20 QUESTIONS
Joel Taylor started his journey as a Legal Assistant specialising in resales shared ownership, before moving into business development. Now, five years later, he is Head of Business Development & Marketing for Owen Paulo Legal, England’s only conveyancing law firm specialising solely in resales and staircasing. With over 100 companies that Owen Paulo works with, including some of the largest housing associations and financial advisers in the country, it is Joel’s job to manage their accounts. He also maintains the company website, handles its branding and advertising and manages its social media so, shameless plug, go and follow on TikTok if you don’t already! Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? Around 10 years ago, I’d have given anything to move to London and star in the West End. But now, I’m much more of a country boy! If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home? Definitely Italy! Architecture, pasta, wine! Plus, I can relive the ending scene of The Lizzie McGuire Movie ! Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? A better location. I grew up in some tiny places, I can make do. What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? My dog Jensen, does that count? The evening cuddles cannot be replaced! What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? Sometimes I’ll play some PlayStation, otherwise me and my partner will have a movie night. What’s your favourite thing about your home? The bathtub.Throw in a bath bomb, grab a book, put on some music. Heaven! Where did you buy your first home? Whitstable in Kent. What advice would you give a first time buyer? Don’t forget to think about the future. Everyone sees a house they like and dives right in, and that’s great. But what are your long-term plans? If you are buying with shared ownership, will you want to staircase? If so, ask about staircasing early on. Think about how long you want to live there. Will this be your forever home, or just a stepping stone? What are your views on shared ownership? As someone living in a shared ownership home, I do think it’s a lifesaver (at the risk of being overdramatic). Me and my partner wouldn’t have been able to afford to own outright for years to come. But shared ownership has helped us get on that ladder and out of private rentals. What are your views on staircasing and resales? New build shared ownership gets a lot of attention, whereas resales are the Cinderella. They are there, but often get overlooked. A resale can be the perfect fit for a person, especially if they don’t like how identical new builds can be. Resales have a lot of character. People tend to forget that staircasing exists, or have no idea about it, but it is there, and it is designed to help you become a full homeowner.You cannot have shared ownership without staircasing.
What room at home is your favourite? The bedroom, I‘m fortunate to get a view of the sea from my room, plus, I love my bed. What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home? My PlayStation 5. Getting home from work and playing something like Final Fantasy helps me leave the housing sector for just a little bit! What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? Red. It can be such a statement! Don’t paint your whole room, but one piece can add some luxury and recapture someone’s attention, especially if you have a big house and someone has already seen seven different rooms. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? Taylor Swift, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Yeoh – in the words of the LGBTQ+ community, they are "Mother"! What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? Me and my older brother were adamant we saw a UFO when we were staying up late one night. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it was probably a shooting star, but you couldn’t convince age five Joel otherwise! What interior trend do you hate? I’m not a fan of trends in general. Trends are fleeting and your home is a permanent residence, and who has the money and the time to change things up every couple of years because mustardy yellow is no longer "in" and now the new colour is sage green? That being said, "Live, Laugh, Love" has had its moment, can we remove it from our lives now please? Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? A garden, but only if it comes with a gardener. Having a garden has taught me something... I’m too fancy for that. Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? A period home. A modern home can be lovely, but I think the novelty can wear off quickly. Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? A library, a la Beauty and the Beast . I can watch a movie on the sofa in my front room, I don’t need all the bells and whistles. Would you prefer to have a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? A bathtub all the way. Before buying my house, I went years with only a shower, and it nearly killed me! 20 QUESTIONS Joel Taylor
owenpaulo.co.uk
118 First Time Buyer October/November 2024
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