In Your Shoes - Kessar Salimi

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Kessar Salimi is a mortgage and protection adviser based in the Dundee area but covering east of Scotland. Offering face to face appointments to clients at home or place of business, at a time that is convenient for them. His services include residential, buy to let, bridging and commercial finance alongside life and income protection. 

One of his areas of expertise is buy to let, being an investor himself he understands both the lenders and the investors point of view.

Outwith his work he enjoys keeping fit and spending most of his time with family.

I love Mondays

Monday morning, I am usually at the head office in Ladybank all day.  Once the school run is done it’s a short drive over the bridge which allows me to clear my thoughts and focus on the day ahead.

Today we had a client wanting to buy an investment property quickly so processed a decision in principle and full mortgage application on their behalf. 

Another client who was in the process of remortgaging a buy to let property didn’t have adequate life protection.  His current policy was for a lump sum so reviewed his policy to suit his individual properties.  In the future if he decides to buy or sell additional properties he can just add or cancel to suit.

Reaching Up

I am working from my office in Dundee.  The day is mixed between meetings and working on cases.  Had a great meeting with a finance company.  The director who is also the business development manager was very inspiring, hearing about his journey gave me boost of confidence in my own self-employed journey. 

I really enjoy personal development and as part of that I like to reach up to others who are further ahead of me.   

First time buyers event

I hosted a property first time buyers event in the evening.  It was a drop-in clinic for people who would like to get on the property ladder but unsure of what to do or would like some questions answered.  I meet many people who have think they may not be able to get on the property ladder but with so many incentives from lenders and the government, not to mention deposits starting from as little as 5% now is a great time.

I was on hand giving mortgage advice.  Pam Angus from Bestmoov estate agents was answering all property buying and selling questions and especially what to look for when buying.  Senior solicitor with Thornton’s Law Lisa Mannion was answering any questions on the legal process.  If you missed this event and would like to attend one in the future please keep an eye on the chamber website for the next one.

networking

A saying I hear often is “your network is your net worth”. Thursday evening, I spent in Edinburgh networking with property investors at a property meetup.  They had games including speed networking which was fun and mixed things up a bit.  Met some great contacts and was also able to give some pointers to people in regards to lending.  

A common mistake I see people make is they look at properties first and lending as a necessity afterwards.  This can cause issues and a much better approach is to speak to a broker first who will be able to advise you on lending criteria, thus avoiding sales falling through.

Givers Gain

Friday morning, I am back through at head office until lunch.  In the early afternoon I attend a networking event called BNI in Dundee.  It is based on the philosophy of “Givers Gain”.  By giving business to others you will get business in return.  I try to use that philosophy in day to day life.  If someone is looking for a product or service and I can recommend them to someone suitable I try my best to do so.