MEET TREVOR ROSE, PARTNER AT PROCTORS PETTS WOOD & ORPINGTON
How long have you worked for Proctors?
I joined Proctors in October 1999 to open a brand new office in Petts Wood.
What’s your background? i.e. qualifications, past experience
I left school at 16 (that was the thing to do back then!) and started working for an ANZ bank in the city. I quickly learned that an office based job, not to mention the commuting, wasn’t for me. I swiftly returned to full time education and studied construction surveying for four years and trained as a Site Surveyor for a major building and new homes company.
When did you realise you wanted to work as an estate agent/in your role? Why?
Whilst working as a Site Surveyor, I tried my luck at selling new homes at the weekends in the comfort of a cosy show home. I quickly found I had a flair for selling property so eventually I laid my hard hat down for a more customer-focused career. My passion for property and helping people find their dream home meant that estate agency was the obvious path to go down. I initially joined an independent agency, working long hours and making my way up the ladder, from trainee negotiator to senior sales manager, to area valuer. Now, with over thirty five years’ experience in the business, having listed and sold thousands of homes in London and Kent, the zest I have for estate agency is still very much there for me.
What does a normal day at work involve?
Today as a Partner of Petts Wood and Orpington branches, I am still very much ‘hands on’; I work in a supportive and developmental role for two hard working sales teams. A normal day would see me out of the office meeting prospective vendors, valuing their homes and promoting the benefits of selling through Proctors. I’m always keen to help out with accompanying prospective buyers around properties, booking viewings and the general ‘day to day’ running of the two offices.
Staying ahead plays a big part so understanding market trends, high customer service and maintaining professional standards at all times is vital for the success of the business. The diversity of the job introduces new opportunities, challenges and rewards every day.
What do you find rewarding in your job?
After many, many years in the business it’s still a big buzz to secure a new listing, sell the property and hand the keys over to an excited purchaser on moving day… that experience is priceless. It’s the perfect end to any week. And there’s nothing more rewarding than helping the same buyers move again some years later into a larger family home.
What, if any, are the challenges faced in your industry?
The biggest challenge our industry is facing is the introduction of internet estate agents, which are putting added pressure on local high street agents. The benefit of a local business that perhaps is not so recognised anymore is that we know nearby areas inside out and can offer a personalised customer-led service, from initial enquiry stage to completion day. Adapting to market and economic forces in light of double stamp duty and Brexit means customers, now more than ever, need professional and reliable guidance from experienced property experts, which is often not found online.
What’s your most memorable/favourite sale?
This is a really difficult one to answer. There have been so many memorable sales over the years - too many to list - but I still regard my first day in the job in 1982, when I sold a maisonette for £13,500 to a young first time buyer couple, as a real highlight. I ended up finding three more houses for them as their family expanded. I think they followed me around in Kent! That’s what’s so great about this job – you really do play a big part in people’s lives.
What is your favourite local restaurant?
At the moment it has to be Aqua in Petts Wood; such great food and atmosphere.
What’s your dream home?
I’m really into contemporary lines. It’s changed over the years but right now my dream home would be a house made of glass and steel overlooking the sea, perhaps on the south east coast.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
I asked my wife Jo and she replied, “Drop dead gorgeous!”. But seriously, I would say knowledgeable, dependable and trusting.
What are your interests outside of work?
My passion is swimming and spending time with my family. We have a new addition, a cheeky French Bull dog, so I aim to get out for long walks in between renovating my house, gardening and socialising.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
At school I won a best letter competition and was invited to meet the Queen at a royal opening in Blackheath. I had a long and interesting chat with her… that usually gets people talking!
What’s your biggest achievement?
Besides producing two amazing sons and celebrating thirty years of marriage in April this year, my biggest achievement has to be designing and building my own house in 2004 and becoming a Partner at Proctors in 2001.
And finally, we’re off to the pub - what’s your order?
A large gin and tonic with a wedge of lime please!
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