At Kirkwood, our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service begins with our passionate sales team. Supporting our buyers’ journey from their initial appointment right through to handing over the keys to their dream home, our Sales Advisors are on hand to assist throughout the entire journey.
We recently caught up with Gwen Marcar, Senior Sales Advisor at our popular coastal development Strabathie Village, in Blackdog. Gwen explains her first impressions of Kirkwood Homes since joining the team, what makes her so passionate about her role and why she thinks Strabathie Village is the perfect place to call home…
Tell us about your background and what led you to a career with Kirkwood Homes?
“I’ve worked in various sales positions within the property sector for just over a decade and thoroughly enjoy customer facing roles. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with several housebuilders and gain valuable knowledge and experience in a field I’m particularly passionate about. With a wealth of experience to offer, coupled with my love of the sector, the opportunity to work for a luxury builder was an exciting prospect for me - and I was thrilled to secure the position!’
“Everyone has been exceptionally welcoming and supportive since I joined the team which has made settling into the role very easy - and having the chance to work for a company that designs and builds luxury homes in great locations has been fantastic.”
What does a day in the life of a Sales Advisor at Kirkwood Homes look like?
“No two days are ever the same - which is one of my favourite things about the role! A portion of my day often involves liaising with existing clients and our site team to ensure that customers are kept informed about the progress of their builds. I also manage pre-booked appointments with clients and welcome walk-ins, so each day is extremely varied.
“I thoroughly enjoy the different elements of my role, but I find it incredibly exciting when I first speak with a client about their requirements and can sense their enthusiasm about finding their dream home. For me, guiding customers through the entire process of personalising their new home and conducting the first walk-through before their move in date is one of the most rewarding things about being a Sales Advisor at Kirkwood.”
What makes you so passionate about your role?
“It would have to be my love of property. Throughout my career, a lot of things have changed in terms of specification and build quality, and I enjoy showcasing the benefits of buying a new build home to our customers. I also love having the opportunity to guide people in finding their dream home and tailoring it to their unique tastes; when you see a happy customer who has moved into their new home it’s incredibly rewarding.
“At Kirkwood, I encounter a range of clients from families and couples to downsizers, and every stage of life has different needs. Taking inspiration from my own experience as a homeowner and working within the sector for 11 years, I take pride in ‘putting myself in the customers’ shoes’ and can therefore offer valuable advice to those requiring guidance or a nudge in the right direction.”
What do you love most about Strabathie Village and why do you think it’s such a desirable place to call home?
“What I love most about Strabathie Village is its stunning coastal location, with the beach being less than a five minute walk away. Before my interview for Kirkwood Homes, I had the chance to drive past the development and was immediately impressed by the beautiful sea views.
“Situated in the village of Blackdog, Strabathie Village is also incredibly well-connected with the AWPR conveniently located nearby. Strabathie’s accessibility makes it so easy for residents to commute to Aberdeen city, the airport and Westhill in under 20 minutes, while Bridge of Don is less than a five minute drive away. The planned cycle path from Blackdog to the Bridge of Don will also enhance connectivity within the area and provide a safe and scenic route for residents within Strabathie Village to enjoy walks and bike rides. It’s the perfect place for those looking for some peace and quiet with excellent links to the city centre.”
How would you describe the quality of a Kirkwood home?
“Every Kirkwood home enjoys an expert design, quality build and a fantastic internal specification - including a German kitchen supplied by Laings, quality sanitaryware, Spanish tiling and oak veneered internal doors as standard. Kirkwood is not a volume builder and the quality of their homes is really their unique selling point.
“As well as being exceptionally high quality, a differentiating factor of a Kirkwood home compared to other new home builders has to be the size of the rooms. The housetypes at Strabathie Village offer generously sized bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, as well as practical storage solutions which you don’t see often with new builds - and is something that’s really important to families.”
What do you enjoy most about working for Kirkwood Homes?
“Aside from having lovely homes in great locations, Kirkwood Homes also has a wonderful team. Colleagues across all departments have been quick to answer any questions I’ve had since joining two months ago, and everybody is willing to help each other out. I’m thoroughly looking forward to what the future holds for me at Kirkwood!”