Matthew Cohen Managing Director
Q. Are you a local?
A. Yep, I’ve lived in Worthing my entire life! I know it like the back of my hand.
Q. What was your first job?
A. I’ve worked in Estate Agency since I left college at 17 years old. I always had an interest in property from a young age. I’m not sure where it came from, maybe TV shows like Property Ladder or Changing Rooms.
Q. How hard was it to start a company from scratch?
A. It's difficult to compete with established agencies, the really large corporate national firms have a big advantage in terms of the number of properties for sale. We've simply done incredibly well by doing everything that little bit better!
We've always valued properties in an accurate, methodical and data driven way. Add to that our excellent knowledge of the local area and of individual buyers. We’re also very hands on and provide a genuine personal touch, as well as being very well qualified which is always overlooked in the industry.
Q. Is it hard to run a team, are you a good delegator?
A. Yes, someone else is answering these questions for me! We have all the right people in the right place, allowing them to use their skills and do what they’re best at. We have experts in their respective roles. Some agents end up as ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’, which is the opposite of what we create here.
Q. What is your single most important tip or advice for sellers?
A. Price it right. Ask every agent who values your home how they have arrived at their figure and what evidence, trends and market knowledge they have to prove it’s achievable. Also, don’t sign up to long sole-agency periods. If an agent is as good as they say they are then why do they need a guaranteed five months to prove it?
Q. What is your single most important tip or advice for buyers?
A. Don’t waste your time looking at homes in the wrong area. You can’t move a house, so figure out where you want to live first. Then if you can, buy the worse house in the best road.
Q. What do you love about Worthing and the surrounding areas?
A. I think we’re incredibly lucky to live on the coast. I love spending time at the beach and Goring Gap during the summer and we also have the South Downs on our doorstep, which has beautiful walks.
Q. What's special about the local property market?
A. The wide variety of property styles, prices and architecture – There is something for everyone!
Q. Favourite local view?
A. Looking across the town towards the sea from either Cissbury Ring or Highdown.
Q. Favourite local building, attraction or personal hangout?
A. I think the Pier is great – I love the amusement arcade! Sea Lane Café is a lovely spot for something to eat and drink.
Q. What does your personal 'me time' look like?
A. Family first. Football (just about) second. I love running, playing padel, watching motorsport, particularly F1 and BTCC. I watch NFL, boxing, golf, rugby, snooker, darts – I am pretty much obsessed with sport!
Q. Dog, cat or other?
A. Dog, obviously.
Q. Top property tip?
A. This might sound like a strange thing for an estate agent to say, but don’t obsess over the value of your home. Unless you’re moving, the value of your home is irrelevant so don’t stress! I speak to lots of friends who hear about prices going up or down and panic unnecessarily.
Q. Guilty secret property programme?
A. I used to love Ground Force!
