Meet Karen, Senior Sales Progressor

Moving home is a big step at any age. When the home you are leaving may have been part of your life for decades, there can be a lot to think about. Having somebody to guide you through the process can make all the difference.

That’s where Karen McDonald comes in.

As our Senior Sales Progressor, Karen supports future homeowners from the point at which they reserve their new apartment right through to completion, helping to keep every part of their move on track.

Someone in your corner

Karen joined Adlington Retirement Living in 2018 as a Senior Sales Consultant and later became Senior Sales Progressor. She has more than 40 years’ experience in residential sales and financial services, so she understands the whole process, from the first stages of selling a property to the legal work involved in completing a purchase.

Today, Karen looks after sales progression across all of our communities, working closely with future homeowners, our sales teams, estate agents, solicitors and our legal team.

For some homeowners, simply having somebody to explain what is happening and ask questions on their behalf can be particularly reassuring.

“A lot of people don’t like asking questions of solicitors, and don’t want to take up their time,” Karen says. “That is something I can do for them. I can get answers and explain things in more detail and guide them to the next stage.

“Ultimately, all the decisions are theirs, but I’m a sounding board for them. I’m someone they can chat to about the journey and help alleviate the stresses and strains associated with a home move.”

Keeping things moving

Much of Karen’s work happens behind the scenes. She keeps in touch with everybody involved in the chain, checking progress and spotting anything that might be causing a delay.

“I speak to the whole chain and make sure that everything is moving,” she explains. “If I see something that is slipping or should have been picked up, I’ll chase the relevant person and make sure it’s being dealt with.”

Over the years, Karen has built relationships with many of the professionals she works with regularly, helping her to get the answers future homeowners are waiting for. She also visits our communities so that people can meet her in person, rather than knowing her only as a voice at the end of the phone.

Just as importantly, she makes sure people know when they will hear from her again.

“If I say, ‘I’ll give you a ring on this day,’ then I will call them. If I make a promise I will keep it. Even if it’s to say, ‘I’m awfully sorry, I’m still trying to get an update.’

“Then we might talk about what they’ve been doing that week or whether they’ve been shopping for their new apartment. It’s not just the legal paperwork. Empathy and excitement are important too.”

Getting to know your new community

While Karen is helping to keep the practical side of the move on track, future homeowners can also begin getting to know their new community. They might visit to measure up their apartment or come along to coffee mornings, garden parties, barbecues and other activities.

“We have some people who come to regular things like yoga classes and start building relationships with the homeowners who are already there,” Karen says. “By the time they move in, they’ve already got friends.”

Behind the scenes, our team is getting ready too. Once a moving date is agreed, the apartment is checked, any final jobs are completed and it receives a “sparkle clean”, ready for its new owner.

For Karen, some of the most rewarding moments come after the move.

“I think the best part for me is seeing people who, when you first met them, were a bit overwhelmed. Perhaps they’d lost a partner and were facing the move by themselves. They may have family, but they could live quite a distance away, so you’re able to be there for them and help them through it.

“Then, after they’ve moved, you go and visit and you see them blooming and enjoying life. They’re saying, ‘I can’t stop because I’m off to do this.’ That’s so rewarding.”

Karen recently received a card from a couple she had supported through their move. They told her that her positivity had lifted their spirits, that she had always been “in their corner” and that they didn’t think they would have made it to their new home without her.

Away from work

Karen’s life outside work is every bit as busy. She and her husband George have been together for 44 years and have three children and nine grandchildren, aged from three to 16.

Much of her spare time is spent supporting her grandchildren, whether that means standing beside a football pitch or heading to a karate competition. She’s particularly pleased to have her family nearby again after two of her daughters previously lived overseas.

“A relationship on WhatsApp or Teams isn’t the same as a cuddle,” she says. “It’s nice that they’re close.”

There are plenty of four-legged family members too, including dogs Mia, Louis and Bonnie, kitten Peaches and Danty, Karen’s 36-year-old retired Irish Sport Horse.

With nine grandchildren and a houseful of animals, there isn’t a great deal of spare time left. But for Karen, both family life and her work give her plenty to enjoy.

“I really enjoy my job. When everything finally comes together and you know you’ve helped somebody through their move and they’re happily settled in their new home, it’s just lovely.

“And outside work, I enjoy watching my grandchildren flourishing and seeing all the things they want to do. That’s lovely too.”

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