Diary of an estate agent: Chelsea

A flat tyre causes havoc for one longstanding client and there's a flood in one of the properties...
Weef
21 March 2018

Monday

Mondays at our family-run agency usually start with a quick catch-up to discuss the key events and instructions of the week.

We have recently moved our marketing approach to be more online, introducing interactive brochures which we can show prospective buyers on iPads.

It’s great to catch up with my colleagues and find out how this is working for everyone, it seems to be proving popular with our clients!

Tuesday

My day starts with a valuation. At our agency, we often think it best to undertake these in pairs so as to collaborate and come to the best decision, as pricing correctly is so important.

The property we are valuating is a stunning, newly-refurbished five-bedroom home in Halsey Street, Chelsea. Interestingly, it’s also home to Chelsea’s oldest and largest fig tree!

My colleague and I are unanimously agreed on the price, which the owner seems pleased with, too.

At lunchtime, I get a call from one of our longstanding Australian clients, who is in town adding some finishing touches to her rental property on Cathcart Road. Her car has a flat tyre, and not knowing lots of people in town, she called to ask for some help. I manage to reassign my viewings to a colleague and went to help.

Wednesday

It’s an early start today as a new apartment we are marketing has received a lot of enquiries. It’s located on Thistle Grove, a quiet pedestrianised street which leads onto Fulham Road and all its amenities.

The apartment is lateral and has its own entrance as well as the traditional communal entrance, providing the privacy of a house while benefitting from the services of a mansion block.

I always aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before the viewing to have a quick chat to the client, making sure the lights are on and the property is looking at its best.

There are a lot of viewers, and I’m able to answer all their questions about the home and the surrounding area. I’m expecting an offer on this one to come sooner rather than later!

Thursday

I head to Kensington for viewings of a four-bedroom apartment in Campden Hill Court.

The home had already had some offers, but we suggested that the home could be professionally dressed to help potential buyers visualise the lifestyle they might have there.

I’m delighted that our efforts have led to a flurry of viewings and a couple of parties are really interested.

Friday

At the office, our flat tyre client has sent a thank you note. I’m glad she appreciates our efforts and I’m looking forward to continuing to work together.

After a busy afternoon liaising with the potential purchasers for Campden Hill Court, I head to the King’s Road for what I think will be a relaxed supper with a group of friends.

Just before pudding, I get a call from one of our clients who has left town for the weekend. A neighbour has rung them to say there is a flood in the property, so I head off to tackle the crisis, hoping that I will get back to the restaurant in time to finish my pudding.

  • Hermione Russell is a sales negotiator with Russell Simpson in Chelsea (020 7225 0277)

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