With over 16 years’ experience in talent management, our sales negotiator Natalie has a knack for sealing a deal with fantastic communication skills and a highly organised approach. We’re delighted to have her on the team! Below, we ask Natalie about her negotiation style, advice for buyers scouting for a new home in South London and her favourite musical.
You live near Ruskin Park! What do you love about SE5?
I live in Herne Hill, a stone's throw from Ruskin Park. I love this little pocket of London because it equally cusps Camberwell, Dulwich & Brixton, and within a short walk I have access to all the great transport links, parks, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and pubs on offer. There is a strong community and village feel to the area - most of my immediate neighbours don't own cars because we have everything on our doorstep!
You used to work in talent management – what made you want to move into property?
I have always had a keen interest in property, interiors and the industry generally, however the decision for a career change was not clear cut - I knew I wanted a change in direction but the path was unclear. I then learnt that Suzanne was looking for someone to join the team at Urban Village and here I am.
What’s your approach when working with clients? Do you think your previous experience will have an impact on this?
My previous job was concerned with finding and providing clients with their chosen profession and therefore livelihood, this is homes, the roof over our heads. I draw many similarities, both fundamental necessities in life.
I think an interest in people, listening and understanding their wants and needs and an ability to have people trust in you enough to open their minds to new suggestions.
What do you think are the three attributes a good sales negotiator needs and why?
I think negotiation is probably an instinctive skill, the ability to just know how much room there is for movement in any deal and read how far people are prepared to be pushed or not. I would say integrity, knowledge and attention to detail are good attributes for any negotiator.
Why should buyers work with an independent estate agent like Urban Village rather than a bigger chain?
The independents, such as Urban Village will offer a more tailored and personal approach, hopefully you will experience a small friendly team of people in the office all able to help or assist with any ongoing business because there is more ownership of everything going on in the business as opposed to just one agent delegated to a property or client as can be the case in more corporate environments.
As you’ve worked in musical theatre, we had to ask: What’s your favourite musical and why?
Not sure I have a favourite musical, but I am loving In The Heights, at the moment (albeit the film version). Lin- Manuel Miranda is a genius and master of the contemporary musical, the authenticity is so palatable you can almost taste it, and the cast is amazing!
Tea or coffee? And where's the best place to get a cup in Denmark Hill?
Always tea first thing in the morning, coffee late morning, espresso after a meal and many cups of tea thereafter.... There are so many options for a good cuppa in and around SE5.
Want to sell your property but don’t know where to start? Natalie and the rest of the friendly team at Urban Village are here to help – our unparalleled knowledge of SE5 and its surroundings means we are in the best position to advise tenants, buyers and sellers. Get in touch today by calling 020 3519 9121 or email us at info@urbanvillagehomes.com.