Andrew Armstead is a rare man indeed! Not only is he a qualified estate agent, but he is also a fully Licensed Conveyancer, so he will know exactly what can and cannot be done from both viewpoints. His knowledge of how best to progress cases is unequalled, which, in this time of more and more complicated transactions, is a real value add.
Stephen.
What is your working history?
Well, this is an interesting back-story. I started my life thinking I would be a commercial pilot and completed my private pilot’s licence at age 18. After completing this, I thought that I should get a proper job and took an apprenticeship at British Aerospace to train for my ACA qualification to become an accountant. After 18 months, I decided I knew better, and left to set up a property management business with a friend, then after 12 months of that, I moved into property investment/estate agency. From there, I quickly became the youngest manager in the Legal & General Estate Agency network, progressing to managing various offices throughout the North West. After leaving Legal & General, I joined Farrell Heyworth Estate Agency in 2000, where I was integral in setting up and then running our own in-house conveyancing business. In 2010, ownership of the business was transferred to My Home Move and the rest is history.
What is your proudest moment at My Home Move?
Being an integral part of the significant growth the business has seen over recent years. When I joined, we had half of the number of employees and half the number of cases, so to see how quickly we have grown and to be a part of it makes me really proud.
Before working at My Home Move, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Apart from flying, my most unusual job would be serving in the Lancashire Special Constabulary for 15 years.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself before starting your career?
Set a firm plan, follow it through, adjust as required and decipher the good advice from that which will just hold you back.
What is your favourite film/book and favourite quote from it?
My favourite quote, although not from a film or a book, is from author Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
George Clooney, because naturally, I share his good looks (although he has got a number of years on me)! As a person, he portrays to be extremely genuine, caring and charitable, while remaining driven and retaining focus on others. One thing I could take from him is not to take life or myself too seriously!
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.
What is on your bucket list?
I would love to visit India, China, Japan & Sri Lanka, but I’d also like to sail across an ocean – perhaps I can roll them all into one trip!
What is your biggest pet peeve about the property industry?
The increasing complexity and length of time that transactions now take.
What are your hopes for the future of the property industry?
Simplicity, surety and the removal of stress.