How did you start out in the Property Industry, Isabel?

“I was 18 years old and it was actually my second job after previously working in a loan underwriter. I loved the financial side of it but hated being stuck in an office, so I dropped my CV into a local agent, and, despite not being able to drive at the time, they took me on in a training position and 16 years later, here I am! It’s a real family affair as my husband and two sisters also work in Estate Agency covering the West Sussex region, so we have a vast knowledge of Chichester and the surrounding area between us.”

Hobbies and interests

“My life revolves around property and looking after our two young children. I love helping my clients find their ideal home and we have moved 8 times so far. I get excited when I spot a good opportunity and, for me, it’s all about the location as it must be safe and quiet with a sunny aspect, coupled with easy access to great facilities nearby. I enjoy being involved with the legal procedures as well as the logistics involved in packing and moving. I project manage all of our personal renovations, including overseeing the builders, building inspectors and architects.”

Why I love my job

“My clients have varied requirements. They are looking for low maintenance, stress free second homes with short term rental opportunities, as well as relocating away from London and the City into a rural location with the countryside right on the doorstep. I get a buzz out of really listening to my client’s requirements and getting into the psychology of why they’re moving. It’s not just a house for them, they’re trying to fulfil some sort of emotional need, so I try to drill down into what that need is and what lifestyle they’re trying to create out of that potential move. It’s so exciting when the exact property that they’re looking for springs to mind. It’s like matchmaking!”

Most memorable property sold

“I’ve sold well over 1000 properties in my career, so this is a difficult question but a beautiful, thatched property in West Chiltington does spring to mind. It wasn’t on the market at the time but that made it even more memorable! We’d had brief conversations in the office that the property may be coming onto the market and when a client called that day to register their details, I knew this one was perfect. We called the vendor and our client bought it there and then! The property was a pretty, Wells cottage with a thatched roof and a funky underground wine cellar with a glass walkway over the top. Incredibly special indeed.”