81% sales valuation accuracy
86% sales fee satisfaction
67% lettings valuation accuracy
89% lettings fee satisfaction
Feb 02,2015
Feb 02,2015
5
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Truly terrible customer service.
I was lied to from start to finish, I placed an offer the 15 Novemeber and was told by Francesca that I should be in before Christmas as the property was empty. I was also advised to use their solicitor as it would be quicker as they 'have a working relationship'
I heard nothing else from all parties until mid December (in the meantime I'd done all I was supposed to in terms of mortgages and paperwork), whereupon the solicitor informed me that the seller was buying another property. I queried this with Hayley at Cowell and Norford and was told that this sale was not tied to mine and that mine should proceed as had been stated before.
Nothing else heard until I contacted them 9 January (2 weeks after they proposed sale by date) I contacted both Cowell and Norford and their solicitor and was told that the seller was waiting for his sale to complete before completing my sale 'sometime in March probably'. They were aware from the off that I had to be in by early January at the latest, and had essentially lied to make this sale. I was forced to contact the seller direct to clarify what was going on and my sale completing before his had never even been discussed with him by Cowell and Norford. Essentially the seller and I had to come to an agreement away from Cowell and Norford to complete the sale on 30 January, weeks later than first stated, causing inconvenience to both myself for all the hassle and the seller who was essentially made homeless and is now living with friends whilst his sale completes.
To add insult to injury Cowell and Norford's recommended solicitor has billed me extra for informing them the timescale that Francesca had agreed, and Hayely hadn't passed onto them as she had informed me.
To top it all off, on my 'handover day' I was dealt with rudely by staff in the Rochdale branch when collecting my keys. They handed me my keys without any proof of ID, I could have been anyone, and they did my handover whilst the seller was still in the process of moving out, so he still had keys to the property and his possessions were still inside.
As a first time buyer, at no point was the process for purchasing the property explained, and I was constantly chasing Hayley to find out what was to happen next, I very rarely got a response.
I made a complaint regarding this sale to their sales manager and have yet to even hear a response, let alone a resolution...needless to say, I would recommend avoiding using Cowell and Norford at all costs.
I was lied to from start to finish, I placed an offer the 15 Novemeber and was told by Francesca that I should be in before Christmas as the property was empty. I was also advised to use their solicitor as it would be quicker as they 'have a working relationship'
I heard nothing else from all parties until mid December (in the meantime I'd done all I was supposed to in terms of mortgages and paperwork), whereupon the solicitor informed me that the seller was buying another property. I queried this with Hayley at Cowell and Norford and was told that this sale was not tied to mine and that mine should proceed as had been stated before.
Nothing else heard until I contacted them 9 January (2 weeks after they proposed sale by date) I contacted both Cowell and Norford and their solicitor and was told that the seller was waiting for his sale to complete before completing my sale 'sometime in March probably'. They were aware from the off that I had to be in by early January at the latest, and had essentially lied to make this sale. I was forced to contact the seller direct to clarify what was going on and my sale completing before his had never even been discussed with him by Cowell and Norford. Essentially the seller and I had to come to an agreement away from Cowell and Norford to complete the sale on 30 January, weeks later than first stated, causing inconvenience to both myself for all the hassle and the seller who was essentially made homeless and is now living with friends whilst his sale completes.
To add insult to injury Cowell and Norford's recommended solicitor has billed me extra for informing them the timescale that Francesca had agreed, and Hayely hadn't passed onto them as she had informed me.
To top it all off, on my 'handover day' I was dealt with rudely by staff in the Rochdale branch when collecting my keys. They handed me my keys without any proof of ID, I could have been anyone, and they did my handover whilst the seller was still in the process of moving out, so he still had keys to the property and his possessions were still inside.
As a first time buyer, at no point was the process for purchasing the property explained, and I was constantly chasing Hayley to find out what was to happen next, I very rarely got a response.
I made a complaint regarding this sale to their sales manager and have yet to even hear a response, let alone a resolution...needless to say, I would recommend avoiding using Cowell and Norford at all costs.
What agent could do to change your mind?
Answer my complaint. Acknowledge and respond to numerous queries that were made, and ignored throughout the sales process.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Latest Reviews
7th Aug 2024
reviewed by 'David Edmondson'
1st Feb 2024
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1st Feb 2024
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15th Sep 2023
reviewed by 'Ben'
8th Feb 2021
reviewed by 'UnhappyBuyer'
Opening Hours
Address
Cowell & Norford
106 Yorkshire Street
Rochdale
Lancashire
OL16 1JY
01706 860444
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 81% | 86% | £46,000 | £260,000 |
| Lettings | 67% | 89% | £375 | £1,100 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 3 | 49 | 5 | 35 | 4 | 28 | 2 | 13 | 11 |
Areas covered
- OL16
- norden
- OL15
- bamford
- OL10
- milnrow
- OL11
- newhey
- M25
- littleborough
- M26
- whitworth
- M45
- castleton
- BL0
- BL8
- BL9
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Aug 07,2024
Aug 07,2024
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I am a property professional and work with many agents. Christina and the team have gone above and beyond what I could have hoped for in terms of the levels of customer service and professionalism, it has been outstanding. They are a pleasure to work ...
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Jul 27,2024
Jul 27,2024
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I bought a house recently through Cowell and Norford, the transaction was dealt with by Christina Lancaster and Dominique. Excellent communication and highly professional throughout. Really impressive customer service, I would not hesitate to recommend their services, and would use them for any future property ...
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Feb 01,2024
Feb 01,2024
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Very friendly and Professional kept me up date with progress throughout...
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Feb 01,2024
Feb 01,2024
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Very friendly and professional service kept me outdated with progress all the way through...
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Sep 15,2023
Sep 15,2023
0
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I have recommended potential sellers to use C&N. All staff are eager and Christina is especially helpful; this was hugely appreciated when it’s something as nerve wracking as purchasing a house.
Thank you....
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Feb 08,2021
Feb 08,2021
1
people found
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Requested a viewing for a property, we were asked if we had an AIP, we did however they continued to push to make us to go with their brokers despite us repeatedly telling them we were happy with our rate. They then sent an unprofessional ...
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Feb 08,2021
Feb 08,2021
2
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this helpful
Requested a viewing for a property after emailing them, I was asked several personal questions one being if I had an AIP & how much deposit I was looking to put down, I answered everything, she then started suggesting and moreover pushing me to go with ...
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Aug 19,2020
Aug 19,2020
1
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this helpful
I had spoken to harry from the sales department and ben from the letting department they are a legend to speak to give some good advice on both propertys very reliable and trustworthy hope we have more agents like these 2 keep up the hard work.
...
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Jul 27,2020
Jul 27,2020
0
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I have recently sold a property through the Milnrow office of Cowell and Norford and have been totally impressed with the professional service provided by Hayley and Jonny. Nothing was too much trouble for them during this difficult Covid19 period. They provided an exemplary service ...
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Feb 20,2020
Feb 20,2020
2
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Do not rent property off these people because if you ever want to move they will tell the other estate agency that you do not pay your rent on time , even though you do . They make you out to be a bad tenant.This is ...
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Feb 17,2020
Feb 17,2020
0
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Fab excellent service, Natalie has been so helpful throughout couldn't ask for more really. Would definitely recommend to friends and family....
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Feb 12,2020
Feb 12,2020
2
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this helpful
Absolutely awful and unprofessional. We had an arranged time for a 5:30 valuation. No-one turned up despite confirming at 5pm with them. 6:30pm and noone is here, and no call or email to cancel. Beyond disgusting.
If I can't trust you with a valuation, there's no ...
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Jan 29,2020
Jan 29,2020
0
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Cowell & Norford was a recoomendation to us when selling our house and was very impressed with the prompt responses and such a speedy sale!
A well communicated team with a very professional approach.
May I also add how happy we are with the financial advice ...
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Jan 22,2020
Jan 22,2020
0
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I would like to say thankyou to Cowell and norford especially to jenny who was very helpful in completing the process to apply for rental. Very professional and friendly....
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Oct 15,2019
Oct 15,2019
0
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I need a new carpet would prefare a wooden floor with avin 2 children age 6 and 8 we av bikes n stuff it be better wit a wooden floor as we av no storage wot so ever n would be easier to keep clean...
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Sep 16,2019
Sep 16,2019
0
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Need to speak to somebody regarding maintenance.
I have been told to request deb.
It is regarding a leaking bath and damp / mould in one of the bedrooms....
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Aug 14,2019
Aug 14,2019
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A professional service with good communication throughout the process. Hiccups resolved in an appropriate manner. There has always been a friendly and helpful team member on the other side of the phone. We are happy with the sale of the property and the efforts made ...
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May 30,2019
May 30,2019
0
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Danielle was friendly, approachable and very responsive and proactive throughout my house purchase.
I would recommend Danielle and the rest of the team to anyone buying or selling.
Made buying my house really easy....
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Mar 04,2019
Mar 04,2019
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We have dealt with Ben several times and have always found him to be very helpful. His honest advice has been very beneficial in both the purchase and rental of our properties....
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Feb 21,2019
Feb 21,2019
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Had a great experience with an agent called Sam today. He was charming and informative, ensuring the information was delivered quickly yet still provided comprehensive detail....
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Jan 31,2019
Jan 31,2019
0
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We placed our property with Cowell & Norfold after John Lally kept in touch by phone, offering a professional service.
The company visited our house, placed it on their site and we obtained a firm offer within the first week.
We can strongly recommend both John ...
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Jan 07,2019
Jan 07,2019
0
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Made the whole process start to finish very easy by keeping me well informed and was very polite and friendly throughout...
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Comment on agent fees
Fair fees
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Nov 07,2018
Nov 07,2018
0
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A big thank you to Danielle at Yorkshire Street branch Rochdale, for all her help, advice and excellent service.
She kept us up to date with, and did all she could'nt to help us.
replied promptly to all calls and emails,
would highly recommend Danielle ...
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Comment on agent fees
A liitle pricey, but ! had great service, with a local but well established company, with very experienced staff
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Sep 30,2018
Sep 30,2018
0
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I have dealt with the guys at Cowell-Norford and they have gone above and beyond to help me find my ideal first home. I am yet to purchase one, however the process of finding information has felt effortless and simple! I would 100% recommend Cowell Norford ...
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Ok
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Sep 23,2018
Sep 23,2018
3
people found
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I was in my notice period whem i finally sold my property. I got told by 2 people that had rang the office for information about my property and both said the same that they sound like they dont want to be there and just generally ...
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Comment on agent fees
Rediculously high (BAD)
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Sep 19,2018
Sep 19,2018
3
people found
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AVOID! They take two deposits for one house and keep both potential tenants waiting ! Yet the policy states the property is 'taken off the market, whilst credits checks are run' !...
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Comment on agent fees
BAD
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Aug 06,2018
Aug 06,2018
5
people found
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*I was lied to from day one. Viewed a property to rent and received a phone call the following day saying if I paid the application fees straight away the house would be taken off the market for me. This was a lie, it wasn't ...
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Sep 17, 2018
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Thank you for that, I wasn't aware. I have since got a property through a different estate agent who were brilliant and didn't ask for a penny until the credit checks had been completed. ...
Mar 21,2018
Mar 21,2018
6
people found
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Cowell Norford promote a very good service and assure protection for Landlords. HOWEVER they fail to provide the service offered and do not protect the landlord. They charge ridiculous fees, and employ contractors who charge rip-off prices for any repairs. Too any staff constantly passing ...
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Comment on agent fees
Extortionate fees and hidden charges.
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Feb 06,2018
Feb 06,2018
0
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Very professional and helpful when viewing properties. Also advised on local amenities as new to area. Made our application quick and stress free. Thanks very much for all your help....
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Comment on agent fees
Very good
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Nov 17,2017
Nov 17,2017
0
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Excellent service, very friendly staff, I would recommend using Cowell and Norford for selling your house or as a management service for letting...
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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No fees information available
Kindly note that legally, letting agents need to publish information about their tenancy fees, government-approved redress schemes and client money protection schemes on their website and on third party websites (on which agents are listed). For properties to lease/rent in England, agents need to keep this information up to date and precise on allAgents or specify within the property description.
Complaints Procedure
In the first instance please put your complaint in writing to our Sales Manager, Christina Lancaster. We are also a member of the Property Ombudsman Scheme
Last updated at 2:30 PM 30/10/2017 by allAgents
Best Estate Agent in Rochdale 
