Meet The Member - Jules Middleton Independent Estate Agent
Jules Middleton Independent Estate Agent
We caught up with our member Jules, to learn about her journey into becoming an independent Estate Agent.
We are very happy to have you as a member of We Are Harpenden. We would love to hear about your journey, have you always wanted to assist people in selling properties?
It’s great to be a member of We Are Harpenden. Yes, for me it has always been about the people and the reason they are buying or selling a property. Everyone has their own story.
What challenges do people usually face when it comes to selling their property?
The upheaval of people coming into their homes. Having to consider other people that live in the property and their schedules. Considering family members and their fears/apprehension of leaving their home.
Before getting into this business did you have another profession? Was it a big leap to start this?
I have had other careers including working with children with special needs. However, I have always bought, renovated and sold properties amounting to over twenty-one moves.
is there anything that people feel particularly surprised by when it comes to the process of selling?
How difficult it can be dealing with solicitors, timeframe and expectations. Lenders have become stricter and in some cases more hoops to get through.
What is unique about your approach to selling?
Giving the vendor my honest advice on value, how to prepare their property and reassurance that I will be there every step of the way. Only having me deal with them and knowing they can contact me at any time lessens the stressful process. Understanding the vendor's needs and requirements is also very important so we are both on the same page. Make the vendor aware that I advertise on all the same platforms as my competitors, the only difference is I am not in a shop window.
How have you changed your approach to your estate agency business since you started?
I am learning to be more patient, but I do know that recommendations are the key for me to obtain business. I am making more of an effort in promoting myself through social media which I wasn’t at the beginning.
When it comes to your business, what would you say you are most proud of?
How happy and appreciative my clients have been once they are in their new home. Such a great feeling to know how happy they are!
Give us some insight into your industry, are there any tricks of the trade we would be surprised to hear about?
The one thing I have learnt along the way is not everyone is honest! There are many buyers out there who will put an offer on more than one property at the same time without the agent's knowledge. This can be very distressing to a vendor that had trust in their agent and believed that the buyer was genuine.
What do you like most about what you do?
Definitely, the different people I meet along the way.
Where in Harpenden is your favourite spot to go in your spare time?
Rugby club watching my son/s play rugby. Bower Heath Woods walking my springer spaniel, Bert and Bar Azita for that extra special cocktail!