Best Estate Agent in the Canary Islands!

Tenerife is a small island, but it is good to hear that a company based here is able to compete on the world stage and receive international recognition. Tenerife Property Shop is unique, having won many awards for excellence over the years, and this year’s glamorous International Property Award ceremony, held in London, was no exception. With such a history of success, winning such industry praise year on year, you might think that they have become blasé about such accolades. You’d be wrong! We spoke to Directors, Bruce Grindley and Mary Spencer about their string of award successes.

This year the company was awarded a five star award in the Best Estate Agent category. This is the highest type of commendation possible, and being recognised by professionals from the property industry is no mean feat. The judges are picked from the most respected international bodies, and their scrutiny of the company is both exacting and demanding. Mary Spencer told us what the experience is like. "Do you remember when you sat important exams at school? Remember the hours of revision, swatting, the clammy hands and nervous tension as you entered the exam hall? Preparing for the International Property Awards is a very similar experience."

Bruce Grindley continued the story, "The fact is that we never stop our preparation. The judges are not just interested in a one off moment of brilliance. They seek proof that all our dealings, throughout the year and in every department are at the highest levels. In March, the examining process begins. We present documentary evidence from all areas of the company, we detail every staff member and their roles, we provide copies of client correspondence, copies of all literature that we produce… in fact we bare the inner workings of the company for inspection in every minute detail. Preparation is exhaustive (and exhausting) and takes our project team about a month to prepare."

Despite this rigorous process, the company approach these awards with enthusiasm. Understanding that in an industry where it is difficult for a potential buyer to tell the difference between one Estate Agent and another, there has to be some way to sort the wheat from the chaff.

"In over two decades of helping clients, we have unfortunately amassed a huge collection of horror stories that have shattered the dreams of the unwitting." Says Bruce. And he certainly has a point. With no meaningful guide (or even legislation) to protect the property buyer and seller, international recommendation from the property industry may be the only reliable guide. In this deregulated industry we, the public, receive a deluge of claims, testimonials and fancy advertising, but at the end of the day all we can really do is trust our own instincts.

"The only shame is that even today, some people will still be lured into unscrupulous hands, hoping to save a few Euros today, only to find that it cost them dearly later. Unfortunately there’s not much we can do about that." commiserated Bruce.

The International Property Awards have become a hugely important mark of credibility for Tenerife Property Shop, and for the many thousands of clients who have and will use their services. When Autumn comes every year, Bruce and Mary attend the ceremony with some trepidation.

"It’s just like the time when you saw the letter arrive on your doorstep, telling you if you had passed your exams: nervous anticipation." says Mary. "Every year the goalposts move and expectations of quality are higher than the last. Every year, the competition from other Estate Agents gets stiffer. Fortunately, we have a great team and an ethos of high standards and ethics."

The pair admit that they and every member of the team at Tenerife Property Shop are proud of their success in the International Property Awards, and with some insight into what goes into them, you will agree that they every right to be!

Tenerife Property Shop have also received Awards for Best Website and Best International Real Estate Marketing at this year’s International Property Award Ceremony.

Article reproduced with kind permission of 'Island Connections', the leading English language newspaper