Welcome to our first edition of 5 minutes with, where we’re taking a break with Samantha Aitken, the sales manager at Bensons Estate Agents. Sam joined Bensons in August 2015 having spent 10 years working in customer service.
Hi Sam, so tell us what does your job at Bensons Estate Agents involve?
I’m involved in everything in the sales process from listing new properties, meeting the owners and liaising with viewers. I’m also responsible for uploading new properties to our website and portals like RightMove. I’m the contact between the seller and purchaser of the property and work with solicitors to help negotiate offers.
And, what do you enjoy most about your job?
No two day are the same which is great! I enjoy getting to know the owners and the purchasers of the properties. I’m often helping people take the next, or possibly first, step onto the property ladder and it’s a great feeling helping people achieve their dreams.
If you weren’t working in the estate agency world, what would be your dream job?
That’s a tough question, but I’d have to say owning my own coffee shop as I’m a keen baker and would love to bake my own food.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
When I’m off work I love baking! Most of my time is spent either at the gym, socialising with friends or baking. I often bring my baking into the office for the team to test it – they’re my guinea pigs!
First time buyers are coming back into the market. Are you noticing the changes at Bensons?
Definitely. The low mortgage rates are helping first time buyers come back into the market sooner. With a 5% deposit, buyers can obtain a mortgage of 95% of the value of their property and because interest rates are low it can often be more affordable than renting. It’s a great time for first time buyers to enter the market. Our in-house mortgage advisor, Lorraine, has mentioned the upturn in first time buyer enquiries too.
What do you think makes Bensons stand out from other estate agents?
Bensons is an independent, family-run business which focusses on providing excellent customer service. At Bensons our clients are not just a number – we get to know them personally and try our utmost to help them throughout the process.