A Day in the Life at Cairn: Inside the Work of Letting Agents in Edinburgh

People often ask what a typical day looks like when you work as a New Business Manager at Cairn. The honest answer is that there isn’t really such a thing as a typical day.

Working with landlords and properties across Edinburgh means every morning can start a little differently. Some days begin with property visits, others with meetings with landlords who are considering letting their property for the first time. That variety is one of the reasons I have always enjoyed working in the lettings sector.

Before I even reach the office, however, there is another role that takes priority.

Mum.

Mornings in our house are rarely quiet. With two children aged 10 and 11, the day usually begins with the familiar school morning routine. Packed lunches are made, bags are packed and there is often a last minute search for a piece of homework that was finished the night before but seems to have disappeared by morning.

Once the school run is complete and everyone is where they need to be, I make my way into the office. The drive into work is often the first quiet moment of the day and it can be surprisingly productive. It gives me time to think about the day ahead, the landlords I am meeting and the properties I am visiting across Edinburgh.

Occasionally those thoughts turn into an early phone call to the team. I like to think they appreciate the enthusiasm, although they might not always agree!

One of the things I enjoy most about working at Cairn is the variety. No two days are the same and every landlord situation is slightly different.

Some mornings I might be meeting a landlord who is considering letting their property and wants guidance on the current Edinburgh rental market. On other days I will be out carrying out rental valuations and advising on what a property could achieve based on local demand and current market conditions.

There are also plenty of conversations with existing landlords about their portfolios, their tenants and the next steps for their properties. As letting agents in Edinburgh we spend a lot of time helping landlords understand how the market is moving and what opportunities may exist for them.

I have now worked in the property industry for more than 26 years. Saying that probably gives away my age slightly, but it also means I have seen the lettings market evolve in many ways.

Even with that experience, property still manages to surprise me from time to time. Every client brings a different situation and every property has its own story. I still enjoy the moments when a landlord asks a question that makes you pause and think. It keeps the job interesting.

Once a landlord instructs Cairn to market their property, the part of the job I enjoy most begins.

Viewings.

Showing people around a property is always fascinating because every prospective tenant is searching for something slightly different. Some are moving to Edinburgh for work, some are relocating within the city and others are looking for a place that simply feels like home.

Helping match the right tenants with the right property and landlord is something I take real pride in. When that balance is right it helps create successful tenancies and strong long term relationships.

Of course, not every day runs perfectly. Occasionally someone forgets they had a viewing booked or gets delayed and cannot make the appointment. In property, flexibility is essential and these things are part of the job.

I usually see it as time gained back to catch up with a landlord, return calls or prepare for the next property visit. A sense of humour also helps.

Before long the day begins to wind down and it is time to head home. That means stepping back into my other full time role.

Mum again.

Evenings are usually filled with football training, swimming lessons, guides, homework and the daily question that most parents hear sooner or later.

“What are we having for dinner?”

Life can feel busy and occasionally chaotic, but I would not have it any other way.

Working as part of a team of letting agents in Edinburgh is not just about properties. It is about people. Whether we are helping a landlord bring a property to the market, advising on rental valuations or supporting tenants as they find their next home, every day brings new conversations and new opportunities to help.

After more than two decades in the property industry, that is still what I enjoy most about the job.