Time at John German? I first joined John German Estate Agents in the Ashby office as a Trainee Land Agent in 1981. I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor a year later. After ten years in various parts of the country, I moved to the John German Stafford office. I was the head of the Residential Estate Agency and Valuation department. I stayed until we opened in Uttoxeter in 2004. I now work from Ashbourne and Uttoxeter, combining them with my role as Managing Director.

The best part of your job? Despite how long I have been doing it, I get immense satisfaction from doing a deal and achieving an excellent result for a client. It is great when clients follow your advice, especially when the results match or exceed everyone’s expectations.

Top tip for anyone selling a property? It is vital to prepare well to avoid unnecessary delays and avoidable issues spoiling the sale in the final stages of the deal. It is worth reviewing the house’s condition and sorting out teething problems that could deter buyers and create many damning words from surveyors. Also, ensure all the appropriate certificates and paperwork is readily available for your solicitor.

Time at John German? Joined John German in 1998 at the Burton office and have worked in estate agency since leaving school.

Best part of your job? We sell properties but this business is all about people, working with our clients to achieve a sale and seeing them move home gives me tremendous satisfaction, more so, if difficulties have to be overcome along the way.

Top tip for buyer or seller?  Seller: Do your research on estate agents before instructing one, it’s not all about a low fee! Buyer: Yes buy with your head but let your heart have a say too!

What would be your dream home? A contemporary glass and steel home overlooking an estuary.

Time at John German? I started at John German around 1998.

Best part of your job? Knowing our clients trust us and are confident in the knowledge we will sell their home for them. To make it as stress free as possible, we have a brilliant support team in the sales progression department. Lichfield is a small town and we regularly bump into happy customers which makes the job very rewarding.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Before going on the market, walk through your home and imagine how a buyer would see things for the very first time. Can you see anything which needs updating or fixing? Are there any rooms which look too cluttered or busy? If so, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get things looking fresh, spacious and homely.

What is your experience? I started in estate agency straight out of college at 18. I now have over 25 years of experience working solely in the sector and dealing with all property types and various marketplaces.

The best part of your job? Bit of a stock answer, but nothing beats selling a property, and I love it when that means that our seller gets to secure the home of their dreams. It’s not like selling any other product; it’s full of emotion and hopes for the future.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Make the most of what you have; that doesn’t mean spending a fortune but touching up that bit of paint and clearing out the clutter makes all the difference. Remember, best foot forward you wouldn’t go on a date without brushing your hair!

What would be your dream home? Somewhere out in the countryside with views for miles!

What is your experience?  I started in estate agency in 2014 after graduating from University and have never looked back.

The best part of your job? Putting a deal together that our clients are happy with and when a plan comes together.

Top tip for buyer or seller? My top tip for a seller would be to de-personalise, clean and tidy your house as much as possible ready for marketing and viewings.

I always say that if you were going to sell your car, you would  wash it, wax it, polish it, the same applies (if not more) to your house!

Dream Home: Stone cottage in the country with a log burner, large garden and vegetable plot.

Best part of your job? I love everything about my job, from meeting new people to agreeing sales. The best thing is seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we have done our job!

Top tip for buyer or seller?  Choose an agent with a great reputation and great local knowledge, one that will provide you with the highest level of customer service. Of course, this means choosing John German!

What would be your dream home? A detached home with a fabulous modern living kitchen and great outdoor space to entertain from.

What is your experience? I am new to the estate agency sector but I come with plenty of transferrable skills throughout my different careers.

The best part of your job? The best part of my job is definitely getting to meet new people everyday as you never know who you’re going to talk to or what stories they have to tell!

Top tip for buyer or seller? Buying a property is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime so make sure to do your own research. Get the most out of the property viewings by asking as many questions as possible.

What is your experience?  I have always had a passion for property, before this role, I worked for a property management company. I have only recently started my new venture in Estate Agency.

The best part of your job? I love building relationships with both vendors and buyers. Selling or buying a property is probably one of the most stressful things you will ever do, but I love being able to help and be part of this process, to make it as less stressful as possible.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Buyers- to speak to a mortgage advisor as soon as you start your search and get your agreement in principle.  This will put you in such a better position for when you find your dream home!

Dream Home:  It has to be a big modern house, near the sea,  with lots of land around to fill with as many animals as possible.

Time at John German? Since 1995 but with 3 years off for good behaviour!

Favourite part of your job? Going out to meet landlords and gaining their confidence to instruct us…. And then finding them the perfect tenant!

Top tip for a landlord? Only buy a property to let in an area you would live!

What would be your dream home? A grand design home with full height windows overlooking countryside.

Favourite part of your job? Is saving the day! When something has gone wrong with someone’s mortgage application and we are able to intervene and get them into their dream home.

Top tip for buyer or seller? Before taking the plunge and applying for a mortgage speak to an independent mortgage advisor. With so many different lending policies between mortgage providers these days, it is worth your while to speak to someone impartial who will find you a mortgage based around your own needs.

What would be your dream home? My dream house would have to be a place overlooking the sea. There is something really calming about watching the waves roll in. Being by the sea takes me back to my childhood in the Northeast, having lemon tops in Redcar and enjoying fish & chips in Whitby.