From humble beginnings to Harrods Estates - we talk to Knightsbridge Sales Negotiator, Michael Harte, and understand what makes him tick…

During his tenure as one of Harrods Estates most valued Sales Negotiators, Michael Harte shares his fascinating career history from humble beginnings to Harrods Estates. When asked to describe the ethos of the company, Knightsbridge Sales Negotiator, Michael Harte, unhesitantly responded with the words ‘luxury, quality and professionalism.’

Why did you choose to work at Harrods Estates?

At this stage in my career, I felt it was important that I hand-picked an agency with heritage and a strong profile and as my background was in high-end residential, Harrods was the obvious choice! That, and the fact that the role suited me perfectly.

What has been the highlight of your Harrods Estates career thus far?

Securing my first sale at Harrods Estates! There is nothing quite like your first sale, and officialy earning your stripes! It was a really long process and despite the buyers being one of the world’s biggest tech creators and possibly the most intelligent people I’ve ever met, the achievement felt like that much more of an accolade. I also really enjoyed getting to know them during the transaction. And, despite the bad press some agents get, the good ones (like us) genuinly love helping both sellers and buyers, and are keen to secure everyone a deal they are happy with.

What do you think sets Harrods Estates apart from other luxury property brands?

Contrary to the Harrods Department Store scale being one of magnitude to say the least, Harrods Estates is a boutique operation offering a personal service to both local and international investors. We specialise in assisting both buyers and sellers in a bespoke and thorough process, and service, from registration to completion.

Who / what inspires you in the property industry?

Undoubtedly, Tony Pidgley from Berkeley Group! From an adopted orphan who spent his early life in a disused railway carriage, to becoming one of the UK's largest housebuilding business owners is inspiring to say the least! Apart from being an unwaivering supporter of affordable housing, Tony is also a gentelmen.

I too came from an underprivileged background and don’t have a university degree, which meant I had to work twice as hard (and smart) for my break in the Prime market. My inspiration was spearheaded by Susan Cohen - currently Head of Department at Pastor Real Estate - who took me under her wing. Despite being a young early 20 something and slightly rough around the edges, she saw something in me and gave me my break at Blenheim Bishop in Mayfair. She personally mentored me and taught me how to be a decent agent. I’m forever grateful to her.

What critical skills have you developed at Harrods Estates through either experience or training?

Being connected to the store, our anti-money laundering procedures are the most stringent I’ve ever come across! I just about have an AML fine tooth comb in my suit pocket! In addition, the ability to deal with a variety of nationalities and their customs, from the way in which I hand my business card to an Chinese buyer/client or greeting the eldest family member of a Middle-Eastern family first – truly understanding and respecting my clients and ‘talking their lanaguage’ is extremely important to me.

Have there been any unusual scenarios you experienced (i.e. a special client request)?

Whilst dealing with a very well respected family, through their liason, they requested that I source them three adjacent three-bed apartments, next door to one another, in the same building and on the same level. The smallest apartment being for the 16 year old daughter, the next level up for the 20 year old son and finally the largest for Mum and Dad. Naturally, my first question was – why not a remit for a substantial house? Their answer was quite simply "Trust us, knowing the family, it’s much easier this way!” Although we managed to secure all their criterea, they didn’t end up taking the apartments because they couldn’t all agree on the building – but the achieved challenge was certainly satisfying, nonetheless!

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