Shropshire agent celebrates staff qualifying

Balfours are celebrating with two staff, who have passed their level three, “Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents” (CELA).

Ahead of the anticipated ROPA legislation (Regulation of Property Agents) which will require all property agents to be appropriately qualified, Lara Perkins and Cathrine Barre, both with Shropshire roots, have added the Rightmove CELA to their names; entitling them to hold Member status of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA).

Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton, says the qualification ensures that its holders are compliant, efficient and confident in their everyday agency work. “We are keen to ensure that the Balfours team understand and adhere to good practice, so this milestone not only ticks the box for us, but for ROPA too.

Lara Perkins, based in The Square, Shrewsbury has worked at Balfours for a year and a half, she was previously part of British Airways crew, says: “We support the agents, often taking calls and meeting clients, so it is important to have a full understanding of the complex house transaction process. We want to give clients and buyers the answers and reassurance they need during one of the most important sale or purchases they are likely to make.”

Cathrine, whose career began in sales, before joining Balfours lettings team three and a half years ago, now is based at Balfours Ludlow sales office with sales manager, Scott Kemsley. Cathrine says: “For clients, the sales journey can be filled with emotion and a bit of a roller coaster. We are here to provide them with the reassurance they need as it is a process we are dealing with every day, but most of our clients only make property transactions a handful of times in their lifetime.”

Alistair Hilton adds the level three CELA is well deserved: “Their achievements reflect Lara and Cathrine’s commitment to best practice, from legislation to client relationships, marketing and networking. When agents are out on location, having staff in the office who are competent and confident in their work is essential. We are very proud of them both.”

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