Aurorablast

O yes Sue & colville09, I was hoping it was Merlina the Tower's missing raven and did mention it to Chris Scaife - but The Ravenmaster (goodness I long for a title like that) seems certain she's crossed the rainbow bridge. I'd love to get a photo.

Absolutely possible - we've enough woodland locally to support Nuthatches; I've definitely seen Tree Creepers in the local woods we really do have astonishing biodiversity for so close to the centre London.

Wells Park - just over the hill from Dulwich Woods has some amazing wildlife. Saw a Merlin take a pidgeon last spring and last week a goldcrest nibbling someone's Camelia's on the edge of the park. I know many of the EDF people walk/run in that park and if you're up there of all things a solitary Raven (!) has been there for the past three weeks or so. If anyone gets pictures of that - gold star that snapper. We've an amazing area for Wildlife. PS The Sydenham Panther did exist - my husband saw it in Dulwich Woods walking very early one morning with our two huge Dobermann... who whined and tried to hide behind my husband's legs!

Mum died last year and we've just managed to sell her bungalow. Every month since December I've done the 400 mile round trip because the purchaser said they were going to complete.. cut to last week when we finally DID Exchange and beggar me! Went in to check all was in order to Complete and... we've had a slow leak from the boiler which has wrecked the boiler, brought the lounge ceiling down etc. etc. The Purchaser is supposed to move in on Wednesday but we've just discovered the 1950's hidden floor tiles and ceiling contains white asbestos.... My insurance will (hopefully) make good on the remedial work (save high value items and now boiler ofc!) But... it wouldn't be safe for the new couple to move in as yet. As goodwill I'll pay for new boiler and make sure remedial work with all relevant certificates done for new owners but... does anyone know who is liable for sorting out alternative accommodation for the buyers until property is fixed? My personal cost to fix this is already at 3K and I really can't afford to put them up and pay for their move. Any insight or experience greatly appreciated :D I went for the conveyancing house route given it should have been the simplest sale and they really don't know now what do do .... anyone has a similar experience?

We found the same as Sue. James (I think it was) didn't inspire confidence, was quite chippy and patronising, which wouldn't play well with potential buyers. Like Sue I'm amazed they're still going. Not had a good experience with any of the local agencies so can't offer a recommendation. If you do find one - please let us know!

Thank you for taking the time to respond OliverAshwo - so kind of you. Oh dear from last two posts I hope so too!

Similar experience - very little (certainly family homes)coming to market so agents having to charge competitively most now offering 1 per cent but couple still sticking out for 1.25 or 1.5. It annoys me there are still agents out there adding VAT on top. Commission should (since 2016) be quoted with VAT inclusive. Now just to find a good one!

Thank you tomld - good to know. Back to the drawing board....

Thank you Rosetta kind of you to take the time to reply. It's a bit of a worry that there's not much in the way of positive affirmation on the net. There claim is that they're no.1 for positive feedback in the capital... hmmm Must say I struggle with the name 'No Flies' and I've seen the glowing reviews. Hotblack Desiato's about as quirky as I'm comfortable with lol. Cheers

Have any of the esteemed EDF members had dealings ((positive or negative) with Ludlow Thompson? As very few agents have any housing stock at the moment it's very hard to judge who's selling/ performing well in a tough market. Thanks!

Thank you DoubleDeckerfun - kind of you to reply. Hehe love the moniker!

Thank you NewWave & Steve1975 for your kind recommendations :) Cheers!

We're looking to sell our old family home on Sydenham Hill and wonder if anyone on the EDF have a recommendation for a decent Dulwich estate agent. We've had a shocking trawl thus far, so would be very grateful for anyone's good experience.

Thank you :)

Hi there - any good recommedations for a house sitter/pet sitter? We're looking for someone 13-23rd December - to stay in the house, pamper the pets, and generally make sure all is safe and well cared for 'til our return. Many thanks.