GAIL ATKINSON is director of Whitegates Estate Agency, in West Derby, where she has worked for 10 years.
She lives in Caldy, Wirral, with sons Ben, 13, and Ross, nine.
6am: My alarm goes off and I have a glass of water, throw on my gym gear and train for 40 minutes, either by running, rowing or resistance training, depending on what day it is. It would be true to say I am a little bit addicted to exercise, as I used to compete in triathlons. Cycling is my best discipline.
6.45am: It’s time for a shower and to get dressed and put my make-up on. As I can be in a number of locations in a day, I go for smart and classic yet comfortable.
7.30am: Breakfast time with my two gorgeous sons, Ben and Ross, and their nanny. I feel it is important to sit with them every morning and talk to them about their day ahead.
8am: I leave for the office, which is based in the middle of West Derby in Mill Lane.
8.45am: Arrive at the office. There are currently five of us in the team. Between us, we have more than 60 years’ of experience.
9am: Morning meeting with the staff to discuss any new instructions from the previous day. This is where I feel I can explain the needs of the vendors. The staff also discuss offers on properties we have had, and any letting applications.
10am: Start of appointments, usually on the hour every hour. They could be valuations, viewings or letting opportunities. Today’s first instruction was a two-bed second-floor apartment in Gorse Hey (just off Queens Drive) that has come on at a good price of £80,000 – already it’s getting a lot of interest.
1.30pm: Grab some lunch and read over the newspapers. I spot a story on Home Information Packs (HIPs) and the new regulations, which can now cause delays as the Government insist homeowners must have, rather than just have ordered, their HIP before they can put up a for sale sign.
2pm: I am showing potential tenants around three properties with a view to rent. I explain to the tenants that we, as agents, act as the landlord, but that dedicated personnel deal with all repairs and maintenance issues.
5pm: Check my emails – there are usually hundreds of them. I have received a nice email from one of the staff about a new instruction from yesterday. It has got an agreed sale on it already, within less than 24 hours – who said nothing is selling?
6pm: Start journey home while listening to my favourite album at the moment, by Beyoncé. I may even sing along.
6.45pm: Arrive at home to have dinner with the boys and catch up on their day, Ben played in the rugby final in school today and scored the winning try. Ben is fortunate to play for Cheshire – rugby is his life.
9pm: Once the boys are in bed, I chill out watching a bit of TV and then read a bit of Adored, by Tilly Bagshawe. I then start thinking about the next day and what it has in store.
