Today we are sharing another instalment of our Property Specialist Eva Clarke’s “Women in Property” series. This week Eva interviews Jade Cook, Senior Property Manager at Martin & Co, Cambridge.
Jade tells us how she had carved her career in property and what advice she would give to other women looking to step into the industry.
E: “Hi Jade, thank you for having a chat with me today, you have a truly impressive background in property management, can you tell me a little bit about what you do and why you chose a career in property?”
J: “During college I did my work experience was within a big residential property company and I wanted to learn more and when I left college my mum told me to get a job, we looked at the newspaper (that’s what you did back then) and a property administrator was advertised in the local village and so, I applied. When I joined, I instantly realised I belonged in property. There was a property manager in the branch and she always looked so glamorous, I thought: I want that job. Since then, I have worked my way up the career ladder and am now a senior property manager overseeing my own portfolio for a well-established and respected agent in Cambridge. It isn’t as glamourous as her outfits used to make me believe, but I love it.”
E: What do you think it takes to make a good Property Manager?
J: “There are many factors to making a good Property Manager, but I would say the core quality is communication skills. Everyone now a days expects something immediately, we order parcels at 8am on a Monday and expect them the same night and tenants and landlords are no different with the level of service they expect from their letting agents. Therefore, the ability to communicate both effectively and efficiently is key. I would also say, being able to manage expectations is important, which comes from crafting your people skills. This role is so customer focused not only to a landlord, but to tenants and contractors also and you have to ensure everyone you deal with has their expectations managed by you.”
E: “What advice would you give to other women looking to get into the industry?”
J: “I would say absolutely, grab the opportunity with both hands. The Property industry opens a huge avenue for career progression and education. Many companies will now offer the option to study and become ARLA qualified which is so important to anyone who wants to be a property manager or more. It’s an amazing industry to be in, it’s been 15 years and I still enjoy every day at work.”
E: “What is the strangest thing you have ever found on a property inspection?”
J: “I’m not sure it’s safe to say the strangest thing I’ve ever found; however, I will say the sweetest things I’ve ever encountered, on one occasion a couple had made afternoon tea for my visit, laid out the biscuits and even brought the fine China tea pot out. Another was a lovely American lady who had made some delicious peanut butter and candy cookies to keep me going through my other visits.”
If you are looking for a role in property, or looking to grow your team get in touch with Eva at e.clarke@select.co.uk