Things worth knowing about this property guy.
Why did you choose to become an estate agent?
Actually, it chose me over 20 years ago! When I walked into an estate agency on West End Lane to ask for a job, it was supposed to be an interim position whilst I pursue a career in acting. Turns out, I’m pretty good at selling homes. Today, I’m still as passionate about ‘all things’ property in and around West Hampstead, Kilburn, Cricklewood, and Mill Hill. It was meant to be!
What do you love the most about it?
I love the idea of ‘Home’ –– I know it might sound trite but it’s really true! At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I absolutely love being a part of a person’s journey. I love the chase of it, the matchmaking aspect of it, and the pride I feel when I make the perfect match.
Be honest, aren’t most agents the same?
If you mean there are a lot of qualified agents out there, then I agree. But just because they’re qualified doesn’t mean your choice isn’t important. After all, buying or selling a home is a big deal! That’s why I encourage everyone to talk to multiple agents before making a decision.
In my opinion, you don’t want another average salesperson in your home. Turnoffs for me are the ones who come across as salesy, brash or wishy-washy, and don’t know what the property values are. Go with someone whom you think is qualified for your unique situation, someone you think you can trust and feel comfortable with, and isn’t over-committed.
Okay, tell me what makes you different?
I think it’s my approach. I’ve been called a non-typical estate agent. I quite like that. I’m a regular ‘Guy’ (pardon the pun) who’s friendly and personable yet truthful and to the point, and skilled at the job.
Over the course of my career, I’ve dealt with many different situations in the Sales and Letting process. I’ve seen a lot but I don’t pretend to know it all. I do my homework every day. The property landscape is ever-changing and I would be foolish to rest on my laurels.
I consider selling or buying your home to be the most important financial, emotional, and psychological decision you’ll make. As an estate agent, I never take this responsibility for granted. I make it a point not to take every opportunity that comes my way so I can give my clients the time they deserve. I hope they’ve always found me to have integrity, trust, and professionalism.
What would it be like to work with you?
I’m a great listener and I’ll start by listening to understand your needs. I won’t talk over you or dismiss what you have to say. I’ll always be honest and respectful, kind and considerate. Whether it’s good or bad, you can count on me to be truthful. I won’t be there to tell you what you want to hear but rather, I’ll be there to guide you through a sometimes-stressful process. I think it’s important and it’s what helps me get the best prices for my clients and win repeat business.
Because I’m not constrained to the 9-to-5 of a corporate job, I’ll always be at the other end of the phone. Calls, texts, emails –– however you’d like, whenever you’d like. I’ll be with you for the entire journey from start to finish, always aiming to give you exceptional service.
I’ve got to tell you, I never took a liking to the phrase ‘he’s just the agent’ because I think of myself as more. Honestly, the road to buying and selling a house can get bumpy. Let me be your agony aunt, your shoulder to lean on, your negotiator, local expert in the community, your protector from overpricing and underselling, even your therapist or family counsellor if you need me to be!
Let’s talk price. How much are your fees?
I’m not the most expensive –– not having large overheads, I can afford to be competitive –– though I’m not the cheapest either. I believe what I provide is exceptional value. But if the price doesn’t meet your expectations, I don’t want to give you false hope. Hopefully, you’ll go away thinking it was a great experience. Remember, if you don’t sell your property, I don’t get my fee, so you can be sure I’m going to obsess about your property to make sure you get sold and you’re happy with the outcome.
Anything else you’d like me to know about you?
I’ve been very fortunate to do what I love for quite some time now. It’s my calling but I wouldn’t be able to help people like you without the support of my family.
Ten years ago, my incredible wife Sharon –– a root canal specialist, ouch! –– she and I bought our first house together in Mill Hill. Under our roof, life continues to roll along for us, our three great kids Ariel, Benji, and Noa, and our ginger tabby Lulu. Under our roof is where we go through what all families do. It takes all sorts of materials to build a house, but the things that go into building a home? Let’s talk about it over a cup of tea sometime!
My aim is to inspire others to achieve the dream of owning their own home, so they can ‘belong’, feel part of a community, raise a family, or simply have financial stability in their lives.
Coming out of an agency to run my own business allows me to provide my own personalised service ‘my way’ based on integrity and trust and the relationship we build together. Whether you’re selling, buying, or letting, your home is where my heart is.
Guy Daly is a member of Laurel Leaf Networking.
