Name Ian Thompson
Age 32
Where you live Rosetta? Belfast
Married to Shona
Children Rory, 14 months
Work for Michael Chandler Estate Agents
What brought you into the business?
I was working in sales in the construction industry and enjoyed the selling side of things, but found it a bit tedious. Estate agency appealed to me as I liked the variation — getting out and about to meet people, and I’ve always been passionate about houses.
Who has inspired you in the property world?
The people were I previously worked. It was an estate agency in Scotland. And when the market took a turn for the worst some people there lost their jobs. I realised the only way I could save my job was by being proactive and going the extra mile for clients. Michael Chandler has also been an inspiration — people thought he was mad to open an estate agency during a recession, but the business has gone from strength to strength.
What do you have sitting on your desk?
My Blackberry, my computer and usually a glass of water.
Downtime is?
Catching up with family and friends and watching Ulster play at Ravenhill on a Friday night.
Do you do lunch?
Yes — usually a quick sandwich on the go.
What qualifications do you think are essential for estate agency?
A good ear — listening to buyers and sellers is key to building good relationships and helping get deals agreed.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
It changed on a fairly regular basis!
If you could give it all up tomorrow, where in the world would you move to, and what would you do?
Bali — the weather is great and the people are so friendly. When I was there I met a local estate agent who said everyone fell in love with the place which made her job easier.
Any unfulfilled ambitions?
Lots — but I’ve got time on my side!
What is the most common misconception people have about estate agents?
That we’re all Del-Boy wheeler dealer types — we aren’t.
Your top tip for house-hunters is:
Speak to a mortgage advisor before going out to look at properties — you want to have a realistic idea of what your budget is.
