Following the launch of the Property Needs You website, designed to encourage young people to consider a career in property, here we highlight various roles in estate agency – and outside of it – that may appeal to your skillset and aspirations.
Sales/Lettings Negotiator
When people think of an estate agent, they’re thinking of a negotiator, the salesperson of the team. Although this entails more than just sales, that’s the order of the day for a negotiator. Generally based on commission, you earn your salary by helping house-hunters find their homes, either to buy or to rent. Listening, learning, and the drive to see success for everyone involved are crucial. Every day is different, and every property is unique – even more so in our local areas.
Valuer
As a valuer, your main activity is visiting properties to provide a market appraisal. However, you’re not just there to give a number, you’re there to show the benefits of using your agency, what you can offer, and how you do so. It’s a combination of both research into a home, and selling your company. As the first person a client meets, you set the tone for their journey. Significant traits include being brave, knowledgeable, and welcoming.
Client Relations
Prior to a valuation, a relationship manager will speak to new, or existing, clients to ascertain as much information as possible about a property, and the owner’s situation. Fact finding on attributes such as any extensions, refurbishments, reason for the move, etc. makes the valuer’s job easier, as well as the negotiator once it’s on the market. You’ll also follow-up on things like completion anniversaries, and what services may be required at certain milestones (removals, revaluation).
Sales Progression
This is the glue that holds a sale together. Sales progression begins as soon as an offer is accepted. Working alongside solicitors, the conveyancing process can be tricky if you’re not a multi-tasker. A progressor pulls all the elements together, keeps the chain moving, and maintains exceptional levels of communication with sellers, buyers, mortgage companies, etc.
Management
Think of this as customer service. Someone has a concern with their property/tenancy, and you’re the one to fix it. Problem solvers with friendly personalities are the perfect fit. There’s lots of legislation in lettings, so you’ll need to be able to remember lots of different rules, and how they affect each scenario. There’s lots of paperwork, and even greater reward when completing a job for happy tenants and landlords.
Inspections
If you’ve got an eye for detail, completing property inspections could be made for you. Visiting rental properties, you’ll look for any changes, note the wear and tear, whilst reporting clearly and precisely. This service is vital for our landlords, making sure that all parties in a tenancy are happy with the home’s condition.
Secretarial & Administration
Are you organised? Efficient? A big fan of processes? Then you’d make a great secretary, receptionist, or administrator. Ensuring that properties are advertised correctly and to their best, clients are taken care of, and the office runs effectively are top of the job description here. It can be something as ‘simple’ as taking messages and distributing emails, to being the all-important right-hand person to keep all aspects of the business flowing smoothly.
Viewing Guide
Imagine spending your day showcasing gorgeous homes, getting to know wonderful people, and being paid for it. A viewing guide’s role combines a social personality, with a knack for sales, and passion for properties. If you tick all three, this could be the job for you.
Marketing
This is a huge part of a business, and only getting bigger over recent years with the exponential growth of the ‘digital’ realm, which has become a whole role in itself. Traditionally, marketing was leaflets and newspaper listings. These days, it’s a sector ideal for creatives, ensuring strong brand presence, local community engagement, high-quality details, and more – all of which we’re proud to offer.
Of course, there are further possibilities outside of estate agency – such as conveyancing, architecture, construction and development, interior design, mortgages, and surveying. Really, your options are endless.
If you’re looking for a role in property, contact us on 01525 40 22 66 or email ampthill@orchards.co.uk for opportunities with Orchards.
