Meet Jamie Crichton, a talented sales negotiator at Hannath Estate Agents in Portadown. Jamie, originally from Lisburn, attended the prestigious Lisnagarvey High School, just like his grandfather and father becoming the third generation to carry on this cherished family tradition. Jamie completed his GCSEs and A levels there, setting the stage for his future success.
After his time at Lisnagarvey, Jamie pursued his passion for real estate by earning his bachelor’s degree from Ulster University. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, he brings a fresh perspective to the world of property sales and negotiations, joining the team at Hannath Estate Agents in Portadown.
Inspiration and career beginnings
As a child, like many young boys Jamie’s dream was to become a professional footballer. While that dream may not have materialised, Jamie found joy and fulfillment in the amateur leagues. His love for the game continues to shine through, even as he excels in his career as a sales negotiator. With his friendly demeanor, strong work ethic, and passion for real estate, Jamie is a true asset to the Hannath Estate Agents team.
For many individuals, a passion for real estate is sparked by a particular moment or experience that ignites their interest in the industry. In Jamie’s case the journey towards a successful career in real estate began with a simple act of watching the popular TV show ‘A Place in the Sun’ alongside his mother. Witnessing the joy and fulfillment that estate agents brought to individuals and families during the process of buying or selling a home, Jamie found himself captivated by the idea of being a part of such a significant milestone in people’s lives.
So started his journey in the real estate industry. In July 2020 when Jamie joined Hannath Estate Agents as a full-time placement student. This opportunity provided him with invaluable professional work experience and allowed him to gain exposure to all four departments of the agency: sales, lettings, commercial, and professional services. During this time, Jamie honed his personal and professional skills, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
Building upon his placement experience, Jamie continued his employment with Hannath on a part-time basis while completing his final year at university. Armed with a 2:1 BSc degree in Real Estate, he set out to explore the commercial side of the industry, securing a position as a graduate surveyor at one of Belfast’s leading commercial property consultancies. In this role he worked in the management and agency department, managing a diverse portfolio for clients and representing landlords in their search for suitable tenants.
However, after nearly a year in the commercial sector, Jamie realised that his true passion lay in the residential side of real estate. Jamie missed the personal connections and customer interactions that come with assisting individuals in finding their ideal homes. This realisation led Jamie back to Hannath Estate Agents when the opportunity presented itself once again, allowing him to pursue his passion for residential real estate and forge lasting relationships with clients and purchasers.
“I enjoy the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the real estate market, as well as the opportunity to constantly learn and grow in this field. I am driven by the idea of creating positive and lasting relationships with clients and purchasers, making a meaningful impact in their lives” said Jamie.
Lessons learned
In the dynamic world of real estate, professionals often encounter unique challenges that require innovative thinking and proactive strategies to overcome. Jamie recounts a notable and challenging experience in his career which emerged when he faced difficulty selling a particular property.
Speaking to UrbanABC Jamie said “Despite various efforts with price reductions and additional marketing, the property remained on the market for an extended period. To tackle this, I took a proactive approach by reaching out to potential buyers interested in similar properties, which generated some momentum. Since the property was vacant, I advised my client to consider staging furniture to enhance its appeal, and this decision proved successful as the fresh photos with staged furniture attracted more attention and enquiries. Eventually, a couple offers were received, leading to a successful sale. This experience highlighted the importance of innovative thinking and proactive strategies in overcoming challenges”.
Jamie was able to navigate the obstacles and achieve a successful sale. This experience underscored the importance of thinking outside the box and taking proactive measures to tackle challenges in his chosen career.
“One piece of advice I would give to someone starting out in a career in real estate is to always prioritise building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals. Networking and making connections within the real estate industry can open up new opportunities for business and help you stand out in a competitive market. Additionally, providing excellent customer service and going above and beyond to meet the needs of your clients can lead to long-term success and referrals in the industry”.
Outside of the office
In the bustling world of work, finding time for personal pursuits and passions becomes essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Outside of the office environment Jamie don’s a pair of football boots playing for his local team Moira Albion FC. Football serves as a beloved pastime that not only ignites his competitive spirit but also fosters a sense of camaraderie within the club.
But being a part of Moira Albion FC extends beyond the thrill of the game. Jamie values the strong sense of community that permeates the club. Through shared victories and defeats, he has forged meaningful connections with teammates, creating bonds that extend beyond the football pitch.
Embracing these activities outside the office has allowed the young real estate trailblazer to unwind, connect with people, and embark on thrilling adventures along the way.