Becoming a franchisee with Hamiltons of London is so much more than advertising, showing, valuing and listing properties for sale in your area or negotiating the final price between vendor and buyer. Clients will look to you for all sorts of information about the area and towns from which you are operating your estate agent and providing this deepens the pleasure you will derive from offering your clients the best customer service in true Hamiltons of London tradition. Speaking of tradition clients love to know what is happening locally especially if there are any national holidays or fiestas taking place so be a step a head and keep them informed. Their participation with local events can only increase their resolve to buy a property with you as they fall in love with the area in which your agency works.
Folliage and Fun
October brings with it a change in colour throughout the country and beautiful colours both inland and along the coast drench Spain in a golden autumninal light the cooler sun reflected in the sea and land. Cooler air encourages people to enjoy this time of year when it is less crowded but still pleasantly warm. It is a time for celebrations all over Spain with the harvest season providing produce and a great excuse to celebrate the bounty of the country as well as traditional fiestas and film and music festivals, the Spanish love celebrating life and October is a great time to join them. Keep an eye out locally for information to pass to your clients and, as a Hamiltons of London franchisee, you will soon become their “go to” estate agent.
National Celebrations
The 12th of October is Día de la Hispanidad and a national holiday in Spain, the day marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas and in main cities there are military parades and flag-waving ceremonies. Check what is open in your area on this day because many businesses will be shut and potential property buyers need to know this information so they can plan their visit productively. As a Hamiltons of London franchisee ensuring your customers are aware of any days when the office is closed and providing them with a means and hours between which you can be contacted is also essential to ensure the best possible customer care.
Fiestas
In Aragon’s city of Zaragoza October sees locals enjoy a festival dedicated to their patron saint the Virgen del Pilar between 9th and 18th. During this celebration there is a full and spectacular program of parades, concerts and fireworks. However, the events highlight is the Ofrenda de Flores when thousands of traditionally dressed citizens prsent flowers to a giant statue of the Virgin. The fiesta combines the Spanish love of life and fun with their religious devotion and the flower ceremony is moving and unforgettable.
A Feast for the Senses
Food and Wine Festivals take place across the country in October. La Rioja celebratns their grape harvest with traditional grape stomping events particularly at the festival of San Mateo in Logroño. Meanwhile, on the northern coast of Galicia, O Grove hosts their Seafood Festival a true culinary delight showcasing the regions dishes with the freshest ingredients. Most Cities and regions of Spain including the Balearic Island of Mallorca have also embraced the German ex-pat community and the Bavarian tradition of hosting Oktoberfest towards the end of September and running into October itself. As a Hamiltons of London Franchisee it is important to check dates of wine, food and beer festivals locally as the dates may vary slightly from one year to another so that you can give accurate recommendations to your clients and, of course, enjoy the festivals yourself!!!
Film and Music
During October Sitges which is just a short ride from Barcelona in the Costa Dorada plays host to one of Europe’s top horror and sci-fi film festivals between 3rd and 13th October, further wouth Marbella also has a Film Festival and international cinema is represented by the festival in Valladolid located in the region of Castile and Leon. The nations capital Madrid is not to be left out either with their Suma Flamenca festival celebrating the art of flamenco and their JazzMadrid Festival which continues from lat October into November and draws great jazz artists to the city. Many other local film and music events will take place and whereever you choose to open your Hamiltons of London Franchise office there’s bound to be something happening close by so keep your eyes and ears open!!
The Great Outdoors
During the intense heat of the summer many will have avoided outdoor activities but, October is a time to reconnect with the beauty of Spain both on the coast and inland, this cooler dryer weather offer ideal conditions for hiking and many choose this time to tackle part or all of the famous Camino de Santiago or enjoy exploring the dramatic Pyrenees. The north of Spain particularly enjoys the display of leaves changing colour and it is a popular time of the year to forage for mushrooms and chestnuts.
Embrace the Local Culture
Anyone considering opening a Hamiltons of London Franchise real estate office should be enthusiastic about their local community and culture, it can really help enthuse your customers and encourage them to purchase a home in your area. For more information about becoming a franchisee please contact us at franchise@hamiltonsoflondon.net.
