News
In the Loop - May 08
The movewithus Interview
19 May 2008
Each month, we’re going to be sharing the thoughts of one of our agent, developer or lender partners on the state of the property industry and their thoughts for the future. This month, it’s Lynne Hartshorn, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey, in the hot seat.
movewithus: Is this the worst market you have ever experienced? Why?
Yes. Normally there is a downturn in the market and it hardens and prices invariably reduce. Now we also have the problem of the mortgage market with multiples, rates and valuations all contributing to the situation. The media is also constantly talking the housing market down. There seems to be an hour long programme on TV every night with someone going across the country finding horror stories about the market and taking polls from consumers in the street.
movewithus: If Gordon Brown and Mervyn King could wave their magic wands, what would you wish for?
More fixed rates on mortgages with banks and building societies working together for their customers. A special deal for first time buyers would encourage more to buy as they are finding it very difficult without help at the moment. This would unlock the bottom of chains, making the sales process start to move forward again.
movewithus: If you were boss of Taylor Wimpey for a day, what would you change?
Make everyone spend a week in sales. In this market everyone suddenly becomes a sales expert and begins to tell you how to sell your product and what you should be doing to achieve a sale… which is really annoying!
movewithus: OK, here’s a controversial one; movewithus – saints or sinners?!
Bit of both really. We have to remember that the best results come when we work closely together. Overall the service and results are good… and in this market I wouldn’t be without movewithus!
movewithus: … OK, not too bad. And now the $64,000 question – how do you think the market will turn in the future?
The market will be difficult for the next 2 or 3 years with prices levelling out during this period. Buying property will always be an investment but in some markets it may be more long term than short term. Consumers will have to use their heads and not their hearts to ensure they are paying a fair market price.
