Buying agent Q&A, with Oxford Property Consulting’s Greg Thomson
The role of a buying agent can often be misunderstood.
While fundamentally a buying agent will work to source that dream property for a client using contacts which put them at the forefront of sellers’ minds, the role is multifaceted.
In almost all cases, local experience and knowledge is essential and will not only save buyers time but money too.
In our latest blog, we speak to Oxford Property Consulting’s Greg Thomson who shares his love for Oxfordshire, the qualities of a good of a good buying agent and provides market insights ahead of the general election on Thursday, July 4.
Experience
Raised in west Oxfordshire – home to picture postcard locations Burford, Kingham and Great Tew – Greg’s career started in an estate agency before joining Oxford Property Consulting in 2021.
The switch from estate agent to buying agent is perhaps different to what a homeowner might assume.
“As an estate agent you’re managing tens of different cases at any given time,” said Greg. “With other responsibilities thrown in, it’s challenging to dedicate the time you need to all your clients.
“As much as I personally love property, we at Oxford Property Consulting love people even more. Providing a role which people can’t fulfil themselves is rewarding, and that’s what we do as a buying agent.
“We build close, personal, bonds with our clients to help them find their dream property at the right price which they wouldn’t be able to source without our support.”
Communication, listening, understanding
Greg pinpointed three key qualities all good buying agents hold: communication, listening to clients and understanding.
“When we onboard a client, we work out their priorities,” said Greg. “We’re mindful moving home is one of life’s most stressful tasks, and it’s our role to replace the stress with genuine enjoyment.
“It’s why we never take on a client where there could be a direct conflict, and we always ensure at least two people can be assigned to one case.
“From identifying what a person is looking for in a property, to viewing, negotiation, conveyancing and picking up the keys – we’re there to provide frictionless support and advice at each step so everything progresses without hindrance.”
Living in Oxfordshire
The lure of Oxfordshire for homebuyers is often refined into four key areas:
- Access to quality education
- Easy access into the city from rural locations
- Choice of living a truly rural lifestyle
- Local culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle
“Oxfordshire enables a balance of so many worlds – which is why I love living and working here,” said Greg. “We’re effectively zone seven for travel in and out of London with 14 of the county’s train stations serving the city centre daily within an hour.
“We’re well linked to international airports, communities are friendly and welcoming and regardless if you’re an individual, family or in retirement age you’ll have all the mod cons you need.
“Oxfordshire provides that nice, friendly, pace of life which has shifted following the pandemic with a greater focus installed on prioritising people’s health and happiness – which our county supports.”
Opportunity in all seasons
With the UK going to the polls on Thursday, July 4, the impact outside influence has on the property market is present. But that’s nothing new, as Greg explains below.
“There will never be the perfect time to buy a property,” said Greg. “Outside influence will always impact the market, be it political uncertainty, world events or time of the year.
“What is certain is uncertainty breeds opportunity. In the short-term, a lot of sellers won’t want to list properties on the open market until they have that post-election clarity.
“We’d expect a busier autumn market as pent-up demand and hopefully supply is released. But that’s not to say opportunities and – crucially – value won’t be absent in the coming weeks.”