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WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO BE BSPC
BSPC People . . . who’s in-house? Each issue we get to know a BSPC professional from one of BSPC’s member firms and this week we are speaking to - Suzanne Smith from Hastings & Co Tell us about your role within Hastings & Co? I am a property valuer based in our Kelso office. I cover Kelso, the surrounding area and Berwickshire so I travel the countryside carrying out valuations and ultimately bring new properties to the market which includes taking the photos and preparing sales particulars. When I’m not out and about I work in the main property shop office so get to deal with enquiries from the public and arrange viewings etc.
How long have you worked with the firm? I have worked at Hastings & Co for almost 10 years!!
What do you enjoy most about your job? I get to meet lots of different people from all backgrounds so no two days are the same . . . not to mention I get to look at a lot of nice properties. I also still get that sense of achievement when we agree a deal on a property and I think the other girls in the office would agree with me, especially when it’s been a tricky one to negotiate or when it’s taken a while to come to fruition . . . it’s always nice when things come good and our selling clients appreciate our hard work and efforts. What keeps you busy when you’re not at the office? I have my own horse and regularly compete so that takes up most of my spare time. I also like to keep fit so play squash and also do a bit of running . . . in a fashion! Where’s your favourite place in the Borders? I was born & brought up in Coldstream and some of my family still live there so I like to spend time there, there are lots of lovely walks along the River Tweed and around the Hirsel. Tell us about your home or dream home? My partner and I are just finishing renovating our cottage so we have done that up to our own tastes but my ideal home would be a traditional property in the country with a few acres and some stables. What would be your ideal holiday? I have always wanted to go on Safari.
What’s your greatest achievement? I represented my local riding club at the national championships near Lincoln a few years ago in the show jumping team. We didn’t win but I was pretty chuffed that we got to the championships. Name two things you can’t live without? Family & friends. What’s your favourite Borders eatery? I love to eat out so there are a few but I do like the Border at Kirk Yetholm. Who is your favourite author/ artist or designer? I like a good girly book and have read the whole Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. What’s playing in your car right now? In the car its usually Radio Borders or Radio 1, I do like Radio Borders for their competitions, although I’m yet to win anything.
What natural talent would you like to have? I’d love to be able to sing . . . as it is I’m tone deaf.