Diary of an estate agent: Kensington

Monday

I get to the office early to catch up on paperwork. Once it reaches a sociable hour the phones begin to ring with enquiries following on from the weekend. My diary for the week soon starts to fill up.

I meet with a prospective client in the afternoon to give a valuation on his fabulous property. He has bought and renovated a 5,000sq ft period building in one of Kensington’s most desirable streets.

There are three stunning flats, all furnished to the highest standard. As soon as I get back to the office I write to the client with our thoughts on price and almost immediately he confirms that we have been given the instruction to let them.

I start drawing up a marketing strategy and speak to the photographer, floor planner and caterers about a champagne launch party for when the flats come to the market.

Tuesday

Another early start as I attend our London residential division breakfast meeting. I leave feeling hugely motivated. The sun is shining and suddenly all my applicants want outside space as a must-have requirement. So as I head off to show a lovely two-bedroom flat with direct access to wonderful communal gardens, I am right on-message.

I arrive early and open up the shutters and French doors. When my applicants arrive I can tell they are keen. They request a second viewing for tomorrow and I pray the sun will keep up the good work.

Wednesday

A beautiful bunch of flowers is delivered to the office today from a happy family who moved into their new home over the weekend. They thank me for my help and the bottle of champagne I left for them. Deal done — happy family and happy landlord.
The sun shines again, and the second viewing at the flat with communal gardens is a success. I speak to my client straight away. He is delighted and with a little bit of tweaking and a few telephone calls, we reach a deal.

Thursday

A relocation agent calls to ask if I can help with her current client search. I immediately think of an ideal off-market property and contact our client in Hong Kong to check if the viewing can go ahead. Once confirmed I head over to the house with a roll of recycling bags to tidy up the post and clear leaves from the garden. The place hasn’t been lived in for a little while, and first impressions count.

I cut through Kensington Gardens on my way back from a viewing in the afternoon. I cross Palace Avenue just as a car carrying the Queen and Prince Philip passes by. The royal couple are attending the official opening of the newly renovated Kensington Palace. I relay my sighting to my colleagues back in the office and our resident tweeter excitedly updates our Twitter account with the news.

Friday

I’m having quite a royal week in the royal borough. As I queue up for my morning coffee on Kensington Church Street I’m joined by the newest and most glamorous addition to The Firm. I’ll say no more.

Later I meet a client at his property— he’s seeking advice on how best to update it for the lettings market. I’m armed with brochures and photographs to show him the looks tenants desire. Neutral and clean are always winners.

The meeting ends and we leave with a new friend, a slightly crazed cat who clearly isn’t ready to say goodbye and follows us all the way back to the office!

Georgina Cartwright works at Strutt & Parker's Kensington Church Street office (020 9738 3866)