I am absolutely honored (and a bit starstruck!) to be introducing Samantha-Scott White as our latest Countryside Conversation series where we interview talented, incredible women with a love for the countryside. Sam is a residential property finder and sourcing agent covering The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire & Wiltshire. If you take a look at her Instagram, you will immediately be drawn into an incredible world of stunning properties and behind the scenes looks into Sam's world of finding and sourcing. I remember quickly finding @cotswold_buying_agent after starting Sea to Skye's Instagram account, and it is by far one of my favorite accounts still to date. I so enjoyed learning more about Sam's incredible business and I think you will too. Enjoy!
Q. How did you get into the profession you're in? My mother was a property developer and so the interest in property started from an early age. After university, I started on the selling side in property estate agency in London and then moved the Cotswolds where I continued with this. I learnt so much, but also realised that the seller is represented by the estate agent but the buyer really doesn’t have anyone to help them through the red tape that buying a house can create. I then decided, nearly 14 years ago, to move across to the buying side to start representing the buyers.
Q. What does a typical day in your profession look like for you? There is no typical day as such, every day is different, and definitely not 9-5! I generally have daily contact with the property agents, the solicitors and surveyors to book viewings, conveyancing, surveys and chase contracts. In high season I can view between 4-6 houses a day. Viewing houses, particularly off market houses, sending the details to my clients, and keeping in constant touch with them is key.
Q. What has been one of your favourite Cotswold experiences?The Cotswolds are teeming with fantastic experiences. I love a spa day at Calcot Manor; then to clear the cobwebs and take in the best vista across the rolling landscape is to walk along the Cotswold Way. The Cotswold Show is always another family favourite, held in Cirencester. Then to finish off the day, a delicious supper at The Bell in Sapperton. These are just some of my top favourites though, as the list really is endless!
Q. What has been one of the biggest challenges of having your own business? There are many challenges I think, particularly at start up; have I made the right decision? Will I get the clients? Will I be able to give them the best service and maintain that high level of service?
Managing expectations is key. There are always highs and lows but as my business has taken off there are certainly many more highs!
Q. What's one of your biggest success stories? My biggest successes have always been when buying a house where there has been very intense interest from other parties and using my expertise, knowledge and negotiating skills we win the client the house!
Q. How do you define success? For me, success is happy clients! I get a lot of client recommendations and referrals, which are a great element to success and I also get clients coming back for repeat business. Happy clients, happy me!
For more inspiration from Samantha Scott-White of the Cotswold Buying Agent, follow her on Instagram @cotswold_buying_agent.
