Director of Property People Estate and Letting Agents in Northern Ireland, Colin Moran recently had the privilege of hosting an engaging interview with Iain McKenzie, the CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals. This interview provided valuable insights into The Guild and the benefits of being a Member of the network.

Moran began by asking McKenzie to introduce The Guild of Property Professionals. McKenzie explained that The Guild is a network comprising best-in-class independent estate agents across the UK, including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. With over 30 years of existence, The Guild carefully selects its Members, ensuring that they represent the kitemark of trust, integrity, and results.

He notes that Members of The Guild receive a wide range of tools and services that provide a commercial advantage to both sellers and landlords. “This association places strong emphasis on upholding ethics and professionalism through a shared code of conduct. The Guild's logo serves as a symbol of quality, and the importance of compliance and the delivery of exceptional results,” adds McKenzie.

Moran went on to inquire about the benefits of becoming a Member of The Guild. In reply, McKenzie says, “Being a Guild Member means having access to exclusive tools and services, including a referral system. This system enables Members to connect with potential buyers from other parts of the UK, a valuable advantage in a market where relocation is on the rise.”

He adds that The Guild also equips its Members with digital marketing tools and services, such as digital magazines, to enhance their communication with clients and expand their property reach. It's not just about being part of a network; it's about enhancing the customer experience and ensuring they get the best results.

The conversation turned to the significance of choosing a Guild member for the home buying public, landlords, and tenants. Moran emphasised that, with little regulation in the estate and letting agency business, it's crucial to opt for Guild Members known for their professionalism and adherence to high standards. McKenzie concurred, mentioning that The Guild has been recognised as the best estate agency network in the UK for three consecutive years based on customer reviews.

The Guild's code of conduct requires that Members behave ethically and professionally, and they undergo training programs that have received approval from authorities. McKenzie also shared that The Guild has been called upon by major institutions to provide expert insights on the market, further cementing its position as a leading body in the industry.

Shifting their focus to the Northern Ireland property market, Moran and McKenzie discussed its resilience and ability to withstand market pressures. They attributed this resilience to factors such as limited supply and demand, competitive pricing, consumer confidence, and an active market, particularly for properties priced under £200,000.

McKenzie acknowledged that Northern Ireland is gaining attention as a desirable place to live, given its beautiful surroundings and recent lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that Northern Ireland has held up better than other parts of the UK, highlighting the area's attractiveness to property buyers and investors.

Providing insights into the Northern Ireland property market's performance, Moran emphasised the impact of supply and demand and the region's value-for-money proposition. He discussed how consumer confidence has stabilised despite interest rate fluctuations and mortgage rate increases.

As the conversation continued, Moran asked about The Guild's future growth and impact in Northern Ireland. McKenzie expressed confidence in increasing public awareness and recognition of The Guild, strengthening the network, and further digitising services. He highlighted plans for national road shows and preparedness for potential regulatory changes, positioning Guild members as leaders in the industry.

Moran concluded the interview by highlighting the significance of choosing a professional and reputable agent for one's property needs and the value that The Guild membership brings to customers. He encouraged prospective sellers and buyers to look beyond price and focus on the quality and value of the service provided.

The interview shed light on the exceptional standards and benefits associated with being a Guild member and the organisation's commitment to professionalism and customer service. Property People Estate and Letting Agents, as a proud Guild member, continues to prioritise the highest standards of service and integrity in the industry.