View all newsletters
Have the short, sharp Spear's newsletter delivered to your inbox each week
  1. Wealth
July 31, 2013

Accentuate the positive when purchasing property

By Spear's

There’s not the faintest whiff of disingenuity in his manner ’ rather, it’s impossible to doubt him

‘But this space is wonderful, it’s so full of light and volume, and the buildings are close by but we’re not living in the country – I want to feel urban.’

The garden – which this client is keen to have as he has two dogs that play a significant role in his life – is overlooked on three sides.  But this doesn’t seem to deter him as he positively brims with enthusiasm and manages to see something admirable in almost everything that we’ve seen.

It’s infectious as his exuberance has me view things through the prism of his positivity. And this extends beyond the mere realm of property; he’s just spent a weekend on the Amalfi coast and everything from the Italians, Vesuvian ruins, Ravello, the coastline and cuisine are praised.

There’s not the faintest whiff of disingenuity in his manner – rather, it’s impossible to doubt him – so much so, that I’m on the point of booking my ticket. He gets the most out of life and skips over discussing the horrors of his delay at Stansted and hell of his Ryan Air flight.

Eliminate the negative

It had me think of another client with a far better budget but a worse attitude. On previewing properties on her behalf I feel somewhat depleted as I’m immediately drawn to all the negatives that she’ll inevitably see. The lift will be a fraction too small, the communal areas are frayed at the edges, the flat will need too much work. And so it goes on. I won’t be allowed to focus on the grand proportions, open aspect or great potential.

One of my favourite clients – Bonnie and Clyde as they are known for their impetuous gusto in purchasing properties across the globe, or at least contemplating it before realizing it’s eminently impractical – hold this esteemed pole position because of their very propensity to be enthused by a property, people, place and, nay, life itself.

Content from our partners
Meet the females leading in the FTSE
A cut above: Charles Sanford on why HNW clients choose LGT Wealth Management
How the Thuso Group’s invaluable experience and expertise shaped the Spear’s Schools Index 2024

They don’t do too badly in the actual purchasing part but they also love to flirt: with ranches in Argentina, town houses in Cartagena, roof top apartments in Rome and a little slice of a remote Greek island – and why not?

Latch on to the alternative

It’s so much more inspiring to be around such people rather than negative forces. As Virginia Woolf said, some people are radiators and other drains – Bonnie and Clyde are radiators.

And some are determined to get the best or make the most of life, while others aren’t. Of course money helps – it gives you mobility and freedom but the richer people are, the more they seem burdened by suspicion.

There comes a certain wealth point when it appears inevitable that you’ll believe everyone’s motive is self-serving and everything can be acquired. And that’s where the joy in being so blessed with money appears to diminish.

I must conduct a study on where that tipping point is and advise those wealthy clients not to aspire beyond it for fear that any joie de vie will be eradicated from their life. For among other things it’s here to be enjoyed.

Read more from Sebastian Gibson

Read more from Wealth Wednesday

 
 
 

Don’t miss out on the best of Spear’s articles – sign up to the Spear’s weekly newsletter

[related_companies]

Select and enter your email address The short, sharp email newsletter from Spear’s
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network