News and Events at John Minnis, Estate Agent Northern Ireland

Posted on 22 March 2022
John Minnis Wins Gold & Silver Awards!

John Minnis Estate Agents has scooped two national awards at the highly coveted Guild Property Professionals Awards in London.
The multi-award winning, 18-year-old agency with over 30 members staff, picked up the Gold award for Sales in Northern Ireland category as well as Silver in Lettings.
Former Sky Sports News Anchor, Kirsty Gallacher, hosted the awards ceremony attended by 400 of the UK’s top estate and letting agents in the UK property industry in the QEII Centre in Westminster, London.
The Guild is a Trading Standards approved network of 800 of the best independent estate agents from across the UK and provides John Minnis Estate Agents an exclusive link to the English market. The Guild is a sign of professional excellence that agents can use to differentiate themselves from their competitors and assure clients that they will act with knowledge and integrity to achieve results.
Speaking at the awards John Minnis said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be recognised amongst our most esteemed industry peers from across the UK, including England, Scotland and Wales, and to come home with two awards is truly amazing and a credit to the whole team.
“The past two years has provided an extremely active market but the team has navigated this period extremely well and I would like to thank them for their hard work, loyalty and dedication. Without which awards like these would not be possible.”
Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, said: “It was great to be back together again and reflect on the past twelve months, looking at what has happened within the sector during 2021 and what we expect to happen moving forward into 2022.
“The Guild Awards are a way for us to acknowledge agents who have gone above and beyond for their clients and the industry in 2021. Congratulations to all agents and offices that received awards this year, and all the best for 2022.”
“Many have excelled and provided exceptional customer service while guiding buyers and sellers through their home moving journey.

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Posted on 31 January 2022
BYRON HALT, KINNEGAR, NEW DEVELOPMENT COMING SOON!
Development Information
LUXURY TURNKEY SPECIFICATION- COMING SOON
Byron Halt will boast a luxurious collection of 2 bedroom apartments in Holywood, just a minutes walk from the coast - with each apartment finished to the same high-quality standard throughout.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!
Contact the office on 028 9042 8888 or email property@johnminnis.co.uk
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Posted on 7 December 2021
ESTAS Award Winning Agency Network

Together we have won Best Agency Network 2021!
JMEA are proud members of the Guild Property Professionals who have been awarded Gold in this years ESTAS.
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Posted on 8 January 2021
John Minnis Estate Agents (COVID 19) Policy
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 came into operation at midnight on 7 January 2021, these regulations provide the legal authority for home moves and related activities such as valuations and viewings to continue during this period of lockdown.
AGENTS HIGH STREET OFFICES SHOULD REMAIN CLOSED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, additional restrictions have been introduced for people in Northern Ireland. These new restrictions are in place to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and to help manage the pressures on our health and social care system. As a consequence of the emerging risks associated with the spread of the Coronavirus / COVID 19 Virus we would like to reassure you of our procedures to mitigate any potential disruption or risk for you or members of our staff. As a health precaution, we would request that prior to any viewing / appointment you confirm whether anyone at the property has returned from any country within the last 14 days which has been highlighted by the Public Health Agency as being at risk of infection. If any members of your family / household are currently showing symptoms or undergoing self-isolation, please make us aware of this.

OFFICE SAFETY

Our offices doors are locked. If you have made an appointment you must wear a mask, obey marks on the floor to ensure you keep to the two-metre rule. Installation of screens are to allow for customer interaction while maintaining protection for all parties. An ample supply of hand-gel; antibacterial wipes and sprays; soap; tissues have been purchased and will be readily available for staff, visitors, and customers to use. The offices will have a strict cleaning routine throughout the day – to include: desks, chair arms, keyboards, mice, screens, staplers, pens, photocopier controls, drawer handles, phones, mobile phones, key cabinets, filing cabinets, door handles and card machines if you take card payments.

VALUATIONS

Where we do conduct a valuation, we will avoid any handshaking or physical contact, keep to the two-metre distance, wear a face mask and use hand sanitiser. Show all marketing via digital resources rather than leaving any ‘paper’ documents and follow up with an email, unless a brochure is requested. We will keep face to face contact to a minimum, decline any coffees/refreshments etc. We will explain to the customer the actions we are taking to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus. When we return to the office, we will wash our hands with soap and water before we do anything else. We will never attend a valuation appointment if feeling unwell. We also have the virtual valuation tool on our website which enables the valuation to be completed in accordance with the seller’s instructions, either virtually or face to face.

VIEWINGS

We will carry out the health-check on all viewers as previously stated. We will ask who will be attending the viewing and limit the number of people to no more than two at any one time. If the property is occupied, we will check on the health of the seller before arranging the
appointment. Where a physical viewing does takes place, we will avoid any handshaking or physical contact and remember to keep your two-metre distance, use hand sanitiser, use face masks and avoid any ‘paper’ documents (unless requested). We will have a supply of hand-gel in our car and ‘wipes’ – when returning to the car, wash our hands, wipe any equipment we have used on the visit and avoid touching our face during any appointment. If the property is vacant and we are using a key we will wipe the key when it is taken from the key cabinet, wipe it after the viewing and again before it is placed back in the key cabinet. We will never travel in the same car as anyone else and will always meet viewers at the property.

CHECK OUTS

Tenants are to return keys to their local office on the day the tenancy ends, these keys should be cleaned with antiseptic wipes and tagged. A member of staff will attend the property and complete the check-out inspection on their own – staff will use hand sanitiser and wear face
masks to the appointment. We will have a supply of hand-gel in our car and ‘wipes’ – when returning to the car, wash our hands, wipe any equipment we have used on the visit and avoid touching our face during any appointment. If the property is vacant and we are using a key we will wipe the key when it is taken from the key cabinet, wipe it after the viewing and again before it is placed back in the key cabinet.

INSPECTIONS

Physical inspections are still possible, however if the tenant is vunerable or isolating we will request an inspection with tenants through a video call or request tenants to send photos of each room of the property so we may report back to the landlord. We thank-you for your co-operation in this matter and can assure you that all steps are currently being implemented by our organisation to protect your safety and also that of our staff members.

If anyone has any specific concerns or queries, please feel free to contact the office 028 9042 8888. Read more
Posted on 27 May 2020
John Minnis Estate Agents Back to Work (COVID 19) Policy
As a consequence of the emerging risks associated with the spread of the Coronavirus / COVID 19 Virus we would like to reassure you of our procedures to mitigate any potential disruption or risk for you or members of our staff. As a health precaution, we would request that prior to any viewing / appointment you confirm whether anyone at the property has returned from any country within the last 14 days which has been highlighted by the Public Health Agency as being at risk of infection. If any members of your family / household are currently showing symptoms or undergoing self-isolation, please make us aware of this.

OFFICE SAFETY
- We will accommodate the two-metre social distancing rule inside the office. Including marks on the floor to allow any customers or visitors to keep to the two-metre rule; with a restricted number of customers in the office at one time depending on which office is in question.
- Installation of screens to allow for customer interaction while maintaining protection for all parties.
- Each office will undergo a deep clean before opening its doors to staff and customers.
- An ample supply of hand-gel; antibacterial wipes and sprays; soap; tissues have been purchased and will be readily available for staff, visitors, and customers to use.
- The offices will have a strict cleaning routine throughout the day – to include: desks, chair arms, keyboards, mice, screens, staplers, pens, photocopier controls, drawer handles, phones, mobile phones, key cabinets, filing cabinets, door handles and card machines if you take card payments.
- The office door will be locked to control the number of visitors and customers may have to wait until it is safe to enter.
VALUATIONS
- Where possible ask customers to use our virtual valuation tool on our website which enables the valuation to be completed in accordance with the seller’s instructions, either virtually or face to face.
- Where a face to face meeting is required we will assess any risk associated with the visit and bring all PPE needed.
- Where we do conduct a valuation, we will avoid any handshaking or physical contact, keep to the two-metre distance, wear protective gloves, and consider the use of face masks.
- Show all marketing via digital resources rather than leaving any ‘paper’ documents and follow up with an email, unless a brochure is requested.
- We will keep face to face contact to a minimum, decline any coffees/refreshments etc.
- We will explain to the customer the actions we are taking to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus.
- When we return to the car; dispose of your gloves; use hand-gel to give your hands a good wash and wipe any equipment you have used during the visit.
- When we return to the office, we will wash our hands with soap and water before we do anything else.
- We will never attend a valuation appointment if feeling unwell.
VIEWINGS
- Customers should be encouraged to make full use of virtual viewing tools when available and only arrange a full viewing where the buyer is interested in the property.
- We will carry out the health-check on all viewers as previously stated.
- We will ask who will be attending the viewing and limit the number of people to no more than two at any one time.
- If the property is occupied, we will check on the health of the seller before arranging the appointment.
- Where a physical viewing does takes place, we will avoid any handshaking or physical contact and remember to keep your two-metre distance, wear protective gloves, use face masks and avoid any ‘paper’ documents (unless requested).
- We will have a supply of hand-gel in our car and ‘wipes’ – when returning to the car, wash our hands, wipe any equipment we have used on the visit and avoid touching our face during any appointment.
- If the property is vacant and we are using a key we will wipe the key when it is taken from the key cabinet, wipe it after the viewing and again before it is placed back in the key cabinet.
- We will never travel in the same car as anyone else and will always meet viewers at the property.
CHECK OUTS
- We will not meet tenants at properties to complete check outs so that effective social distancing can be maintained.
- Tenants are to return keys to their local office on the day the tenancy ends, these keys should be cleaned with antiseptic wipes and tagged.
- A member of staff will attend the property and complete the check-out inspection on their own – staff should wear gloves and face masks to the appointment.
- We will have a supply of hand-gel in our car and ‘wipes’ – when returning to the car, wash our hands, wipe any equipment we have used on the visit and avoid touching our face during any appointment.
- If the property is vacant and we are using a key we will wipe the key when it is taken from the key cabinet, wipe it after the viewing and again before it is placed back in the key cabinet.
- Once the check out has been completed we will call the tenant to advise what was found at the inspection, this is to be followed up by an email and photos.
INSPECTIONS
- Physical inspections will not be possible for the time being, as such we will request an inspection with tenants through Zoom or request tenants to send photos of each room of the property so we may report back to the landlord.
Should the government increase control and that impacts on our ability to perform for a period, our staff will be able to work from home with access to our complete and secure cloud-based systems and digital phone systems. This will enable continuation of contact and the ability to progress and negotiate sales to the best of our ability. All viewing requests that wish to arrange a physical visit will be facilitated in agreement with the vendors.
We thank-you for your co-operation in this matter and can assure you that all steps are currently being implemented by our organisation to protect your safety and also that of our staff members.

If anyone has any specific concerns or queries, please feel free to contact the office 028 9042 8888.
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Posted on 22 May 2020
JMEA LAUNCH VIRTUAL VALUATION TOOL

Thanks to our fully virtual valuation service, we can deliver a professional valuation whenever suits you. There is no need to leave the comfort of your own home, and we can discuss your property in detail over a video call that we can set up for you.

Click on the link 'Book a Free Virtual Valuation' at the bottom left of our website or 'Book Valuation' at the top of the page to complete a property questionnaire and upload some photos and videos of your home. Then, book a time for a virtual meeting which suits you.
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Posted on 6 February 2019
Guild status for John Minnis Estate Agents
Leading estate agent John Minnis is proud to announce that it has been awarded exclusive Membership of The Guild of Property Professionals for East Belfast, Comber, Holywood and Donaghadee.
The Guild is a nationwide network of approaching 800 leading estate agents, all dedicated to maintaining the very highest standards of professionalism and customer service. Guild Membership is traditionally only granted to one agent in a given area.
This appointment means that John Minnis has been judged to have met or exceeded The Guild’s exacting Membership criteria, and in recognition of this achievement has been selected as its sole representatives in East Belfast, Comber, Holywood and Donaghadee.
As part of The Guild Membership, John Minnis has access to innovative marketing to promote their sellers’ properties to the highest standard. They also have access to the widest possible pool of buyers – not just in East Belfast, Comber, Holywood and Donaghadee but across the whole of the UK including the lucrative London market, where its properties are marketed through The Guild’s head office in Park Lane.
“Being chosen to represent The Guild in East Belfast, Comber, Holywood and Donaghadee is a great honour,” says John Minnis. “The awarding of this membership is a tribute to all the hard work we have invested into building our reputation for exceptional service, and underlines our position as the leading estate agent in the area.”
Speaking on behalf of The Guild, CEO Iain McKenzie says: “We are delighted to welcome John Minnis into The Guild as our new representatives in Belfast, Comber, Holywood and Donaghadee. Their expertise and outstanding service means that they will be a valued asset to our national network.”
With all these advantages, John Minnis is keen to develop the services it offers its clients. “Estate agency is all about people,” says John Minnis, “which is why we remain committed to the principles of good old-fashioned, honest, personal service and this has always been our trademark.”
Expert market knowledge and the traditional customer service you expect from a leading local estate agent, combined with unrivalled nationwide marketing power, means that John Minnis and The Guild make a powerful and successful combination. Read more
Posted on 20 January 2019
Interior Inspiration from My Dark Home

Greeted at the door by Eniko and her two Labradors Penny and Archie we were made to feel very welcome. “We bought our house four years ago – it was built by the Andrews family, known for designing Titanic.” explains Eniko
“The selling point of the house was the location,” she says. “It’s a ten-minute walk from a small town, yet still in the countryside and secluded. Houses in the area very rarely come on the market, so we got lucky. The house came with a balcony and loads of original features, which is just amazing.”
“It’s safe to say I’m a bit of a maximalist,” Eniko declares, of her decorating style which embraces eclectic, Scandi, and boho elements. “I like a bit of everything and that’s why every room in the house has a different style,” she says.
Follow Eniko's journey on Instagram at @mydarkhome_

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Posted on 18 December 2018
WINNER- Residential Estate Agency of the Year!

Belfast Telegraph Property Award- Residential Estate Agency of the Year!
2018 has been quite the year and we are not slowing down!
We are finishing the year on a high by WINNING the Award for Residential Estate Agency of the Year (multi branch) at this years Belfast Telegraph Property Awards.
The successes of a superb year in the property industry were celebrated in November at the annual Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in Belfast's Crowne Plaza Hotel.
“This is a collective award and down to the endeavors on every individual in team JMEA.
We are thrilled to receive recognition for the past year with such a prestigious award.” John Minnis
As if this wasn’t enough coming highly commended in the Young Agent of the Year category is our Comber Branch Manager, Jordana Stoney!
At John Minnis Estate Agents we pride ourselves on our service and personal relationships with our clients and this award means the world to us and we can't thank you all enough for your business and support over the years.
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Posted on 12 December 2018
John Minnis Estate Agency ranked 3rd in uk at 2018 estate agent of the year awards!
The calibre of estate agencies within the category and the fact that we were placed ahead of some of the best known estate agencies in the UK makes this a significant achievement for us all at John Minnis.

And as if this wasn’t enough, John Minnis Estate Agency received 4 further awards;
- Best Local Estate Agency Group in Northern Ireland,
- Gold Award Northern Ireland Estate Agent of the Year, Silver & Bronze Awards
- Northern Ireland Letting Agent of the Year, Silver Award.
The awards, which are in their 15th year, are the culmination of the largest independent customer service feedback scheme for the residential property industry in the UK. This makes the ESTAs one of the most valued award ceremonies out there, because they are based on feedback by you, our valued customers.

Company Director, John Minnis, was in London to receive the awards;

“This really is a very special day for us all at John Minnis. Winning any award is gratifying but to be ranked third in the whole of the UK in the 'Local Estate Agency Group’ category is just astounding and I couldn’t be more proud of the team at John Minnis Estate Agency!

Everyone at John Minnis works incredibly hard to ensure the best customer experience for every person that avails of our services and without their dedication, success at awards such as the ESTAs would not be possible.

Thanks also to all our customers and indeed, everyone, who took the time to vote and provide such positive feedback”.
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