CAROLINE HARRISON Director, Jack Harrison Estates
Did you always envisage a career in property?
I actually started out in property, working in London where my parents are originally from. When I moved to the North East, I was working in property management for a few years before taking a break to study and work as a beauty therapist. However, when the opportunity to be a part of launching our own family business came about, it seemed the perfect time to get back into the property industry which is what I know best.
What attracted you to your current role?
As I say, it is a job that I have done on and off for the best part of 15 years so I have always been drawn to property on both the sales and the lettings side. The chance to be a part of our own family business was so exciting, I couldn’t wait to get started.
What changes have you seen in the market since you started?
We have seen so many ups and downs in the housing market since we opened in 2016 as well as a great deal of changing legislation on the lettings side. However, over the past few years, as everyone knows, the market has just gone crazy and there seems to be a real shortage of rental properties which is making it an exceptionally competitive market at present.
How would you advise people looking to rent property?
I would say to try to have a clear picture in your mind as to what you want and how much you are prepared to pay as it is easy to get swept up in what is such a competitive environment. Also, I’d suggest registering your rental requirements with agencies such as our own so that we can ensure that we keep you notified of any properties coming on to the market that meet your criteria.
Tell us the most exciting thing you’re currently working on?
We are always working on ways to improve our business and the ways that we service our clients. That never stops really. I’d have to say that at the moment, the most exciting thing we are working on is a bit of a refurbishment at the office which I am looking forward to having completed by the end of the year.
What’s your fondest memory of a career in the property industry?
I’d say the launch party of Jack Harrison Estates was pretty special. It was a lovely party with all of our friends and family and marked the start of what has proved to be so many exciting times ahead. We’ve also been fortunate enough to be nominated for and win several awards over the past few years which has felt like recognition for all of our hard work.
What are your career aspirations?
To be the best sales and letting agent in the North East. I know that that sounds ambitious given what a small company we are compared to most but I think that that is part of what enables us to offer such a good service. We are able to provide our customers with the service that we feel that they deserve because we are able to manage our stock volume.
Where’s the best place to live in the North East, and why?
I am slightly torn as Jack and I always lived in High Heaton and obviously work there too. It is such a great place for families and is so central for just about everywhere. However, we now live at the Coast which we also love because there is so much to do there. I’m going to call it a draw between the two!
What does the future hold for Jack Harrison Estates?
Just to focus on improving and growing our little business to make it the very best that it can be. It is also really important to Jack and I that the company continues to support the local community such as our ongoing sponsorship of The Heaton Hawks junior football teams. When not working, how do you like to relax? To be honest, I don’t get much time to relax but we both love spending quality time with our six year daughter, Mataya and our 11 year old pug, Elmo.
