We’re celebrating our Lettings Director, Pauline Carrera-Silva’s, 20th anniversary as a Hawkesford team member.
So what’s stayed the same and what has changed over those 20 years?
Properties
There are properties that Pauline manages now that have been on Hawkesford’s books for 20 years or more including the property behind them, this property is on the Woodloes, Warwick. It is a 3 bedroom, end of terrace house and was let in 1997 for £450. The property is still owed by the same landlord, however his rental income is now £895. In the past Pauline and her team managed individual properties, but they have recently completed training for block management too and this side of the business is now starting to grow.
Landlords
20 years ago the majority of were investment landlords with 5 or more properties in their portfolio. It wasn’t something that ordinary people thought of as an investment or pension plan in the way that they do now. Today, there are more and more landlords who rent out their property for a short period perhaps up to two years, whilst they settle in a new town or job.
Legislation
There really didn’t used to be much in the way of legislation for landlords to comply with. That’s very different today, with more to come as the government works on the details of a tenant fee ban. Currently there are in excess of 150 pieces of legislation that direct effect lettings. As always, Pauline and her team, keep on top of the latest rules and regulations so they can give the best possible advice to both landlords and tenants.
Viewings
Viewings used to happen during traditional working hours. Today we offer slots from 9am to 4pm on a Saturday and have just introduced late night Wednesday with the last appointment at 6.45pm to try to help working people.
James Hawkesford, Managing Director, said of Pauline:
“I am extremely grateful for her continued service. She has been an excellent lettings manager who has seen her department grow into one of the area’s leading practices.
She has seen many changes over the years and stuck with us through good times and less so! She should be very proud of her achievements and I value her input as fellow director.”
