You won’t find them on the High Street but they are very much out there…
But don’t worry, there’s nothing strange going on, just something new, distinctive and exciting. We’re talking about Sceon+Berne, a fledgling local independent property agency with some big differences.
For a start they don’t have retail premises and they don’t use conventional site boards (they are, they believe, the first agent in the country to use boards made from recycled household plastic). What they do have though is a unique community-centric approach and the drive and enthusiasm to offer you the best possible service and experience when it comes to buying or selling your home.
Co-founder, David McKenna, says, “I’ve worked in the estate agency business locally for over 17 years, so I’ve had plenty of time to work out what’s great and what’s not-so-great in the buying and selling process and figure out how to improve upon it. We believe we can do that without taking up valuable high street retail space, which is why we have opted for serviced offices with a nice café in Mortlake. They’re a great place to meet clients and reflect our friendly, relaxed approach.”
“Our vision is quite simply to offer anyone wishing to buy or sell in East Sheen, Mortlake or Barnes unparalleled customer service from start to finish. You are entering into an expensive, often stressful and emotional, process and you need someone by your side who really cares, is open, offers sound advice, a personal touch – and achieves the best possible results by knowing the area and the market inside out.”
In tandem with doing what estate agents do best, Sceon+Berne have also established a business model that enables them to contribute to their community and local economy through an interesting referral network and donation scheme.
David’s partner, Fiona Stone, adds, “We’re proud to call this lovely neighbourhood home. It’s where we live, work and socialise and giving something back to support the people and organisations that make it so great makes complete sense. We want the community to continue to thrive, so for each sale we donate £250 to a local school, nursery or charity of the seller’s choice.”
That’s not all. If you recommend someone to Sceon+Berne who then instructs them to sell their home they will thank you with a £100 voucher to spend locally.
“It’s a win-win,” says Fiona. “Many of our favourite businesses are already on board, including The Victoria, Sheen Living, Jane Cox Photography and Sheen Sports, to mention but a few.”
The name Sceon+Berne shows just how locally David and Fiona are thinking as – fun fact – Sceon and Berne are the earliest known names for Sheen and Barnes. Pertinently, Sceon derives from the Old English word for shelter and Berne once meant barn or storehouse. We know, however, that David and Fiona will be offering somewhat superior accommodation for sale!
If you’re wanting to sell your property and are looking for a different approach, David and Fiona would be happy to talk to you. They can be contacted via their website, on 020 3621 2000 or email david@sceonberne.com. We think you’ll like them.
Sceon+Berne, 2a Sheen Stables, Sheen Lane, SW14 8AE ~ 020 3621 2000
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Words ~ Jacquie Duncan Images ~ Sceon+Berne