Welcome to the latest edition of Estate Agent Profiles.
Agent X had the opportunity of profiling Maria Kemp Director of Kemp & Co in Dorset. Below is how it all went down!!
Loving the blogs! The hot milk situation reminds me of a quite recent, horrific experience whereby I went out to an elderly couples flat to give a market appraisal for lettings. I swear the wife had narcolepsy, either that or I seriously need to revamp my presentation skills! As she was busy randomly snoring at their dining table her husband was keen to point out all the antiques in the property including the table and chairs we were sat round which they had lovingly and carefully imported back from Cyprus. After pointing out one or two things they were obviously not too happy about that they had to comply with, I got up to leave and broke off the arm of one of the chairs!!! I had no idea what to say, I just handed it to them as I walked out the door – bizarrely I still got the instruction, so goodness knows what the competition was like!
1. How long have you been an estate agent for?
I’m in my 21st year! (I obviously started very young ... 9.. I think, otherwise that would put me on the wrong side of forty *cough*)
2. What's the best part of the job?
Going out on market appraisals, passing our boards along the way, meeting new people and confidently knowing you can help them. Delivering results and seeing returned business from those clients or recommendations resulting in new business that have stemmed from them. Also coming up with new ideas and new products, I absolutely love new challenges.
3. What's the worst part of the job?
The fact it’s always with you! As a business owner you can never really just shut the door and go home. The laptop is always on, your thoughts are always about the business, it comes to bed with you, it goes on holiday with you, I’ve even answered the phone in the bath before! Business doesn’t stop when the doors close. A lot of business is done out of office hours via personal Facebook accounts and twitter and even a trip to Tesco usually results in bumping into clients. It’s great to be busy but sometimes it would be nice to properly shut off but you can’t help but brainstorm for new ideas and look for new ways of taking the business forward. I’ve always got a notepad by my bed!
4. What industry related qualifications do you have if any?
ARLA Level I & II Qualifications. I also started the NAEA Diploma in Residential Estate Agency, undertook and passed the first few modules but sadly didn’t get to finish it. I set Kemp & Co up part way through and it got so busy so quickly I found it impossible to run the business and undertake the exams. It would be nice to re-sit this at some point, especially now I have a great team in place that would give me the time to do so. I always wanted to be a Fellow of both ARLA and the NAEA. I usually undertake in excess of 100 hours CPD each year, attending many seminars and training courses.
5. What made you become an estate agent?
It kind of just happened! I had studied Business and Finance for three years, then started a family. My first job was as a Sunday assistant working for a corporate agent as I didn’t have to worry about childcare on the weekend. I was gradually given more and more hours, I went from part-time to a full time Administrator, Administrator to a Negotiator, Negotiator to a Lettings Manager, Lettings Manager to a Branch Manager. I finally set up on my own in 2007, initially working from my dining room table. I had my first premises within a year, then went into Partnership with former colleagues. We have grown every year, have since moved to larger premises and there are now 8 of us that make up the team!
6. What do you prefer sale or lettings and why?
I enjoy both but I have to say I enjoy a good lettings challenge! I really enjoy situations that aren’t the norm, and I’ve encountered many via my role as Chairman of West Dorset Landlords Accreditation Scheme. I find it really interesting when I come across old protected tenancies and also trouble shooting problematic tenancies. It’s not something you come across on a day to day basis, and I have been able to help out many Landlords that have found themselves in sticky situations and resolve their tenancy issues. I love the research involved and it’s enabled me to work with different organisations and has not been without its dramas, which have included death threats, but it’s so satisfying when you finally get a successful end result – although I’ve got to say the team aren’t quite so enthusiastic when I’ve taken on this type of work!
7. What estate agency software is your favourite?
Jupix! I’ve used a variety of software packages over the years but I’ve got to say this is one of the most easiest, straightforward packages to use. The team behind Jupix are great and you can’t fault the support that comes with it.
8. What car do you drive?
Do I have to answer this? It’s a Ford Galaxy – I have a husband, three kids, a dog and whoever else the children decide to invite over! In an ideal world it would be a two seater sports car with just enough room for me and my shopping!!!
9. What would you change about the industry?
Mandatory Licensing for all Letting Agents! It’s really hard to remain competitive with the number of agents popping up all over the place under cutting on fees, not holding Client Money Protection and who have a complete disregard to safety and compliance. I’ve walked away from numerous properties where there has been safety issues or the Landlord has been declined consent to let the property by their mortgage company only to see it advertised elsewhere. Safety, security and best practice should always come before profit!
10. Why should people use your estate agency?
We are a team of highly experienced individuals, in fact we have well over 100 years of combined experience between us! Our Sales team have specialised in Sales, our Lettings team have specialised in Lettings – we don’t have one core business that dabbles in another, each team is dedicated and trained in their own roles and are experts in their own fields. We have all worked in the local market for numerous years, through the highs and the lows, and we know our area inside out. Being a small, independent agent means that we can quickly adapt to changes in the market place, change strategy, launch new products and ideas without being caught up in corporate red tape. We are not a sideline to any other business, we’re not targeted on financial services or any other industry related products, we concentrate on selling or letting your home. We work as a team and your business matters because our business matters, there’s no large company behind us, financially backing us, our survival is based purely on results and happy clients. We care about our clients and we care about our own reputation within the industry.
You can follow Maria Kemp on twitter - @mariatkemp
Thanks for reading!
