32 Years of Property Experience: Jo Hall of Hallways
Buying or selling a home is rarely just a transaction. Behind every move there is usually a reason — a growing family, a change in circumstances, a first step onto the property ladder or the decision to downsize.
For Jo Hall of Hallways, understanding the story behind the property is just as important as putting it on the market.
Jo recently delivered the Feature Presentation at BNI Surrey Hills, sharing some of the experience she has gained during more than 32 years working in residential property.
Property Experience From Every Angle
Jo entered the property industry at just 18, initially working with a development company.
Since then, she has built up experience across virtually every aspect of residential property, including property auctions, buying and selling, refurbishment, refinancing, valuations, marketing, viewings and progressing transactions through to completion.
Property also runs in the family.
Jo’s father was a builder, meaning she grew up around building sites and property development long before it became her profession.
That background has given her what she describes as a 360-degree view of property.
It means that when something unusual appears during a sale, Jo can often draw on decades of experience to help find a practical solution.
More Than Simply Listing a Property
One of the main themes of Jo’s presentation was that selling a property successfully requires more than uploading photographs to the major property portals and waiting for enquiries.
When properties have been sitting on the market for several months, sometimes a different approach is needed.
That may involve reviewing the price and presentation of the property, looking at alternative marketing opportunities, working with other trusted property professionals or identifying buyers through existing networks.
Jo also works collaboratively with other estate agents and property professionals where doing so could help achieve the best outcome for the client.
For homeowners thinking about selling later in the year, Jo recommends planning ahead.
For example, having professional photographs taken while the weather is still bright can make a considerable difference to the way a property looks online. Those photographs can then be retained until the homeowner is ready to put the property onto the market.
Understanding Today's Property Market
Jo also discussed the current residential property market and the challenges experienced during the past couple of years.
Different sections of the market are behaving very differently.
Family homes in the middle of the market can remain relatively stable, while flats and some higher-value properties can prove more difficult to sell.
For some owners of flats, renting the property temporarily may therefore be an alternative worth considering rather than accepting a price significantly below expectations.
Jo also believes that the current market may create opportunities for buyers and property investors prepared to take a longer-term view.
First-time buyers are one area Jo particularly enjoys helping.
For parents in a position to assist children financially, helping them onto the property ladder can potentially provide an opportunity to buy while market conditions are favourable.
Every family’s circumstances are different, however, which is why professional financial and legal advice should always form part of that decision.
Solving Difficult Property Problems
Jo’s experience becomes particularly valuable when a transaction is anything but straightforward.
During her presentation she highlighted a case involving a property with only around 35 years remaining on the lease.
Rather than allowing the short lease to prevent the sale, Jo coordinated negotiations directly with the freeholder and helped structure the transaction so that payments relating to the lease could be dealt with at completion.
The result was a successful sale at a strong price.
Jo is also happy to provide initial advice to homeowners dealing with lease extensions or freeholder-related issues and can help them understand the possible options available.
A Personal Approach to Property
Jo works closely with her longstanding colleague Lucy, who has worked alongside her since she was 16, while junior team member Jake has recently joined the business.
Together they provide a highly personal service focused on finding solutions rather than simply processing transactions.
That approach is reflected in the testimonials Jo receives from landlords, sellers and buyers.
Her clients have included overseas landlords, first-time buyers, families dealing with complicated moves and homeowners facing difficult leasehold situations.
For Jo, some of the most rewarding transactions are those where she can help someone through a situation that initially appears difficult.
Who Would Jo Like to Meet?
The ideal introduction for Jo is someone considering a move who would appreciate experienced, practical property advice.
That could include:
- A family that needs a larger home.
- Someone looking to downsize.
- A homeowner going through separation or divorce.
- A first-time buyer trying to understand the market.
- A landlord considering their options.
- Someone struggling to sell a flat.
- A homeowner whose property has been listed with an estate agent for several months without selling.
- Someone dealing with a difficult leasehold or freeholder situation.
Even if someone is only considering selling, Jo is happy to have an informal conversation and provide an initial market appraisal.
After more than three decades in residential property, there are very few situations Jo hasn’t encountered before.
And sometimes, finding the right solution starts with simply having a conversation with someone who understands the market from every angle.
About Hallways
Hallways provides experienced residential property advice and support, helping homeowners, buyers and landlords navigate the property market.
Jo Hall brings more than 32 years of residential property experience and combines extensive market knowledge with a practical, proactive and highly personal approach.
To find out more about Jo Hall and Hallways, speak to Jo at a BNI Surrey Hills meeting or arrange a one-to-one to discuss your property requirements.