Update...Dexters, actually seem to listen to what you say - both Rebecca and I are struggling to get to grips with it really - but its a great feeling. I outlined what I wanted and they offered me something which matched what I described by actually listening to me. Big thumbs up for Dexters so far. Also, have to say, dealing generally with estate agents in Richmond, well lets just say they are somewhat aloof - they seem to think because they are renting out expensive places that somehow makes them very important people and above most customers - whereas dealing with Twickenham branches, a very different attitude - a better one
...that said still have nothing after being gazumped a number of times again (and this is letting!) - bizarrely the estate agents keep also cancelling viewings because 'the tenant doesnt want people around this week' - stop me if I am wrong, but tenants are just that, tenants, its not their property and once they have 24 hours notice (and in the case of the one today a weeks notice of viewing) they are not legally in any position to cancel a viewing - wish estate agents were a bit more on the ball all round really.
I have to say, certainly one area that really needs a good shake up is property, far too hit and miss with who you deal with and how they behave - a lot of the time unprofessionally, its a sad state of affairs that when you find a good one that you are literally jumping up and down for joy like its christmas.
The search goes on...