Time for a cuppa? 5-Minutes with Charlotte Micallef

Charlotte Micallef is the Senior Manager at Beresfords’ branch in Upminster. We spoke with her to learn more about her role, her journey into estate agency, and her advice for anyone considering a move to the Upminster area.

As Senior Branch Manager, I oversee the day-to-day running of the Upminster office. My role is incredibly varied, from carrying out market appraisals and client care calls to managing listings, sales progression, and negotiating offers. I also keep a close eye on figures, exchanges, and completions to make sure everything runs smoothly. At the heart of it all, my focus is ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way.

I’ve always had a real passion for property and houses. What drew me into estate agency was the chance to make a difference, whether that’s helping someone find their dream home or supporting families through more challenging times, such as probate sales.

I was once told: “A house is most people’s biggest asset” and “always treat clients the way you would want to be treated yourself.” That’s stuck with me throughout my career and shaped how I work with people.

Without a doubt, it’s helping people move into their dream home. There’s nothing quite like handing over the keys and seeing the excitement and the smile on their faces.

Go for it! Estate agency is fast-paced, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. The buzz you get from selling a property and seeing the joy it brings to clients is something you can’t really put into words.

Upminster is a very busy and desirable market at the moment. We’re seeing plenty of activity and strong interest from buyers.

Currently, it’s very much a buyer’s market. We’re seeing longer chains being built as people look to secure the right property, which makes careful negotiation and communication more important than ever.

Yes, Kings Green in Upminster is especially sought after right now. It’s a prestigious development offering some truly stunning homes, and it’s attracting a lot of interest from buyers looking for high-quality living in the area.

You can read about the best places to live in Upminster here.

Some people expect a stereotypical estate agent, a salesman in a three-piece suit, to turn up at their door. I think they’re often pleasantly surprised when it’s me instead! It reminds people that estate agency is about being approachable, relatable, and genuinely on hand to help.

My top tip would be to get your finances organised before you start viewing. Speak with a broker, such as Flagstone, and make sure you have your Agreement in Principle in place. It puts you in the strongest position to secure the property you want.

Start by speaking with a mortgage advisor to understand your finances, and get solicitor quotes early on so you’re ready to move when a buyer comes along. Presentation is also key so tidy and declutter your home to make it look its best for marketing photos and viewings. First impressions really do count.