Well as it's almost time for the dreaded staff Christmas outing. I've warned my family and my liver to expect the worse, says Keith Hood, of Warners Financial Services.
I plan to keep it simple this year and just take the opportunity to thank my loyal, hard working staff for their efforts. I will do this despite the fact that it's common knowledge that I've done most of the work. I've been practising keeping a straight face all week in front of the bathroom mirror. So far I've got to 'and all your tremendous hard work' before cracking up.
However, they must be doing something right as its turned out to be another record breaking year at Warners Financial Towers. Mind you, despite good results I like to keep them on their toes and get shot of a couple of slackers at Christmas time, though I tend to wait until Christmas Eve, so as not to spoil the party atmosphere.
So, I hear you ask, what's the secret of your sucess? Is it your kindness and compassion towards your loyal staff? Possibly, I often think that I'm too soft for my own good. However its probably more likely that we have the benefit of having been around for over 30 years now and have a huge client base. I'm proud to say that the vast majority of clients stay with us, they also seem keen to recommend their friends which is even more wonderful.
After five years of continued growth and recovery from the credit crunch, what will 2018 hold for us? Certain things we can confidently predict.
A larger proportion of our work than ever is remortgaging and our database tells us when we need to prompt our existing clients to review their mortgage as their fixed or discounted rate is ending.
There really is no reason for most clients to be paying the full price for their mortgage, although we do meet people doing this all the time.
If your financial advisor isn't monitoring your current mortgage deal then maybe you need a new financial advisor, ahem, we are easy to find.
As far as the purchase market is concerned I'm expecting much the same levels of business. However, I do see a few smaller landlords offloading their buy-to-let properties as the new unfavourable tax changes start to bite. This in turn may give first time buyers a few more properties to choose from.
As far as the Buy-to-Let market is concerned, the more serious landlords with several properties seem to be concentrating on reducing mortgage debt now as fewer tax benefits exist, but few are selling. Many are looking to retain tax benefits by incorporating their businesses into limited companies, I expect this trend to continue and for the current let property market to shrink slightly.
Merry Christmas and of course I'm not really going to sack anyone on Christmas Eve. Probably.
You can contact Keith Hood at Warners Financial Services, sponsors of this column, on 01953 607313 Or www.warnersfs.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here