Having only joined the new homes team at Sewell & Gardner 3 weeks ago as the latest new homes negotiator, I thought perhaps it was a good idea to write a blog about my experience so far, and give you all an insight into the world of working as an estate agent when you have no idea what’s going on!
My first week here was extremely over whelming! Being totally new to estate agency I underestimated how much I would have to learn. Even simple things, like shorthand terms, I found really confusing, P.T.S N.O.M??? It took me a while to get it! (That means property to sell not on market by the way!), then there’s lease lengths, NHBC guarantees, stamp duty, plus about a hundred other things I had never heard of and was trying to understand.
Then there was learning as much as I could about all of our new homes developments. We have 8 sites, which doesn’t seem like much but trust me, it is! Getting to grips with these properties is what has taken me the longest to get my head around. Luckily, I love them all! So I now distinguish between them by remembering my favourite thing about each development, here are a couple:
Redwood & Silverwood – 2 x 5 bed detached houses – I remember these by thinking of their exceptionally big gardens and bi folding doors that really bring the outside in. Perfect for BBQ’s (if we ever get any sun!)
The Downs, Chorleywood
Cassio Quarter – 1 & 2 bed apartments – I remember these because to be honest, I want to live there! They are great value for money and perfect for first time buyers. In a few years they’ll be even more perfect for commuters as they’re moving the met line station to just round the corner.
Cassio Quarter, Watford
By my second week I had learnt the basics and focused on trying to keep up with the stupidly fast pace of the office. We are so busy and the phone is continuously ringing, people are in and out all the time so I didn’t know whether I was coming or going! Once I got used to this, I really focused on getting on the phones and talking to applicants. Promoting properties that you
don’t know everything about was hard at first, but the more I’ve done it the better I’ve become, and whilst I’ve become confident talking to applicants, I’ve also learnt more about the properties along the way.
Now my third week has passed I’m trying my best to settle in and do things on my own without asking a million questions! It’s been a huge learning curve for me and I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I think the main thing I’ve discovered during my time so far at Sewell & Gardner is what a fantastic job all of my colleagues do. I’ve been made to feel welcome since my first day here, and no matter how busy everyone is, they always stop to help me if I need it. Everyone has such great rapport with their applicants, and give as much as they can to their roles here. I know I’ve got a long way to go and a lot more to learn, but hopefully I’ll become as good as everyone else here and no longer feel like the new girl!
Joanna