NOT many estate agents can claim they’re working from home but, for the manager of Dale Eddison’s Skipton branch, Helen Carter, that’s how it feels.

Helen left the North Yorkshire market town for a new post in Leeds a year ago, helping to establish a sister brand’s branch in the city.

But, when an opportunity to return to Skipton arose, Helen found it too hard to resist and she’s now back at the helm of Dale Eddison on the High Street - and enjoying every second of being back “home”.

“Walking onto the High Street and seeing handbag Brian and Dawn on their market stalls giving me a great welcome back was amazing,” she said.

“The High Street has some new shops which is great but it was also lovely to see The Three Sheep smiling faces and all our quirky shops in Craven Court. Driving through the Dales this week has been just lovely and I feel so lucky to be able to use this landscape as my office.”

Helen began her estate agency career in Leeds, rising to manage her first branch office within four years. However, she then relocated to Dale Eddison in Skipton following its launch in 2015.

She admits the Covid years were a challenge, but the agency still increased its reach by 50 per cent and now sells homes from every sector of the market.

Helen said: “I love the rich diversity of our area with all the beautiful homes in and around our market town and the communities that live in them.

“The people here are so friendly and I can count many of my former clients as personal friends. The diversity of properties in our area meant, if I could value here, I could value anywhere.

“I also love that, for a short period of time, we are a huge part our clients’ lives whatever their reason for moving and we can help them on their journey.”

She adds the High Street office is open seven days a week. The branch has an in-house mortgage advisor who works for the Mortgage Advice Bureau and can offer advice on mortgages, life insurance and protection. The team also has conveyancing contacts. 

A big fan of rugby, Helen used to play herself but now lists watching games as one of her passions along with her Labrador, Oscar, who often joins her in the office.

Helen added: “Oscar loves a cuddle so if you are passing with your pooch please call in for a doggy biscuit and furry cuddle; otherwise, we make great tea and coffee.”