Today we’re talking to Claire Russell, co-founder and director of Domus Holmes Property Finder, an independent property finding consultancy and property investment company. Claire shares why a buying agent isn’t just for Christmas (or just for the rich and famous) and why Blue Peter will always hold a special place in her heart.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Fish.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

My cat and the builder outside my bedroom window.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

It has its place. I can’t help noticing that the younger generation on social media are coming across as quite entitled with a need to be spoonfed information and opportunities. I see some fairly basic questions being asked in the Facebook groups I belong to, and a lot of quite direct career requests being asked on LinkedIn. Show some initiative!

#4. Kindles or books?

I really love proper books but I’ve travelled extensively and lived in other countries so I’ve swapped now to a Kindle.

#5. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Changing the perception of using a buying agent. Nowadays, it can be difficult to find a place to live – there’s a huge supply shortage, high prices etc, so why not seek the assistance and expertise of a buying agent? They’re not just for the rich and famous. In the US for example, property finders are the norm.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A Blue Peter presenter.

#7. What led you to your current career?

I was a property lawyer so I always had that passion. I took a year out from my law firm and worked in a private family business. I saw how my billionaire boss had made his money through property and was totally inspired by his journey.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Feed me fish.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Six fish on a dish – best said with a Kiwi accent.

#10. What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say take chances while you’re young and have enough time to recover if it all goes wrong.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Actually, it’s been the cumulative effects of a million small things.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

The decision to work for myself.

#13. Go girl. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My very patient partner.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Decide what to wear the night before.

#15. Like that. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I’d love to see more of an uptake on buyers using property finders.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I’d just left a City law firm and was setting up Domus Holmes Property Finder – to the day!

#17. Kismet! What’s an interesting fact about your company?

Our HR manager is a cat.

#18. Okeydokes. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

My dad.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Fun.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Here you go.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Oh, nobody is springing to mind!

#22. We’ll just put yours down then. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

If you fall seven times you get up eight. It’s a Japanese proverb.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

A tough gym session to clear away the cobwebs.

#24. Finally, anything to plug?

There is an increased number of first-time buyers coming into a tough market so we have put together a special service at a special rate just for them (available until the end of September). Email info@domusholmes.co.uk or visit our contact page here.

Who should we interview next?

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