Discovering Homes with Heart: A Conversation with Westward Property Search

At Westward Property Search, finding a home is about more than ticking boxes, it’s about uncovering a space that feels right for each client’s lifestyle. We recently sat down with founder Verity Barrett to hear about her journey into property search, why understanding her clients is central to every brief, and how she helps people see not just a house, but its potential.

Verity Barrett - Founder of Westward Property Search

From Passion to Profession

“I have always had a real passion for property and excellent customer service,” Verity explains. After leaving corporate agency work, she spent several years training estate agents but found herself missing the thrill of seeing properties and putting deals together. Her own three-year search for a family home became a turning point.

“It took us three years to find our current house and in hindsight I would have liked to work with a search agent. Having someone in my corner to search, deal with the agents and the negotiations for such an emotional purchase would have been great. It really got me thinking about my passion for property, great customer service and finding people a home that they are really excited about. Property search allows me to do all of this and so Westward Property Search was born.”

Understanding Lifestyle First

When asked about her approach, Verity is clear: “It is really important for me to understand what they are really looking for as a family, where they need to get to on a daily basis, what characteristics or features are important to them in a property, and what they absolutely won’t compromise on. If I’m not 100% clear on their requirements there will be a lot of time wasted for all parties.”

This focus on lifestyle ensures her clients aren’t just buying a house, they’re investing in a home that works for the way they want to live.

Unlocking Potential

A big part of Verity’s role is helping clients see possibilities. “This is really important as often clients can’t always visualise that themselves, so it is great to be able to talk through possibilities with them and be able to put them in touch with great contacts who can offer architectural, or design support should they need it.”

She recalls a recent example: “One lovely old farmhouse where the couple are keen to have a more impressive entrance to their beautiful kitchen and dining area. They are now working with a great architectural team to make their dream home even more special.”

Some clients prefer a turnkey home, while others embrace a project. “For those that are keen to make changes, I enjoy talking through options of what might be possible but then pairing them with a great team who can really bring that to life is very exciting.”

Where Design Meets Search

Design often enters the process even before a purchase is made. “It can be a sensitive one especially if the vendor is still living in the property, but it is certainly something that can prove useful. I have even suggested it before viewings have taken place, in terms of staging the property and showing it in its best light. It can make a huge difference to the impression of a property on a viewing.”

For buyers, early design input helps with clarity: “When the vendor knows the property would benefit from certain alterations but hasn’t wanted to do them themselves, the buyer can then have a clearer view on how much something will cost to change and budget for that in advance.”

Building Trust and Collaboration

Trust underpins every client relationship. “I think mainly through my experience and my honesty. I like to get a good understanding of their needs and will always give honest feedback during our search together. It is important for me to have a good rapport with my clients and to be able to work as a team.”

When it comes to collaboration, service is key: “With any collaboration, I like the service level to be aligned. Any trusted connection should be able to deliver a great level of service, with good communication between all parties involved.”

Shifting Priorities in the Market

Verity has noticed how the definition of a dream home is changing. “The capability to work from home is much bigger than it once was. A home office, especially if it is separate from the house, is regularly a requirement now. Clients often like to have an annex for guests, especially if they are moving to the UK from overseas and have family members that will be coming to visit for a few weeks at a time.”

Family life and entertaining remain central: “A space where family and friends can cook, relax and eat is ever popular.”

Advice for Starting the Journey

Verity’s guidance for those at the very beginning of their search is simple: “Give as much detail as possible in terms of what you are looking for and what is important to you, really share your vision of what you want this home to be like but be open to suggestions.”

And what makes a property truly stand out? “The space or flow (or potential flow) and the characteristics or ‘bones’ of the house. If that feels good, then usually everything else can follow.”

To learn more about Westward Property Search and how Verity can guide you on your journey, visit westwardpropertysearch.com.