As one of the leading estate agents in Southport, Ball & Percival's team have their work cut out in the exciting world of selling property across a vast area on Sefton's beautiful coast. As a part of The Venmore Group, the North West's largest group of independent estate agents, we think that we not only have the best job in the world but the best team of property professionals.
We are always asked what day-to-day life is like as an estate agent, so, we thought we'd start a series of blogs looking into the various roles of our amazing team members. First up is Lauren Hayes...
1. Hi Lauren! Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well, I am 31 years old, I have a Fiancé we’ve been together eleven years, we own a home in Sunny Southport and I am originally from a little town called Leigh. I moved to Ormskirk when I was 18 to Study at Edge Hill University and never made it back home!
I have a wonderful daughter, Esme, who is nearly six years old and has just started year one. I like to keep active and try and go the gym as often as I can. I ran a half marathon and at some point would like to run a whole marathon (when I am much fitter). I like a challenge and can be quite competitive. I love to socialise with my friends whether it be mini breaks away, hiking in the Lakes or just a general get together, I am always the first one to say yes. If I do have the chance I love to read (not that I am able to often!) there’s nothing better than a great book.
There is not much I do not like apart from bits, bits in yoghurts … nope not for me!
2. How long have you been working with the company?
I believe I’m currently in my eighth year with the Venmore group.
Initially, I started as a Lettings Negotiator, an absolute novice to Liverpool City centre and to Estage Agency, I remember my first day like it was yesterday, I was that clueless I even drove the opposite direction home heading to South Liverpool! That is just one of many things that happened to me in the first week. After getting to grips with the city of Liverpool and my role as Negotiator my drive and passion for a deal advanced me to becoming the Senior Negotiator before moving to Ball & Percival to be the Lettings Manager.
After a structural change, I made the bold move to sales as Ball & Percival’s Business Development Manager and Valuer.
3. What does a typical day of yours look like?
Well, each working day varies due to the number of appointments and appointment type so….
I am an early riser my alarm goes off at 4:45 am I get up at 5:00 am and I’m in the gym by 5:30 am. I get home and get myself and my daughter ready and drop her off at Breakfast Club. I try and get into work no later than 8:15am. Once in I always proceed to do all my comparables thoroughly making sure I have clear and concise market research and information to present to my clients, alongside a varied and knowledgeable understanding of the area and properties in the surrounding area.
After attending the morning meeting the majority of the remainder of the day is spent on appointments, valuations and taking on new properties. I then write up the valuations and make sure the listings are done with precision and the properties made live.
Our days are none stop and the busier the better!
3. What factors do you look at to determine the value of a home?
As they say location, location location! This can play a pivotal role in the value of a property and of course the finish, a property finished to a high specification will obviously receive more than a property that needs refurbishment.
However, value shouldn’t always be perceived in a monetary sense, it’s also a very personal judgement dependant on the buyer’s needs at the time. A first family home can be more valuable on a personal level to somebody than the hundredth property in a portfolio!
4. What is the best part of your job?
I love spending the day on the road and meeting new people, I have a particular soft spot for anyone over the retirement age and have been known to do their shopping and even walk their dogs on my day off! I really could not picture myself behind a desk all day and I have complete respect for all the staff members who do, I couldn’t do my job without them.
5. What area of Southport has the most interesting properties to visit?
Now you’re really putting me on the spot! Southport is such a rich and varied area, from the properties aligning the seafront with their views across the bay to Birkdale with some really impressive refurbishments. I personally have a soft spot for Churchtown, the properties surrounding the village centre really feel a ‘part’ of the area and due to the Conservation Order in place it can really feel like you are stepping back in time there (it’s also got a couple of great pubs too!!)
6. What’s the best part of working for Ball & Percival?
In all honesty, I must say that from day one the Managing Directors have been very approachable, personable and family-oriented. Their values and principles permeate the whole company and it makes it a great place to work………the company car also helps as well!
