A Day in the Life of a Property Recruiter

Published: Wednesday 19th Jun 2019

Written by: The Original Cottages Team

I’ve been working for Blueriver Cottages since February 2015 and I can honestly say it’s the best job I’ve ever had! I’ve been lucky enough to have a real mix of occupations throughout my life so far, from working on a farm, working in a Gift and Card Shop during my school years and then moving into Primary School Teaching. By having a variety of roles I’ve learnt to transfer those skills to the job role that I am doing now. In 2015 I felt it was time for a change and why not sell holidays in an area where I am from and know like the back of hand. I really do believe in offering a truly local service to our Homeowners and Guests and being a Devon ‘Born and Bred Maid’ helps to provide exactly that!  

My day starts by getting up in the small hours of the morning to walk Hetty, my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who actually is very lazy and doesn’t enjoy walking at all. She’s a ‘leave me in the sun to bathe’ type dog. I live in Brixham, a town famous for it’s fishing and Pirate Festivals, in the bay area and it benefits from beautiful walks. Berry Head and Shoalstone being my two favourite places to walk. Although, Hetty much prefers to roll around in the grass! After my walk we’re straight back home, I get ready for work and I leave the house at 7:20am. 

By 7:30am I am getting the Higher Ferry to Dartmouth ready to start my day at 8am in the office. I make myself a coffee, look at any post I might have in my in-tray from the day before, check my emails and reply to high priority jobs as I won’t be back until later today. I also use this time to get all of the equipment and paperwork I may need for the day.

Hetty and the lower ferry to Dartmouth

 

By 8:30am I am ready to go! First appointment of the day is photography at a new property joining the portfolio called 5 Ocean Reach, a fantastic and recently built house located on Bolberry Down with amazing sea views. After a roughly 45 minute drive to the property from Dartmouth I arrive. I take time to dress the house, dress the dining table, put flowers out etc. Once the property is dressed I set to work taking the photographs. With the unpredictable Devonshire weather taking photographs can prove challenging sometimes and often involves another visit to the property is get the sun shining in the images. I do love taking photographs of the properties. I always strive to improve my photography skills as the images are paramount to a potential guests’ process of booking a property. If it looks great in the images it will look just as good in person! 

Photographs can take a few hours and once I’ve finished it’s time for a snack before heading to the next destination of the day. I’m already nearly in Salcombe so I make good use of my time and visit another new property joining the portfolio. The owners and I agreed terms the other day, so I’ve arranged to visit the property to take notes to enable me to start the property upload process. I’m prepared with my water bottle (very important to keep your fluids up when you are on the go), tablet, tape measure, notebook and a Blueriver pen.

Mel taking property photos for the website

It’s nearly 3pm, I can’t believe it, where does the time go! It’s time to head back to the office to meet Natalie and Keith. I make us all a coffee and it’s time to talk about properties that are joining the portfolio, how the portfolio is performing and arrange our next Meet the Experts event. 

Once we’ve finished I take the last hour of the day to clear some of my emails, make a few phone calls, I find a phone call achieves so much more than an email, it’s more personal, friendly and I can get appointments booked into my diary for later dates. We’re coming to the close of play and I prepare my ‘To Do’ list for the following day. 

No day is ever quiet for me and I love that it is busy all of the time, there is always something to do, and it always feels like I’ve achieved and had a productive day. A very rewarding job!

If you’ve read about my day then why not be part of my day? If you would like to find out more about holiday letting then please click here to find out more!


The Original Cottages Team
The Original Cottages Team

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Original Cottages - Truly local, wherever you stay.

 


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