Many of us living in and around Harrogate will face a significant property decision long before we think of ourselves as property investors. Before founding Lucas James Property Advisors to work on the buyer's side, I spent more than five years working for sellers. I worked inside two of the UK's largest property investment sales companies and had roles from investment consultant to associate director, selling off-plan and buy-to-let stock. The broker is usually paid when the finance completes. Good people work in each area – but you should understand the structure before relying on the advice.