I became an estate agent becauseit was the only job I could find with a company car, it just so happened I ended up loving it!
The biggest threat to our industry isonline estate agents who, in my opinion, offer no value, experience or service. It surprises me that people are prepared to take this route with one of the largest sale or purchases they are ever likely to make.
My proudest moment in estate agency iswhen I had the good fortune of starting my own practice in 1996. Today, I'm even prouder that 20 years on, with the help of a fantastically loyal team, we have built a brand which is recognised and trusted throughout Reading.
My biggest mistake in estate agency isthinking I knew more about property values than my client. I have realised that on occasions, negotiations can't be rushed and you can never quite tell what a buyer's final card will be.
The most stressful part of my job isthe conveyancing system. Since agents started to receive kickbacks from conveyancing firms, the quality of service in this sector has virtually evaporated.
If I could change one thing about estate agency it would beto rid the market of time-wasters. Examples of this are sellers who, after months of marketing, decide not to move after accepting an offer, and pull out for no good reason. Also, buyers who pull out with no justification close to exchange of contracts. We all appreciate that personal circumstances can change, but I think there should be something in place to prevent a transaction getting so far down the line and then collapsing without good reason. This has a detrimental knock-on effect to all those in a chain who are genuinely serious about moving.
My one piece of advice for young agents isto have balls of steel and not be shaken off course by the many challenges you will face and sometimes huge disappointments. It is a very rewarding job where the highs outweigh the lows and,we are a valued industry, despite what you might hear.
The best thing about being an estate agent isthe long hours - boy we know how to party as time is scarce!
*Simon Walmsley is managing director of Walmsley Estate Agents in Reading
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