SOLD!

When did you set up?
In January 2006, and have had over 12 years working in the Estate Agency industry working with other agents.

Why did you set it up?
I had been in estate agency work for a long time and plucked up courage to set up on my own. I was determined to offer house sellers and buyers in the Barry area an unrivalled level of personal service based on professionalism, integrity and local market knowledge.

Why did you choose Broad Street?
It’s the newest place to be amongst the hustle and bustle of the café quarter of Barry and we’re in an original building with its own car park, which is a must if anyone knows High Street!

Tell us about the building.
It was built in 1800 for the London and Provicial Bank I believe.

How many staff do you employ?
Five plus myself. Helen and Diane have years of experience and we all worked together in another local estate agent. Helen deals mostly with sales chasing and is currently on maternity leave.

Diane is in charge of the smooth running of all administration. Paula is my sales negotiator whose background is holistic therapy - great for calming any irate customers!

Vicci is my newest member of staff. She has over five years estate agency experience and has quali fications recognised by the NAEA.

Last but not least Rob, my husband.

What role does Rob play at work and how did this come about?
Rob is a multi tasker, in charge of accounts, is my top salesman and extremely patient! He had a major career change a year ago and left his job specialising in chimneys to working with women!

What range of houses do you offer?
Prices range from £79,950 to half a million. Clients may be investors, first time buyers or families.

What do you think Nina Estate Agents provide that other estate
agents don’t?
Patience, support plus friendly and reliable service during what can often be a traumatic time.

What is your unique selling point?
Staff with local experience, and every one of our properties are advertised in the newspaper every week.

What can sellers do to help their homes sell?
Leave a key with us for any unexpected last minute viewings, be realistic on price and have a clean front door!

What do you like about living in Barry?
I love Barry - I wouldnt want to live anywhere else. I feel happy and safe being around the people that I have grown up with.

My great great grandfather who was a seafarer, docked in Barry from a small island in Greece called Tinos, met a girl and moved to the town. The Foscolo family is one of the oldest in Barry. They had one of the very first taxi companies and a men’s outfitters in Thompson Street.

Another thing I love is the Knap beach. It’s fantastic and my family and I enjoy ourselves by taking a dip in the sea.

The style of my home is...
Very retro and minimalist! I am a bleach fanatic and have endless bottles randomly placed in various corners of my house!

If you weren’t an estate agent, what would you be?
An agony aunt, as you often need to deal with the three D’s - death, divorce and debt, when selling a house.

Do you have any secret talents?
Skipping, as I skip very fast, hoola hooping and, believe it or not, I can plaster walls very smoothly!

Favourite way to spend Sunday?
Dropping my children to their various activities like rugby and dancing, then cooking for my family! It’s the only day that I properly see my mum whom I adore. She always says she needs an appointment to see me as I am so busy!

All your money goes on?
Clothes... I do love buying clothes!

The most recent item I bought for my home was?
Red leather settee, and fitted wardrobes.

What’s your favourite food?
It would have to be crispy duck wrapped in pancakes and hoi sin sauce.

My philosophy is...
Life can unexpectedly stop at any time, so enjoy it and live life to the full!

The best life lesson I’ve learned is...
Judge everyone the same, regardless of age or background and always be a good listener.

Best business decision you’ve made?
1. Buying such a grand building to use as an office.
2. Setting up business on my own.
3. Having my husband working with me as its great to spend most of my day with him (aah!).
4. Having fab staff, we’re a really good team and also very good friends which customers often comment on.