued to be in close contact with us and our buyer, helping with all the legalities, bureaucracy and madness that is house conveyancing. His knowledge, energy, patience and optimism were outstanding and we thank him for this and for making the whole emotional experience as enjoyable as it could have been.”
Robin and Penny Bowen
Warwickshire
“Simon is a breath of fresh air as an Estate Agent. We have recently sold our house through MCS and I truly believe that the sale would not have happened without Simon. His perseverance and professionalism are second to none. He cares about more than the sale and keeps you fully informed of all aspects throughout the process, with good news and bad! I can highly recommend Simon and MCS as the best method of selling your house out there today. He will match you with the correct potential buyers and never waste your time.”
David Harding
Stratford Upon Avon
“MCS provided a really first-class service in helping sell our house. We turned to Simon, after 2 previous attempts to sell with “big name” Stratford agents, where we seemed to spend most of our time chasing progress. We immediately noticed a difference in the quality of customer service, and he had many helpful suggestions on how to market the property. Simon personally handled all the visits, and made the experience very personal – making sure the prospective buyers knew all about the house history, the neighbours, life in the village and features of the surrounding area. The eventual buyers were very complimentary about how Simon kept them informed and how proactive he was in communicating. He arranged for some small renovations to be carried out, and also got some quotes for some potential amendments – all done proactively, based on feedback from viewers. Each viewing was written up within 24 hours with an email sumarising the visit and the viewers comments. With previous estate agents we had to endlessly chase information – so Simon’s really professional approach was a great relief. When we eventually had an acceptable offer, Simon negotiated skilfully in our interest and achieved a deal that was acceptable to both parties. The MCS service was no more expensive, but a hundred times better that our previous 2 agents – we can’t thank Simon highly enough for his professionalism and perseverance.”
Ian Bolger
Managing Director – Burngate Consulting Services
“From start to finish Simon was extremely hands on. He explained every detail to me and clearly understood the current market. He was very helpful throughout the sale of the property. There were many properties in the chain and Simon was excellent in ensuring he knew the status of each sale and ensured timely progress was made. Simon provided excellent guidance and support during each stage of the process. His service was excellent, going above and beyond on many occasions. I have no hesitation in recommending Simon”
Ian Kernahan
Pebworth, Worcestershire
“Faced with selling a relatively expensive home, our first thought was to assign a big brand Estate Agent. Their exclusive and extensive client databases were heavily promoted to us but, in reality, we realised no one really “owned” relationships with prospective purchasers anymore; the Internet had ended that. For our needs the traditional agents seemed a little outmoded, so we sought out someone who fully embraced the web effect and complemented it.
We elected to work with Simon. He promised little other than his commitment, and we are pleased to say he over-delivered. His commitment was unwavering from the start, his attention to detail and his drive to cover off all aspects of the process from taking on the project to our “moving in” was impressive. His integrity and easy-going manner won over many wavering prospects including the final buyer. For many months he was a constant in our lives as he communicated religiously and closed all possible loops with prospective buyers – from qualifying them carefully through to making sure the viewings were planned from every angle. He would always go the extra mile and visit us with ideas and updates. His grasp of specific marketing techniques was really impressive and a drone video of our house proved a valuable technique in landing the right match for our property. But his drive and diligence did not stop there; he was intent on seeing that obstacles for both us, and the buying couple too, were overcome in a professional manner. Nothing was left to chance and we have a successful sale to show for it.
Observing how the residential sales market has changed; with large Internet players to the fore in the process, we can appreciate how Simon has cleverly positioned his business to provide the necessary and personal link between “screen dreams” and the reality of closing a real deal with a qualified buyer.
He is an impressive player in this new space and we know has the respect of local agents and lawyers. He is a master of process but also a personal guide with whom one can share one’s more irrational moments – common in any house sale – comfortable in the knowledge that they will remain confidential and that he will politely guide you back to the ultimate goal. Which is a clean sale at the right price.
If agents are to have a flourishing role in the digital age – Simon points the way. And…in our case at least, he did not mention reducing the sale price!
We are more than happy to recommend him and MCS”
Jane and Paul Ratcliff
Welford On Avon, Warwickshire
“We would like to say thank you for all the care and attention you have given us during the rental of our house in Reading and now the sale. We would recommend your services wholeheartedly and should you need a referral, we would be happy to do so”
Mr and Mrs Giddings,
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
“Would just like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you, for orchestrating the successful sale of my house, it would have been probably 12 months or more if I had left it to an Estate Agent knowing their complacency. It has been a stressful couple of months but with your support I got through, I would have no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone, you are very genuine and honest, and it has been a pleasure knowing you”.
Leslie Ashcroft,
Liverpool, Merseyside
Lettings
“Simon and MCS managed my first foray into property letting, having come highly recommended. His experience is clearly evident, with quality advice from the outset, and sound counsel for someone who was new to the letting business. I particularly appreciated Simon’s clear guidance on the legal and contractual issues, and his very straightforward manner in working together.
He combines solid business acumen with a very pragmatic approach to getting the job done, and was an excellent troubleshooter when required. He takes a complete view of the property under management, and looks after it like it was his own. Calm and professional at all times, Simon is a pleasure to work with, and you can fully trust that he will deliver against all expectations and commitments.”
Gareth Scragg,
Frimley, Surrey
“MCS has managed the rental of our property in Berkshire for the last 3 years and, more recently, sold the property for us. I have been incredibly impressed at the professionalism shown during every engagement with MCS. In particular, Simon Shiers has always worked very hard on our behalf, demonstrating an amazing attention to detail, flexibility when required, with very clear communication throughout and earning total trust and respect from us. I cannot recommend MCS highly enough for anyone wishing to have their property managed by a third party – with minimum stress and maximum value!”
Oliver Carter,
Hove, East Sussex
“We first let our house through Simon Shiers (MCS) and Hamptons two years ago. It helped that Simon knew – and loved – our house and his enthusiasm communicated itself to potential tenants or buyers, including the second family who instantly agreed with him. He has been efficiency personified, always available to answer queries however banal. When we had a major pipe burst, he handled all of the negotiations with contractors and insurers, who were happy to pay him for his excellent service.
Big companies may have expertise and contacts, but it is the personal service that Simon offers which private landlords such as we truly value.”
Robert and Barbara Woodthorpe Browne
London, SW5
“Simon Shiers from MCS has been managing our property in Teddington for 2 years with terrific professionalism. Our previous experience with a management company was poor and we moved to MCS hoping they would rebuild our trust in this sector. We are absolutely delighted with the service we receive, as are our tenants. We do not have the time to manage the property ourselves and with Simon on board, we know we are in very safe hands. He is calm, courteous, professional, and methodical and has a good sense of humour. He is excellent with our tenants and responds to any problems or requests in a very timely manner; he is simply brilliant. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him & MCS.”
Linda Taylor,
Weybridge, Surrey
“Being an owner of several global properties, I understand the headaches involved in having more than just our home; having MCS on top of any and all issues that do arise is virtually priceless. It’s like having a family member with the know-how managing my properties.”
Lori Espe,
Boston MA, USA
“MCS investment Property and Mr. Simon Shiers are managing my property for rental purposes in Liverpool for the last 6 years. The property includes four apartments and a commercial unit.
As an overseas landlord, I am very pleased with the professional work by MCS. Mr. Shiers, as their representative is always on top of things, dealing with emergency situations as well ongoing treatment and maintenance with personal care and in the most cost efficient way.
Mr. Shiers is always thinking ahead to prevent problems and trying to maximize the income from the property, along side his good relationship with the tenants.”
Lior Kaufman
Director, MOR LEE Business Development Ltd
Tel Aviv, Israel
“Three years ago I was looking for someone to set up and run a property for investment. I already knew of MCS and asked them to help. They found us a smart detached house within our budget and brought in excellent tenants who who have been there ever since. All contracts, rent payments and maintenance are taken care of very efficiently and I never even have to think about it at all which suits me fine. I am confident this house is now in very capable hands.”
Bryan Hay
Ullington, Worcestershire
“I am happy to recommend your service as what you offer is a simple and stress free way of both buying, refurbishing and then successfully letting property.”
Charles Hamer
Director, CMH Engineering Ltd
Maidstone, Kent
Sourcing
“We engaged Simon to help us with the buying process when searching for a large exclusive property in the Stratford Upon Avon area. His inside knowledge of local properties and his contacts with estate agents, planning consultants, and others gave us a huge advantage in narrowing down the search. After finding the ‘dream’ property we found we were up against at least two other credible prospective buyers who were very keen to agree a deal. I believe that having Simon represent us allowed us to come out ahead of the others, and ultimately we were able to buy the property at a price that suited us and within the timeframe that we wanted.
He stayed with us throughout the process, helping to plan and organise several complicated aspects of the purchase, including specialist insurance, stamp duty land tax assessment, and understanding the various forestry commission contracts that were a feature of this property.”
Mino Vernaschi
Founder, Orangebox
Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
“From my very first communication with Simon by email from South Africa, he has gone above and beyond all our expectations. We had many questions about the property we have now bought and Simon always responded promptly and accurately and he especially went to take more photos of the areas in question. He even gave us an honest review of the town in question and the surrounding area. Finally we visited and were shown around by Simon – the house and garden had been accurately represented so there were no big surprises nor was there a feeling of why did we bother. The deal went through so smoothly for us and for the seller due to Simon’s efforts, communication and suggestions put forward. Simon and the solicitor he recommended were excellent in keeping us in the loop at all stages. His help and willingness continues as we approach our occupation date. We feel so lucky to have found someone so professional to help us through the whole process and could not have achieved this from a distance without Simon’s amazing professionalism, friendliness and efficiency”.
Helen and Gerry van den Houten
Zimbali Coastal Estate, South Africa
“We have recently relocated from China to the Stratford upon Avon area. Simon Shiers of MCS supported us and managed our UK house purchase superbly. He was our project manager straight from us viewing the house in the summer time until completion of the purchase in the following December. For the whole duration, we were living in China and we only returned to the UK after the completion date. It was a challenging task, especially with a 7 hour time difference between the UK and China, yet everything was handled brilliantly and communication was very easy. Simon’s services included negotiation of the purchase price and liaising with solicitors, estate agent, vendor, mortgage provider, surveyor, local farmers etc.
We met Simon only prior to us viewing our house, yet we quickly gained confidence in him. In summary, we wouldn’t be living in our new home without him. Thank you”
Matthias Meyer
Director, Heller Machine Tools Ltd
Stratford Upon Avon
“Our estate agent (Savills) introduced us to Simon Shiers at MCS who was representing a prospective buyer for our property. We were initially sceptical about the involvement of a buying agent and how this might be of any benefit to us as sellers, however having now completed the sale to the MCS client we can testify to the added value that this approach brings to all parties. The whole process was made so much more secure and efficient by their advance vetting of the client, the communication with us and Savills, and Simons in depth knowledge of the buying process. His personal awareness of the need for sensitivity and privacy in relation to sophisticated, high value transactions such as this was also very reassuring”
Phillip and Maryja Bell
London
“We got to know Simon at MCS from a tenancy arrangement some years ago during which we already experienced his professional and first class services.
As we decided to buy property in Surbiton area in 2015 we selected Simon (MCS Property Sourcing service) as our agent on the ground as we were then living already abroad. Being probably not the easiest of buyers we highly appreciated Simon’s patience, unrestricted consideration and reflection of our buying criteria and his excellent market knowledge and far reaching professional advice. In our case Simon provided us with his support, knowledge and expertise in all matters related to the property purchase and referred us to experts in the industry (i.e for legal matters,..). As we finally identified our ideal property we had to react very fast, which only was possible through Simon’s uncomplicated and direct support. Reflecting on this purchase we conclude that the selection of Simon being our agent was the best choice we could have made and that we would have failed with our property purchase without having him on our side.
We highly recommend Simon and MCS Property Sourcing service for any property related services like property finding, tenancy search and contracting as well as ongoing property maintenance management service”
Georg Schafrath
Vice President, Sony DADC International
Grossgmain, Austria
Professional
“My name is Ben Foster and I am Residential Conveyancing Manager at Goodman Grant Solicitors in Liverpool. Over the course of my ten plus years working at Goodman Grant I have had the pleasure of working with Simon Shiers both as a client and professionally since he started MCS. As a client Simon is all that a professional conveyancer could ask for doing all that is required in a timely manner. Since Simon started MCS we have been able to utilise Simon’s expertise in the area of property management services including his knowledge of contractors for works required. When MCS has been involved in a conveyancing transaction Simon has provided nothing but great assistance doing whatever is required to make matters move forward smoothly. Even going so far, on a recent transaction, as meeting with outside parties to ensure documentation required was obtained in a timely manner (which almost certainly saved several weeks of waiting for the selling solicitors to obtain said documentation). Simon’s actions ensured that the transaction was able to exchange and complete in the time schedule that our mutual client desired. I can personally attest to Simon’s broad knowledge with regards to conveyancing matters, property management services, and general contractor matters not to mention his wide range of contacts across the country in the conveyancing field including selling agents. I recommend Simon’s services in property management to any of my other clients who make such an enquiry without hesitation and will continue to do so”.
Ben Foster
Residential Conveyancing Manager
Goodman Grant Solicitors
Liverpool
“We were approached by MCS Investment Property to provide a fire detection and alarm system solution for a small block of mixed use residential and commercial units on behalf of one of their clients in 2013. It was refreshing to deal with a managing agent operating with such a level of professionalism. Simon’s proactive approach to fire regulations and collaborative approach enabled us to provide a compliant product to suit the Regulatory Reform Order (2005) and BS 5839 parts 1 and 6. We now enjoy working with MCS Investment Property for the routine maintenance and 24-7 engineer support for the property and look forward to working with them again in the future “
John Trickett,
Director, Firesec (UK)