Martine Crawford.
Viewings, negotiations, reflections... and an essential cup of tea. Join Martine Crawford, branch manager at Belvoir estate agency in Corby, on a typical day at work.
.
Morning hustle…
My day as an estate agency branch manager begins early. As I sip my morning tea, I review my diary for the day and week ahead.
I am very hands-on within the office and my schedule is packed, as usual, with morning meetings, property viewings, valuations and a few urgent follow-ups. The first challenge of the day however, often comes from balancing these demands, managing and supporting my team while remaining flexible enough to handle the unexpected because as an estate agent, surprises are the norm.
Connecting with clients…
My first task of the day is to check my emails and messages. Being an estate agent is a 24/7 job and clients often expect immediate responses. I pride myself on my ability to communicate effectively and understand that a quick reply can make the difference between closing a deal or losing a client.
The morning is usually filled with client calls and responding to enquiries.
My phone is my lifeline in managing relationships, negotiating deals, coordinating with other agents as well speaking with solicitors and conveyancers. Each call requires a different approach. Some clients need reassurance; others are all business.
I reflect on how important it is to be adaptable and empathetic and understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life.
Property viewings and negotiations…
By mid-morning I am in my car, heading to a property viewing. Today, I am showing a house to a young couple looking for their first home. As I drive, I mentally prepare and review the property’s features, its selling points and potential concerns the viewers might raise.
At the viewing, my role shifts to that of a storyteller. I am no longer just showing a property; I am creating a vision for my clients to see their future in this property.
I love planting the seeds of what could be done to the property to make it their dream home. Not everyone has a vision, so this part of my job is both challenging and exhilarating.
Every client is different and reading their needs and desires is key to making the right pitch. This couple seems interested so I feel a rush of satisfaction as there is a potential sale here.
Back at the office, I engage in negotiations for another property, this time representing a seller. Negotiation is where my experience and intuition truly shine. Advocating for a client while also working to keep the deal alive is a delicate balance and I thrive on this challenge.
I find it intellectually stimulating and rewarding when I can bring both parties to a happy conclusion.
Lunchtime reflection…
Lunchtime is often a quick affair and quite often only a brief moment of solitude where I can gather my thoughts. Today I have a moment to reflect on the entrepreneurial side of the business. As a businesswoman, I am always looking for ways to grow the business and explore new market trends.
I sometimes think about the challenges I face as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. While it is not always easy, I am proud of how far I have come and this keeps me motivated to break more barriers. I know that my success is not just about selling houses but about brand awareness, a reputation and a legacy.
I secretly have a passion for marketing and have a BA Hons business marketing degree in which I wrote a journal on estate agency and the challenges the industry faces. I have so many plans for further development within the business.
Afternoon grind…
The afternoon brings more property valuations and viewings, each with its own set of dynamics. I move seamlessly from one appointment to the next. The variety of my work keeps me engaged and no two days are ever the same.
By late afternoon, I am back in the office sifting through paperwork and chasing sales as well as assisting the lettings department. I occasionally have to play the part of a rent chaser if payments are late. This is the part of the job I find the least glamorous but equally essential.
Contracts, legal documents and endless forms are the backbone of our business and my attention to detail ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Wrapping up and reflecting…
The day is winding down and I take a moment to review my achievements and plan for tomorrow. There are deals to finalise, clients to follow up with, strategies to refine…
Some days are tough, especially when a sale falls through or when a client is unhappy. But most of the time the satisfaction of helping someone find their dream home or sell a beloved property outweighs these challenges.
That is what keeps me motivated to do it all over again the next day. It is a never-ending cycle… but I would not have it any other way.
………………………………….
Stay connected with Northamptonshire business through Business Times. Join our exclusive community for the latest news, insights, updates, features and thought leadership. Stay informed – subscribe now at bit.ly/437DsSm. Unsubscribe at any time.
