A week in the life of an estate agent: Friday

Day 5- Friday

Today started with a different pace; no early viewings meant the team could come together and go through the diary in greater detail, run through appointments, check that every applicant has been informed about any suitable properties and also discuss the progression being made on several sales. It is always a good idea to discuss any sales’ concerns with the team; two heads are better than one and it is usually moments like this where solutions to problems can be found, whether it be a re-negotiation due to survey or mortgage rates etc. or to wade in to collect and deliver a delayed document.

After our meeting it’s once again back to the desks, concentrating on contacting all possible buyers from the property I visited yesterday and updating vendors. I also had to phone out a property that has just been reduced by £20,000. I expect a high level of new interest on the property and believe a good buyer can be found quickly.

Now that announcements have been made about the budget, I’m considering the consequences for the property market. No change in stamp duty until 2025, so it may be better to buy sooner rather than later. This should instil a little more confidence into the market. We expect that fixed mortgage rates would return to below 5% in the new year; another reason for good levels of activity. Not such good news is the reduction in the capital gains allowance which in future will increase the tax payable when you dispose of assets that have increased in value. Of course, you only have to pay if you have made a gain, so you’ll still be in pocket. Overall, the changes that affect property are fairly neutral in the short term.

The latter part of today will be spent concentrating on tomorrow’s appointments. Saturday is often the busiest day of the week. Preparation is important and a good understanding of an applicant’s requirements helps to find them the best properties. Knowledge of available properties, similar to those which the clients are viewing is very useful and helps get results. If I know about competing properties that clients may view with other agents, I can then explain the advantages mine have. One of my best tricks of the trade is the ‘Mystery House’ and I have a few of these lined up. If you are out viewing with me in the near future, don’t be surprised if I invite you to view a property that is not on your list or is brand new to the market; you might just end up buying it! 

Looking forward to tomorrow, appointments all day with offers and sales to follow. Onwards and upwards.