How many brokers do you see in a week?
This is really difficult to put a figure to as some weeks I don’t get out and about anywhere as I’m constantly talking to brokers on the phone. At other times I’m all over the country, whether it’s seeing brokers, or exhibiting at our partner events such as the recent Complete FS expo, or the IRESS Manchester event, or indeed other expos such as the recent FSE 2014. Each week is different – there is no such thing as an average week in this job so it really is impossible to say.
What issues come up time and time again?
Fees continue to be a great bugbear for many advisers and there is constant pressure put upon us to reduce our fee levels. However, my argument is that the fees are in place for a reason – they allow us to be the service-orientated operation we want to be. You wouldn’t want to buy a cheap parachute now, would you?
Favourite part of your job?
Talking and communicating with the broker community. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to natter.
Biggest challenge?
Work-wise, it’s helping brokers who are not active in conveyancing, to become active. There are still too many (in my opinion) who are happy to let their client decide who does their conveyancing and this can have a significant impact on getting a deal through to completion. Personally, my biggest challenge is living with my significant other.
Strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
There was one client that asked if anyone had been murdered in a particular property. Very strange.
What do you wish brokers understood about your job?
That I’m not a fortune teller – I wish I was. And that I can’t bend the rules – I have no wish to do this.
Last film you saw at the cinema?
Guardians of the Galaxy – the first film I’ve not fallen asleep in. Which probably tells you that it wasn’t too bad.
Least favourite sport?
Football. Which is lucky really because hardly anyone in this industry seems to like it!
Current mobile phone?
Apple IPhone 6
Favourite Biscuit?
In my opinion, the days of biscuit BDMs are long gone.
