Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2021

An interview with Wilsons Auctions

This month, we caught up with Dave Pennick, Corporate Services at Wilsons Auctions to discuss his idea of a perfect home and top tips for working in the property sector.

 

Tell us about yourself

Dave Pennick Corporate Services at Wilsons Auctions, Northern Ireland

My career has always been in customer-facing roles and I moved to property about 10 years ago. With both buyers and sellers, I try to manage their expectations and deliver the best possible outcome. The sale of a home or asset requires consideration, good presentation and an understanding of who the next owner will be and how they will finance their new dream home.

 

Tell us about Wilsons Auctions

Wilsons Auctions is the leading provider of premium asset advisory and remarketing services across the UK and Ireland. In addition to its industry leading auction and valuation services, Wilsons Auctions combines a multi-disciplinary team of advisory experts who encompass valuation, insolvency, logistics, asset/property securing, marketing and IT specialists, and who, as a team, can consult on behalf of a wide variety of clients with the same tailor-made precision that has become synonymous with Wilsons Auctions.

Conducting over 3,000 auctions annually across the group, Wilsons Auctions offers a wide range of land and property, providing an all-round, hassle-free property experience from start to finish. Wilsons Auctions offers up to seven Land and Property Auctions each month across the group.

 

Describe your typical day

Each day is hugely varied. When it comes to auctions, preparation is the key! All eyes are on the auction however behind the scenes most of the work that goes into bringing land and property to auction is completed by the day of the auction. On a day-to-day basis I manage valuations for Receivers, Asset Managers, and private vendors, organise viewings for interested buyers of properties entered into the upcoming auctions and speaking to prospective buyers to give them a better understanding of the auction process and why the property is now being offered under a conditional contract.

 

Why do customers choose Wilsons Auctions?

The contracted process at auction is used primarily when a property has issues with its condition or title and will not sell under Private Treaty. They would not meet mortgage criteria as issues would normally include having no kitchen, no heating or no right of way to the land or property if it is in a rural location.

 

For those looking to relocate, why choose Northern Ireland?

I arrived in Northern Ireland in 1963 from more exotic parts and have never thought of leaving! Two hours from Belfast will have you in the lakes of Fermanagh or even less to visit the stunning North Antrim Coast - there is both culture and scenery to engage everyone. A great education system, coupled with great healthcare and plenty of opportunity, the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a substantial number of returnees from the large conurbations in the UK. 

When it comes to new employment opportunities, most people in Northern Ireland have the advantage of moving house due to choice as it is so accessible, rather than having to relocate which would be more common in Great Britain due to its geographical size.

 

What is next for the property market in your area?

The Northern Ireland property market is recovering from the heady heights of 2007-8 but the impact of the pandemic and Brexit has seen the level of new instructions fall. Also, in Northern Ireland, unlike the rest of the UK, there is more of a desire to move rather than the need to move, due to the geographical size.

The pandemic has seen an increase in demand for ‘holiday homes’ both in rural and coastal locations, which we attribute to the fact that the demand of international holidays may be reduced in favour of staycations.

 

What charities do you support in your local area?

In the early days of the pandemic’s lockdowns, Wilsons Auctions organised ‘A Bid for Kindness’ auction for a range of local NI charities and just recently, another auction for the Mayor of Newtownabbey, which raised over £12,500 which will be shared with two local charities. Personally, Save the Children and World Wildlife Fund would my personal choices.

 

If you became the Housing Minister for a day, what would you change?

I would ensure that all renovations to the current stock of housing is free of VAT, create tax advantages for repurposing buildings within urban/city centre locations and ensure that cladding of buildings are fire-safe and all stairwells are fitted with sprinklers and smoke control systems.

 

Can you give six tips for anyone who wants to work in the property sector?

Dave Pennick at Wilsons Auctions in Northern Ireland

Tip 1

People buy people first!

Tip 2

Be honest and know your product, or property in this case.

Tip 3

Say thank you to your colleagues and clients as often as possible.

Tip 4

See every day as a school day - we are never too old to learn.

Tip 5

Make sure you have five good working days out of six!

Tip 6

Smile!

 

What makes the perfect home for you? 

Hmm… I like- no, love property. I admire all types of homes and property, but I personally have a simple raison d'être – it has to be warm and cosy.

 

Do you have any news you would like to share?

Wilsons Auctions is a proud Member of The Guild of Property Professionals and proud to work with our professional colleagues. I fully support the need for all property people to have the level-three qualification and I am looking forward to getting mine!

 

Learn more about the Level-Three Agency Qualification offered to Members of The Guild.

 

Contact us

Find out more about the products, services and support we provide to our Guild Members here or email parklane@guildproperty.co.uk for more information regarding membership to The Guild of Property Professionals.

 

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Read What Our
Customers Say

I can't speak more highly of the team at Homesearch. When I met Michael to discuss the sale of my home instantly from that meeting, I could tell how knowledgeable they were. From that moment until closing, everything went absolutely flawless. This experience of selling went without a hitch with them giving great tips on preparing my home for viewings. Thank you. I really appreciate all your help during this process. I highly recommend Homesearch to any person who is looking to sell their home or buy a new home.

Loretta Barrett, Seller

I started with two very well known real estates, but I hated it. I was simply another number to them and I didn't feel they were honest and transparent. With HomeSearch I felt comfortable that they were on my side and they were always available to help. The process is hard enough, so having a team who supports you can make such a difference. Highly recommend.

Arian Barvarz, Seller

The reason we chose Homesearch to sell our property was that we liked the straightforward, no-nonsense approach of both Anna and Michael. They gave an honest appraisal of our property and a clear idea of what we could expect to sell it for. In fact, the offer we accepted exceeded our expectations. The sale took longer than we would have liked, due to delays caused by the buyers' solicitor, but Michael was tenacious and must have worn his phone out keeping everyone informed of progress.

Nicola Watson, Seller

Homesearch are hands down the best agent I have ever worked with ! The team helped me in an extremely complex sale. Without the knowledge and experience of the whole team, my sale would not have completed. I dont normally write reviews, only when they are truly deserved. An exceptional team! Very kind and personable, reliable & trustworthy.

Leslie John, Seller

My experience with Homesearch is that they are professional, friendly and go above and beyond to ensure that something stressful like selling a house runs as smoothly and stress free as possible. They work hard to get the results and have kept me updated throughout the process. I honestly could not recommend them enough, they are easily the best company I’ve dealt with in the buying/selling houses field. And to top it all off, they always answer the phone in the most pleasant tone and always provide service with a smile.

Chanelle Hunte, Seller

Homesearch are PROFESSIONALS. I sold my property through Homesearch and I have not dealt with a more competent agency. Every single person  dealt with knew exactly what they were talking about and I can tell that they all have knowledge in the industry and were not just picked up from the street. From the get go I was impressed and I will certainly do business with them again.

Paul Hobbs, Seller

Many thanks Homesearch for locating professional corporate tenants for my property. I am very happy with your property management service as you always ensure that the tenants give the property back in good order at check out. Five Stars!

Maria Foran, Landlord

I have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional service I have received from Homesearch. They have removed all the stress & hassle of renting my property and dealt with all manner of situations I would have struggled with in such a professional & courteous manner. They give valuable unbiased advice with such a wealth of experience. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly & helpful. Homesearch let and managed my property and I am very happy with their property management services, they are very knowledgeable.

Paula Carter, Landlord

Homesearch always do what they say they will do. They are efficient and raise any issues early and provide options to resolve them. Homesearch is very  easy to get hold of and talk to, no matter where I am in the world! My property is well looked after, regarding tradesmen, replacement of items swiftly etc. with the minimum of fuss.

David Connells, Landlord

From our first viewing right through to the present, Home Search were brilliant. They helped make the whole process quick and stress free and even now we are in and settled, they are still happy to assist us with any queries we may have. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Julie Maney

Home Search helped us move into our new flat smoothly and Tim was always happy to provide help to put our nerves at ease. Arranging a viewing was easy and Home Search were happy to open after hours for us to sign the paperwork. They were very helpful and often would offer to help! Having moved in we received a lovely card and they have always been swift in communicating with Usif we have any questions. Would recommend it.

Will Houghton

Michael and his team were simply amazing!! They helped us to find the perfect house, offering a nice and attentive service from the beginning through to the end. Thank you so much!! 5 stars service. Highly recommended!!!

Giordana Sicali

Very helpful and friendly staff. Tim, Michael and the team Made the whole renting experience easier.

Amol Sinare

I had a very difficult situation as I did not have a guarantor and my dad was earning enough but was not a homeowner. It took a about 3 weeks but Michael sorted it all out in the end and my dad became my guarantor. I got a lovely home and all the staff were very helpful including Paris, Zainab and Tim. Thank you all very much! Would recommend them to anyone

Misti Chakraborty

On behalf of myself, Noa & Niamh, we would like to start off by saying a massive thank you for the amazing service Home Search Ltd provided us with, especially highlighting the work of Clorissa. Within a week we were able to sign, seal and move into the property that we looked at, all down to Clorissa's prompt and effective work ethic, which allowed us a smooth transition from one property to another, without her, this move would not of been possible to have happened within the time stamp that it did. We are very grateful for the work that was done by Home Search Ltd, highly recommend.

Lewis Francis
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