Voices in Property - Vivienne Harris

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Vivienne Harris MD and Owner of Heathgate Residential Estate Agents shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

What are you most proud of in your career? 

Building a successful, trusted and current expanding business on reputation and recommendation. 35 years and still going strong.

First property job and how you got it? 

At the time when I started looking into a career, estate agency seemed an ideal opportunity and Glentree Estates had recently opened. I followed them and their progress and thought that I would love to work for them when the starting my career. At that time, it was really hard to get into residential sales as a woman and having gone to approximately 25 interviews I had not secured a role. I phoned a friend at Glentree who said that if I got 3 months experience in estate agency he would see if he could get me an interview and the company didn’t take on juniors. A few weeks later having still not found a job, an advert appeared in a newspaper that said experienced or non-experienced junior negotiator required – I jumped onto the phone, arranged an interview and got the job! I stayed with them until I opened Heathgate 12 years later. 

What motivates you? 

My wonderful clients, many of whom have become friends, who trust that I will provide good service and look after their interests – which I do.

Best advice for preparing for an interview? 

Do your homework about the company, understand what motivates them, dress smartly, be on time neither early or late and answer honestly. If you don’t know an answer, say so, don’t try to be too clever!! 

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? 

Be more confident about your ability and stand your ground. 

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you? 

There are many, but as a leader Margaret Thatcher love her or hate her, she led from the top and was strong. Richard Branson for his beautifully presented self-promotion. The late Queen for her unwavering poise and serene navigation during difficult times. 

Your best deal? 

Selling a large house in Hampstead Garden Suburb. For various reasons the property could not be viewed internally, and I was given the remit to sell the house, as were three other agents. We each produced a buyer, so the pressure was on. My buyer and I came up with a solution to get ahead of the pack, which was to send the exchange monies to the vendors solicitors with a covering note offering full asking price, even though no contract had been issued. The vendor was impressed with the speed and ingenuity of the approach and exchanged contracts with the buyer 24 hours later. 

What’s your favourite restaurant? 

Whilst I enjoy the atmosphere and ambience of the many of the central London famous eateries, I truly prefer my two local restaurants one that serves Italian and the other Turkish food where the service is friendly, the food great and the cost reasonable. 

Apple or Android? 

Apple

About Heathgate Residential Estate Agents

Find out more about Heathgate here and connect with Vivienne Harris here.

Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.

Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.