Watersons Independent Estate Agents is set for growth by boosting its credentials as one of the area’s only advanced residential property specialists.

Thirty-one-year-old Danielle Burke, sales manager at Watersons in Hale, will become one of the only agents in the area to achieve the prestigious Diploma in Residential Estate Agency (DipREA) from The National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP). This follows an extensive three-year professional development programme.

The national programme aims to raise the standards within estate agency through an accredited, nationally recognised qualification. It provides a comprehensive knowledge on a range of agency related topics, including legal aspects of estate agency; estate agency practice and valuation; and domestic building design, construction and repair.

Peter Waterson, principal and founder of Watersons, commented: “Clinching the NFOPP accreditation will be a significant move for the company. Not only will it demonstrate our commitment to providing buyers and sellers with the most comprehensive property advice and support, but it will also enable us to expand our service considerably over the course of the coming months and years.”

Danielle, who has worked at the agency for five years, will also become the second property lister at the company. This enables her to value homes and place them on the market.

She said: “The Diploma is a highly regarded qualification that will provide me with extensive knowledge and understanding of a range of agency-related topics.

“As a holder of the Diploma in Residential Estate Agency, I will be eligible for the exclusive Fellow grade of The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). This not only demonstrates integrity as a reputable agent, but also improves our status as one of the leading agencies in the area.”

Watersons was launched in 2001 and has established itself as one of the leading estate agents in the area, specialising in residential property sales and rentals across Hale, Hale Barns, Bowdon Altrincham and Timperley.