Estate agent who wants to make dreams come true

Estate agent Jackie Rohan understands that more than most.

A maths whizz at school who went on to work in high street banking for 23 years, Jackie now admits that she is impulsive and led by her instincts.

Working from home did not work for the financial advisor who had set up on her own after taking redundancy from Lloyds Bank.

“I decided to leave, it was too good an opportunity to turn down,” she said.

“I thought it was time for an easy life but, as the past few years have proved, that didn’t go quite as planned.

“Running my own business was great.

“But I was too busy to be working from home. I needed the discipline and structure of a workplace.

“At home, no matter how much I tried, family life would intrude.

“I loved my daughters, and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible, but work demanded a lot of me too. You have to separate the two.”

She spotted the ideal place to set up shop in Danby Wynd, in an office just off Yarm High Street.

“It happened out of the blue.

“The premises had just become available, it was fate, no question,” says Jackie, who combines a romantic view of business – she says her estate agency is about making dreams come true – with the hard-headed business sense honed from years offering financial advice.

She accepts that some estate agents do not always have the best reputation for living up to their promises.

It is after all a business where the description of a property as characterful is often code for a wreck, where charming can mean pokey and compact is a home best suited to a vertically challenged contortionist.

“We are not just there to flog people a house,” she insists.

“These are life-changing decisions.

It is a job that draws on your emotions.

“When people don’t get finance approved, or a sale falls through, they are often heartbroken, and you really feel for them.

“I can understand that people can sometimes have a negative view of the industry.

“But if you do things right you get amazing appreciation.

“The flowers, cards and messages we receive from people when we help them find their dream place is really touching and reminds you how important a job we do.”

As a sign that the housing market is edging back to life Readman Rohan last month opened a branch in Stokesley, North Yorkshire.

The firm, which specialises in sales and lettings as well as independent financial services now employs 12.

Jackie counts former lawyers among her staff, but none, strangely enough, has a background in estate agency.

“For me, experience is less important than character.

“You can teach someone the ins and outs of the job, but you can’t teach them personality and enthusiasm.

“Those are the qualities I look for.”

It would appear that Jackie is guided by the heart rather than head in a lot of her business decisions.

Five minutes with Jackie Rohan...

Favourite North-East building and why?

Being in property, I get to see so many amazing homes. But I do love The Sage at Gateshead – a modern building among an area full of history.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

I was an assistant at Littlewoods in Middlesbrough, on £7.50 a day.

What is the worst job you’ve had?

Definitely waitressing at local restaurants. It’s really hard work.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

Something that I know will always turn out well – beef stroganoff and it would be followed by pavlova.

What would your superpower be?

To be able to go back and forth in time. It would be useful.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Prince William, I think he’s so interesting. David Beckham, don’t think I need to explain why. Barack Obama, what a man, and Sharon Osbourne. I love her. She’s fun, interesting and has so many stories, I bet.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much?

Houses are what I buy. But I guess jewellery. I have no idea how much though.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

I don’t get Twitter I’m afraid. The whizzes in the office look after ours which has only just been set up.

Favourite book?

I’d really like to read Animal Farm by George Orwell again. I did it for Olevel but think I’d get so much more out of it now I am older and wiser.

When did you last cry?

A couple of weekends ago a client sent me such a thoughtful text. Buying and selling homes is an emotional business.

What is your greatest achievement?

Definitely setting up Readman Rohan and having two offices now with some great staff.

What is the best piece of advice in business you have ever been given?

My aunt always said ‘follow your dreams’ and I do try to.

Favourite animal and why?

It’ll always be the faithful dog. I don’t have one at the moment as I’d want to dedicate a lot of time to it and I can’t while I am running the business. But when I retire, a dog is first on the list.

Most famous person on your mobile phone?

Pam Royle from ITV Tyne Tees. We have a few mutual friends.

What was the last band you saw live?

A fabulous young band called Treetop Flyers. They are local and one of my friend’s sons plays in it. I saw them at The Georgian Theatre, in Stockton, and they were brilliant.

Your perfect night in?

Predictably, suit off, pyjamas on, wine open. And a lovely, cosy dinner with no interruptions please.

In another life I would be...

Simon Cowell – why not?

Who would play you in a film of your life?

I had to ask the staff in the office this one and they said Sandra Bullock.

What irritates you?

Easy, it’s time wasting.

There’s never enough of it so to waste is so frustrating.

What’s your secret talent?

I can knit and sew. I can make clothes, curtains, you name it. I don’t at the moment though.