Darren Loftus, Commercial Director at OfferPal

Who are you and what does it say on your business card?

I'm Darren Loftus and it says Commercial Director on my business card.

What is OfferPal and what does it do?

We are a comparison website for property sellers. We help sellers get the best cash offers from property buying companies in England and Wales.

What services do you offer and in what ways do you work with estate and letting agents?

We specialise in fast, cash sales but also deal with the more traditional forms of property sale. We'd like agents to get in touch who may have clients who need to sell fast because of a broken chain, for example.

What makes your product different and how does it benefit agents?

We're the first UK comparison website for the fast cash buyer side of the housing market. It's already big in the US, but we're the first in Britain to do it! We really want to be the consumer champion for property sellers.

What is your greatest achievement in your current role and what made it so special?

Being here from day 1 has been exciting. Being a new business, everyone has to muck in and help out, so it's fun to have been involved in every aspect of getting it off the ground.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

When we help someone in financial distress to sell their house fast. Having money worries can be incredibly stressful, and helping to relieve that for people, with a great outcome for them, is satisfying.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing estate and letting agents at the moment?

I think with an almost certain recession heading our way, the housing market may suffer as people put big financial decisions on hold amid the uncertainty.

What is your property prediction for the remainder of 2020?

I think once the furlough scheme ends, we will see a lot of unemployment and it seems unlikely that that won't affect the housing market. I think a reduction in transactions rather than big price drops, for the rest of this year anyway.

Country house or city apartment?

I just moved from a village in the Stroud valleys to Bristol, so that's a tough one. I'll end up back in the countryside eventually, but city life for now!

Trendy roof terrace or traditional English garden?

English garden. Nothing more relaxing than enjoying a beer or glass of wine surrounded by nature.

Would you rather be a free-moving tenant or settled owner occupier?

Hmmm, well I've just moved to a boat, so literally free moving for me! Although I do like having a base to always come back to.

What is your favourite room in your home?

The kitchen (I suppose I should say 'galley'!). It's a cliche but it is the heart of a home and I love cooking.

Homes under the Hammer or Location, Location, Location?

LLL every time. Can't beat the Phil/Kirsty banter. They're a national institution!