Estate agents – can’t live with them, can’t live anywhere without them. Or so the saying now goes…
Here at Bluffer’s we’re keen to bring you the lowdown on dating people from all walks of life. And we bet you’d steer clear of an estate agent now wouldn’t you? If he or she didn’t turn up in a branded Mini, then you suspect it’s likely there could still be some hard sell involved when it comes to splitting the bill.
So should you treat his or her admission of employment like a foreboding ‘for sale’ sign outside a flat in West London? Not so fast. Here’s what to look out for – and how it can have a happy ending.
An estate agent will keep the appointment
Everyone knows how persistent estate agents can be – it’s bad enough if you give them your mobile number when you’re only looking for a flat. A too-keen wannabe dater can of course be flattering or irritating depending on the situation. And given that estate agents are in their business for the thrill of the chase, they’ll know something good when they see it and don’t like to see it slip through their fingers. If you give them a gentle no, brace yourself for “What if I threw in a freezer and microwave?”
On the upside your gallant knight of the sealed bid will know all the best spots for a coffee or drink – knowing the area is how they build their business. If an estate agent can’t find you a brilliant bar, restaurant, pop-up artisan panini joint, boho chillout hideaway or member’s speakeasy for a surprising date, you can bet they’re not much of an estate agent either.
But will they ever be free on a Saturday?
All evening and weekend appointments, right? Well, you probably do some out of hours work don’t you? And when you do go for a weekend away, he or she will probably – especially if you’re based in London – have a car to take you there in (choose the managerial types, they don’t have the branded ones). That’s not to be sniffed at. Unless you like that new-car smell.
They may be persistent – it’s in their nature
See the thrill of the chase above. Single dater Pat McNulty met an estate agent and he was a little too keen, so they never met up. “He was a pesterer,” She says. “Like those incessant leaflets that come through the door touting their wares all the time.” Mixing business with pleasure? Not the type for her, clearly. But what if you fancy someone who sells homes for a living. Are they really all that bad?
They may fib at first – bear with them
Frank is an estate agent and runs Francis James Residential. He admits that in the past he’s kept quiet about his job when talking to women. He’s called himself an entrepreneur, for example. But he always does tell them eventually – and agrees that actually women in the city of London at least are usually impressed that a man has a job in a secure industry. “Yes there are men who fit the stereotype,” he confesses.
Prepare to be charmed – but what’s so bad about that?
If anyone can write a flattering online dating profile it should be an estate agent, right? They’re experts in putting a gloss on anything, although puns relating to easy access, generous sizing, or narrow entrances should ring alarm bells. But the important thing is that these guys know that first impressions count. They’ll be well turned out, they’ll let you know if they’re running late, they’ll open the car door and charm you all the way. And if it doesn’t work out they might be able to sort you out with a lovely fixer-upper in a soon-to-be-gentrified artist’s quarter.
So then, estate agents are human too. Who knew?
Remember, that house selling slick-suited charmer could be the love of your life. And indeed have a future in well-paying TV property programmes. “I married one!” tweets @CastleBitch (AKA Mrs Mac-Hall). “He compared me to a house in his speech. Said I had a cracking pair of dormer windows up top. He does rural stuff and forests and things so he’s not tarred with the same brush as urban EAs. Poor things!” Indeed. Give an estate agent a chance, daters. Hey, you could end up with a des res with a hottie who works on commission. What’s not to like?
Are you dating an Estate agent? Are you an Estate agent?
Tell us your dating perks @lovestruck
