When it comes to buying, selling or investing in property, a little expert advice can go a long way. That’s why we’re excited to reintroduce you to some of the fantastic team at our egg partner Gilson Gray - each sharing their top tip to help you feel confident and prepared on your property journey. Whether you're taking your first step on the ladder or a seasoned investor, the team is full of helpful advice and friendly guidance.
Lisa England, Senior Property Manager
Lisa is a key player in Gilson Gray’s Residential Lettings team, with over a decade of experience supporting the needs and requirements of landlords and tenants across Edinburgh and East Lothian. From marketing properties to tenant selection, onboarding and more, Lisa keeps everything running smoothly.
Her top tip: Avoid common mistakes and watch for hidden costs.
“Buyers often stretch themselves too far, forgetting about extra costs like tax and legal fees – only to realise later they can’t comfortably afford the lifestyle they’d hoped for. Sellers sometimes set unrealistic prices and end up with their property stuck on the market. A trusted estate agent can help you stay realistic and make smart choices.”
“Always read the Home Report carefully and factor in costs like maintenance, legal fees, LBTT, and ADS. It’s easy to miss these, but they add up fast. If you’re ever unsure, just ask – we’re here to help.”
Aimee Orrock, Corporate Account Manager
With over 13 years of experience in property and legal services, Aimee now specialises in dealing with the purchase of new-build homes in Scotland. Based in the Edinburgh office, she’s passionate about guiding clients at every stage of the journey, always focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Her top tip: Keep an eye on the bigger picture.
“Interest rates and the economy will always fluctuate, but people will always need to move. Whether it’s upsizing, downsizing or relocating for work, life keeps going, and the Scottish property market keeps moving with it.”
Jenny Carswell, Regional Sales Manager
Jenny is a highly experienced property professional with expertise across negotiation, customer service, sales and communication. Her deep understanding of both open market and private sales makes her an invaluable member of the Gilson Gray estate agency team. Whether you're just beginning your property journey or navigating the later stages, you can rely on Jenny for support.
Her top tip: Look beyond the highest offer.
“If you’re selling your property and receive multiple formal offers after the closing date, take a moment to look at them as a whole. The highest bid isn’t always the best, especially if it comes with complicated conditions. Your Estate Agent will help you weigh up the pros and cons of any offers, ensuring you choose the deal that’s truly right for you. Once you’ve accepted an offer, your Solicitor will take over and guide you through the next steps.”
Jennifer Hogg, Senior Property Marketing Executive
Edinburgh born and bred Jen helps promote everything from new listings to the full range of Gilson Gray property services. She’s also active on the egg Home & Away Facebook group, sharing homes and tips with the community.
Her top tip: Invest in the right location.
“Leith offers affordability and high rental demand, while Bruntsfield and Stockbridge are long-time favourites for professionals and families. In East Lothian, I love North Berwick for seaside charm and Haddington for its schools and commuter links.”
Vanessa Kennedy, Director of Marketing & Business Development
Originally from Aberdeen, Vanessa now calls Edinburgh home, where she heads up the Gilson Gray marketing and business development strategy. With over 25 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy, she’s been instrumental in shaping the firm’s identity and driving its growth since joining in 2017. Vanessa is passionate about growing Gilson Gray’s presence across the UK and thrives on the variety her role offers. She especially enjoys collaborating with her talented team on exciting projects, including partnering with egg and our fantastic community of women!
Her top tip for buyers: Marketing really matters!
“Never underestimate the power of great marketing, it can make a huge difference when selling a property. High-quality photos and video are essential, and a good declutter before the shoot goes a long way! Gilson Gray also promote every home on social media to make sure it’s seen by the right people.”
"And here's a bonus tip: a stylish kitchen can help seal the deal. If you’re not ready to invest in a full renovation, try wrapping your existing kitchen. It can completely transform the space on a budget. I did it myself and it looks amazing!”
Kelly Jones, Marketing Manager
Edinburgh-born Kelly is the Marketing Manager at Gilson Gray, working alongside Vanessa, their Marketing & Business Development Director. Kelly gets to collaborate with loads of brilliant people across the firm, and she loves finding new ways to connect with clients and grow the business. From branding to PR, events and social media, Kelly’s days are busy and varied - no two days are ever the same!
Her top tip: Know your essentials.
"When you're house-hunting, get clear on your top three non-negotiables. Whether it's a big garden, a set number of bedrooms, a great location or off-street parking - knowing what really matters to you will make your search easier and help you find the right place faster."
egg partners Gilson Gray are a strong women-led team and one of Scotland’s leading estate agents. For more information on Gilson Gray, as well as their exclusive offers for eggs, click here. For all enquiries and valuation requests please email [email protected]
