In the summer of 2012 we decided,now that we were both fully retired,to relocate to Spain sometime during 2013. We selected a New Property,during an Inspection visit in November,put in an offer,which was accepted, following a little bit of negotiating by the English speaking Estate Agent who was marketing the properties.A small development in the fishing village of Santiago de la Ribera on the Costa Blanca, was the location for the build,and it would be completed in October 2013,by a local builder,who has been building houses since 1973. At this time we were in no hurry to move over due to the timescale,but sought the advice of Country Properties in Stevenage as to when we ought to go to the market. Initially we thought Spring 2013 would be a good time. Country Properties senior Sales Negotiator Dan Bull came to value the property and was very professional in his advice,and did agree with our thoughts on the timescale for our move. It was early December,and obviously with potential purchasers thinking only of Christmas, the market was a bit flat to say the least. Dan gave us his valuation,and would welcome the opportunity to Market the property early in 2013. We thought about the situation for a few days,and came to the decision,WHY WAIT! We visited Dan again,and informed him of a potential change of plan. Why not test the market now,a week before Christmas? We probably would not sell it,but would hopefully get viewings in the new year. Within 24 hours Dan had taken outside an interior shots,printed a detailed description of our property and it was Emailed out to potential buyers,it was even featured as Property of The Week in the office window.We were delighted with his dedication. We did stress to Dan at this stage that any potential purchasers must be told of our circumstances,in that as we would be driving to Spain,there was no way we would be prepared to travel during the French winter,and that after Easter would be the earliest time we would move. Dan followed our instructions to the letter!view viewing! Within 10 days we had our first viewing! A local couple,with two children,who had been looking for a larger house for 2 years,and this was their first viewing on any property in that time! They loved the house,and were very complementary. They went away to think about it,and we thought that's it, too close to Christmas! The next day,Dan received an offer from this family,that we accepted! They were even prepared to wait until April to complete the purchase! Dan also obtained their Solicitors details as well! A further appointment was fixed for the 22nd December for them to take measurements for curtains ,which proved difficult as the Christmas decorations were up! We had to find a rental property close to our new house,to oversee the construction,and make changes where necessary. We got lucky,and found a three bedroom rental, with pool The sale progressed well,and on April 8th we started our 1500 mile drive to Spain,that took 3 Days,our 4x4 was packed with all but the Kitchen sink,and complete with our two dogs. Moving is an emotional experience,especially as we are not young anymore,but I have to say we enjoyed it every step of the way,even the drive! Country Properties,and in particular DAN BULL were very professional in every way. Keeping us informed every day on all developments,even when there was none! We missed Dan's daily call when it was his day off! When we dropped the keys off on the 8th April,the staff at Country Properties had signed a Bon Voyage card. Little things like that sent us off with a smile on our faces! So here we are in Spain and its October 2013,and 80 degrees,sorry about than Dan,but had to get it in! Our new house was even ready 4 weeks early When we come back to the U.K to visit family and friends next year,Country Properties will be on the list of our visits.We cannot praise Dan and his staff enough for the dedication they showed to us and,made the move so much easier for us. DAVID AND JUDITH BRIDGES 23/10/2013.