About Barbara
PROPERTY SAVED MY LIFEÂ
Sounds like an exaggeration, but it's my truth.
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Before I get to the events of 2020 let me take you back further and explain the complicated role that Property has always played in my life.
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My earliest memory was when our family home was repossessed. And experiencing first-hand the lasting detrimental impact this had on my family created a belief in me that owning property was hard and out of my reach. This was cemented when I was the first member of my family to go to Grammar School and whilst I was getting lost in my friends homes they'd refer to our rented home as 'cosy'. Ouch.
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I became determined to be a home-owner and during University I worked twelve-hour weekend shifts in a call-centre so I could use my Student Loan as a deposit to buy my first home. It was a triumph but timing was not on my side. The Global Financial Crisis struck leading to an eventual sale at a loss. Around this time I did buy another flat and became an accidental landlord. But you don't know what you don't know and unfortunately I chose the wrong letting agent who stole both rents and tenant deposits. I also experienced tenants damage the property and tried to deal with these issues remotely whilst working in Australia. Not an easy feat.
Returning to the UK heavily pregnant I sold this final flat and moved back in with my mum in our rented home. I also needed to get back to work to support my family so found myself grappling with a long commute whilst my baby was in full-time nursery. It did not feel great. It was this desire to spend more time with my daughter and to have both time and location freedom that provided the impetus to make a change. I invested a considerable sum getting educated and dove headfirst into property investing. I quickly built up a portfolio of buy-to-lets using private finance and other creative avenues whilst juggling my career, commute and young family. This transformed my previous property trauma into passion.
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However, like we all experienced 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, but it turned out that COVID-19 was the least of my worries. My personal life fell apart as my marriage ended amidst a betrayal with an AIRBNB guest. I was also victim to a complex trading scam that I was introduced to by an Estate Agent leading to suspicion and isolation within my property network and leaving me with paranoia around who I could trust. Amidst this turmoil I was also hit by cowboy builders and difficult tenants that reported me to the council for the actions of the cowboys. So when I say 2020 felt like I was living in a soap opera, I mean it.
Having started the year in full-time employment, it might not be surprising to learn that I found myself on statutory sick-pay. Having never been on any form of benefits before I was not prepared for how little the support actually is. Facing financial strain as the monthly SSP payment barely covered my basic expenses let along my mortgage or nursery fees, I realised the true value of my property investments. As it was these investments that helped me survive. It was the monthly cashflow that kept my head financially above water. It was the need to engage with reputable builders to fix the damage by the cowboys and to be there for my tenants that kept me from spiralling too far into depression and anxiety. And it is for these reasons that I believe Property saved my life.
Since then, I’ve continued investing in my portfolio and it is my rock. The property income has allowed my partner and I to buy an incredible family home that my daughter’s friends get lost in. It’s enabled us to achieve goals I once thought were unattainable. I’ve travelled to bucket-list destinations, I get to be present at school events and realise other dreams that once adorned my vision board.
My gratitude for the role property has played in my life fuels my desire to help others. I’m passionate about other people building portfolios that can provide them with their own form of financial security and generational wealth.
I understand the intimidation and uncertainty of starting to invest in property. Even spending significant funds on training isn’t guaranteed to get you results. As theory without application is just treading water or worse. As too much theory and training will either lead to inactivity from overwhelm or a lack of progress from continually chasing the shiny pennies.
And listening to theoretical property investing or someone else’s journey isn’t going to help remove your own fears about making a mistake, losing money or having a bad tenant.
So I understand your pain, and even more than that I recognise you have specific needs. Everyone’s property journey is different, everyone has a unique starting point based on their experience, motivation and resources so their needs for support will differ. It is this recognition that led me to become an accredited coach so that I have the mindset tools and techniques to apply with my property experience and knowledge to get results. Working with me my clients have been able to get clarity over the property strategy, investment area and actions that will work for them.
So if you’re an aspiring property investor who recognises the benefit a property portfolio could bring to your life and you want support in navigating what can feel like a big journey by yourself then schedule a complimentary strategy call. Let’s use this call to discuss your current situation and what you need to get going, and if you need further ongoing help in getting started then we can discuss that too.