Going the extra mile: adding value to residential valuation
Please can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in residential valuation?
I’ve been around the property industry from an early age; my father is a structural engineer and property developer and I used to accompany him on site. I was also interested in agriculture, although with very little practical knowledge. It was my A-level English teacher who suggested I might combine my interests (as well as enjoying a rather fabulous social life!) at The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester (now the RAU) studying Rural Estate Management.
Having undertaken residential valuation work experience with Hamptons in Farnham, I was offered a permanent position and the opportunity to qualify, after which I ran my own business for a number of years before taking a break to bring up our three sons. It’s a small world and when I was ready to return to work I was delighted to find a number of old colleagues in the Residential Valuation and Consultancy team at Knight Frank LLP. I went on to become a Partner with the firm, heading up the Guildford team responsible for valuing prime and super prime residential property in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex. Having stepped back from full-time employment, I now work as a Consultant for Justin Mason Valuation Consultancy.
What made you go down the route of skilled valuer as opposed to selling and letting houses?
The two roles are quite different although equally important. Good estate agents have a ‘tool box’ of skills, which shouldn’t be underestimated, associated with selling and negotiating, and then navigating a route from agreeing a deal to completion. Valuation surveyors provide formal independent valuations for a number of purposes which inform their clients’ decision making. It is not a transactional role and the advice is given in a considered formal report format which is more suited to my skill set and personality.
Tell us more about your role with Justin Mason Valuation Consultancy.
My role with Justin’s firm is to complement his professional skills and business ethos. We share ethical values and I have the greatest respect for his exceptional expertise and dedication to client care. I echo his view that valuation reports enable clients to be proactive about, rather than reactive to, life’s milestones. On a day-to-day level, I look at best practice, training and compliance, and act as a ‘sounding board’.
What are your top tips when buying a residential property?
If you are looking at a property that will be your primary home, buy with your heart; not every choice is necessarily financially driven. However, I would always advise some form of formal valuation; it’s ok to pay a premium but it is sensible to make an informed decision.
Do you think the concept of a down valuation is real?
Not with the right experts! A good, professional valuation should be accurate and based on thorough comparable analysis, an understanding of market sentiment and a knowledge of the location and property sector. ‘Market Value’ is defined by the RICS and should not be confused with a Market Appraisal.
Has there been a particularly rewarding period during your career?
I count myself extremely lucky to have worked consistently with colleagues I hugely respect, both in agency and professional teams. They have been generous with their time and expertise. I have also had the opportunity to see some of the most interesting and beautiful residential property in London and the South East. The most rewarding and also challenging part of my career has been meeting a range of different people at critical moments in their lives. I have found it extremely satisfying when my work has helped clients solve a problem so they can move forward.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I like to keep plenty of social and business contact and prefer to meet people face-to-face where possible. Obviously this has been challenging over the last couple of years and, like many others, I have become Teams techy, Zoom savvy and an expert in working from home in the company of our exuberant dog, grumpy rescue cat and inherited Zen fish. I have just completed my Yoga teaching qualifications and try to incorporate that philosophy into my daily life. In common with many others, my days are a juggling act between home, pets, work and family.
What or who inspires you?
My children, who are now young adults, inspire me. They have such a lot of energy, optimism and enthusiasm. Young people always see the glass as half-full, and it is an absolute pleasure to have worked with graduates over the years. I am so impressed with how hard young people work and how conscientious they are.
If you could invite three people to dinner – dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
I would choose Jane Austen because I think she is such a good observer of character and behaviour. Her writing is accessible and as relevant now as the day it was written. I would be slightly worried about what she might say about me though! The second guest would be David Sedaris, who is a comedian, author and radio contributor. He is laugh-out-loud funny and has many brilliant anecdotes. I can see them getting on well and sparks would fly! My third guest would be the African American composer and pianist Scott Joplin. His was a fascinating life and I love his music.
|