Homemaker EXTRA: Meet the Agent
01 Nov 2016

Name, position and how long you have been in the property industry
Julie Warburton, Sales Manager, Linden Homes North East. I have spent pretty much my entire working life in the industry having secured an administrative job with an estate agent after leaving college in 1986.

What sparked your interest in the property business?
It was through this first job I found that being involved in the process of buying and selling homes was fascinating and was curious about the wider industry. Once I got my first position in new home sales I knew it was the career for me and that’s what I’ve done for more than 20 years now.

What is the best advice you have ever received about property?
Not to let my heart rule my head. Make the choice for the right reasons and get a home which suits me best. You should also consider its potential for improvement and resale value.

And the worst?
Someone once told me “Buy the view – not the home. That can always be improved.” That’s fine if you know for certain that nothing else can be developed to block the view. Otherwise it’s a big risk and I know many people who’ve been disappointed when their beautiful view was blocked.

What should a prospective buyer or renter look for when choosing an agent or builder?
Reputation, followed by the quality of the build and the specification inside the home. Good customer service will also help make what is potentially a stressful time an enjoyable experience.

What are the three most important things people hoping to buy or rent should think about when looking at a home?
Location, both for value and proximity to their work, family and friend. Price - I suggest paying as much as you can afford, having considered mortgage repayments and running costs. And of course, the quality of the home in terms of build and specification.

Tell us a little about your company
Linden Homes is relatively new to the North East. Our aim is to improve the quality and choice of new homes available to buy by offering more square feet and higher levels of specification – in other words excellent value for money. We are currently building at The Aspens in Birtley, Mill Rise, Ponteland, Saint George, Morpeth and Trilogy I at Saltwell, Gateshead. A new development on the site of the former cottage hospital in Morpeth will be underway soon.

And about the team
We have a growing team - nine sales and marketing people currently - and our aim is to support buyers right through the process in order to make the experience as easy and pleasurable as possible. Buying a new home – especially a first home – is a big decision and it is important people know they can get good advice and assistance every step of the way.

Do you have a special or funny story to tell in relation to your job?
I was told this tale by a colleague and whilst I cannot be certain it’s absolutely true, she was a very reliable colleague: A couple first time buyers were moving from a rented house and the woman couldn’t get time off work. So she helped pack everything up, leaving instructions with her husband about which were for the new home and which were for the tip. Of course, he managed to get things the wrong way round and had to spend the evening rummaging around at the tip to recover their possessions.

Your contact details
Julie Warburton
0191 227 1000
julie.warburton@lindenhomes.co.uk
www.lindenhomes.co.uk/northeast

References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.