Derrymacash on the outer cusp of Lurgan is a place steeped in community spirit and it is there where Lurgan based Estate Agent and town centre familiar face Marc Fegan resides. Marc, originally from Craigavon started his educational journey St Anthony’s Primary School, before moving onto St Patrick’s in Armagh, and later to St Michaels in Lurgan, where his academic pursuits were illuminated by the captivating subject of Geography.
Amidst the youthful dreams of a professional football career that once ignited his passion, Marc’s path meandered, unveiling new horizons of purpose and fulfillment. As time’s gentle hand guided him through the labyrinth of self-discovery, Marc’s aspirations evolved, shaping a narrative that intertwines his essence with the tapestry of his ambitions.
Upon entering university, uncertainty clouded Marc’s path as he navigated through a computers course, yet an inexplicable pull towards the realm of property tugged at his aspirations. Opting to veer off the conventional route, Marc made a bold decision to embark on a career in the property industry, forsaking the completion of his degree. It was in this pivotal moment that clarity dawned upon him, illuminating the trajectory of his career pathway.
Speaking to UrbanABC, Marc says, “I quickly knew I wanted to gain as much experience as possible, so that someday I would open my own Estate Agents. My Uncle Declan was a successful business man and helped mentor me towards opening my own agency”.
Guided by the wisdom and mentorship of his Uncle Declan, Marc embarked on a transformative journey towards realising his entrepreneurial dreams. His tutelage and guidance served as the compass that steered Marc towards independence and achievement, laying the groundwork for the flourishing of his own agency.
Marc’s journey in the property industry has been a diverse tapestry, encompassing roles in sales, lettings, and property management. Transitioning between local independent Estate Agents and large corporate firms, each chapter of his career has been a stepping stone towards honing his craft and acquiring the expertise essential for the realisation of his entrepreneurial vision.
Through these varied experiences, Marc gleaned invaluable insights into the multifaceted landscape of the real estate realm, understanding that beyond bricks and mortar, the cornerstone of his profession lies in fostering genuine connections with people.
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that property is just one aspect of my job. The most important part is people. People buy people, so my focus is on delivering the best service possible to all of my clients, sellers, buyers, tenants and landlords. When people have a good experience, they tend to talk about it with their friends and family which in turn helps the business grow by word of mouth and gaining a great reputation in the industry”.
Navigating the intricacies of property sales unveils a dual process: the initial agreement of the sale and the subsequent journey to its fruition. The complexities escalate when dealing with chains that intertwine multiple properties, presenting a formidable challenge. Among Marc’s experiences, orchestrating a chain involving six properties stands out as the most demanding, requiring meticulous coordination and adept management to ensure a seamless progression towards closure.
Recalling the tricky situation Marc says; “There are a lot of people involved, and it is crucial to ensure you are in the middle of this organising, so that everything runs as smoothly as possible. None of this is possible without my amazing staff. You know what they say, behind every good man is three great women working alongside him in the office! (they told me to say that bit – but it is the truth!)
Marc admits that learning your trade is not easy and that without the know-how it’s certainly a road harder to trod. Offering advice to aspiring property agents, Marc says; “Be a sponge. No seriously, be a sponge. Listen to those around you, listen to those more experienced, gain as much knowledge as you possibly can. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help and always remember there is no such thing as a stupid question”.
But life is not all work for the Derrymacash man. Outside of work, Marc still harbors pitch ambitions. From being an active player in the Eire Og Senior football team to coaching the young talents of Eire Og U10.5’s, Marc’s passion for football continues to shine through his commitment and leadership on and off the field. Additionally, his involvement with the parent/teacher group FOSPA at St Patrick’s primary school, where his children are students, showcases his unwavering dedication to both education and community engagement.