Here at WBW, we value every one of our team members. Each member of staff has their own stories, motivations and reasons why they enjoy working for WBW.

Today we talk to Suzanne Millage, an Associate in our Exeter office.

What is your role at WBW and what area of law do you specialise in?

Associate Licensed Conveyancer specialising in Residential Conveyancing

What did you want to be when you were young?

Journalist

What was your first full time job?

Wages Clerk

What made you decide to practice property law?

I like how each matter that I take on ends in a satisfactory result for all parties involved. In Conveyancing, each completed transaction results in:

• A happy seller – generally the seller has sold for considerably more than was paid
• Very happy buyers – usually the dream home or a great investment
• Even when the sale of a former matrimonial home (FMH) completes – completion usually marks a welcome new beginning for the parties

What do you like the most about the town you work in?

It has a lot going for it:

• Beautiful cathedral and historic buildings – the city attracts visitors who then visit great restaurants
• Good education centre, colleges, university etc
• Met office
• Big hospital
• Not on the coast but benefits from the River Exe/Exeter Canal Area rejuvenation
• Devon & Cornwall Police Headquarters
• Theatres
• Main railway station, bus station and airport

All of the above result in a moving in and out of the population – they all have to live somewhere and many are employed on short-term contracts – 2 years, 3 years etc.  Many decide to buy rather than rent

What has been the best moment in your career?

Still waiting!

What are your top tips for clients?

Don’t spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar!  What I mean is:

• Having found a property to buy, don’t then save money by instructing the cheapest conveyancers – they will be the busiest and will always take the longest
• Always visit the property at different times of the day and night and on weekdays and weekends. The area might be lovely on a Monday morning – but, it might be quite different on a Saturday night!
• Visit the property in different weathers – most places look great in the sunshine but – what is it like during a rainstorm? Is it damp, does the conservatory leak?  Is the puddle by the front door so deep, you have to be an Olympic long jumper to clear it?
• Always have a survey – there’s a range of surveys available with a range of prices. At the very least, contact a local surveyor and discuss the property – he/she can then provide advice as to the recommended level of survey
• If you are buying a very old and/or Listed Building – instruct a specialist surveyor. I once insisted my clients did so – the result was, the entire thatched roof was on the verge of collapse due to the death-watch beetle that had invaded the roof rafters!

What has been the most challenging part of your career?

I would say, the various Stamp Duty holidays and deadlines.  The pressure creeps up slowly and then becomes uncontrollable.  Thanks to the Chancellor, at the time – bless him and all those who follow!

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your profession?

Being unrealistic at the outset.  Finding the dream house this week, doesn’t mean you’ll have the keys next week.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

My dream has always been to live on the coast (or on a river) with fabulous views and direct access to my own jetty.  With a smart tender tied up, ready to motor me (or row – I’m not fussy!) out to my beautiful boat.

If I had been given a pound for each time a client has asked me “how long will it take” – I’d go straight out and buy that house!

I once acted in the purchase of a property, on a waterway, that had no legal vehicular or pedestrian access – a very uncomfortable situation for a lawyer.  The only access to and egress from – was by boat.  My clients didn’t care, they said the house would never be sold during their lifetime and, on completion they sent me a case of wine (a whole case of 12!)

Who has been an inspiration for you?

Sarah Beeney’s Property Ladder programme always inspired me.

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

An early explorer – who just sailed off into the blue, not knowing what they’d find.  So exciting, so many expectations.  Charles Darwin must have been pretty interesting too.

Should you have a Residential Property matter that you wish to discuss with Suzanne, please contact her by telephone on 01392 260139 or email suzannemillage@wbw.co.uk.