Meet the Team - Head Office
Toby Bassett MNAEA
Managing Director
Managing Director
I started life in Tatsfield, then moved to Warlingham where I spent my teens. After flying the nest, I have lived in South Croydon, Sanderstead and Caterham before moving out to the sticks! Spending most of my life around the area has given me a deep knowledge and affection for all it has to offer, not to mention a lot of memories.
My great uncle was a partner in a firm of Estate Agents in Buckinghamshire and my cousin is also an Estate Agent and it was with him that I did work experience when I was at school. You could say that Estate Agency is in my blood.
Having started my career in 1990 during a severe downturn in the market which was a challenging time, I gained valuable experience and a steep learning curve. Looking back I realise that starting in a market that is against you, gives the greatest foundation from which to work. During my early career I became a member of the National Association of Estate Agents and believe it to be important to be able to affiliate yourself with a body that demands a high level of professionalism and integrity, qualities that I feel are crucial in a service industry.
Since starting my career as a YTS Trainee, I worked my way up in both independent and corporate firms before Carol and I had the opportunity acquire Walter & Mair in 2009. Since then, I have never looked back.
Having the opportunity of working with Carol is something I would never want to lose as we fit together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
At home, we have two beautiful daughters who keep us both young and my compadre, Freddy.
Sara Evans
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
I first joined the property industry at the age of 19, shortly after finishing college. What began as a trainee negotiator quickly grew into a career I became genuinely passionate about. Over the past nine years, I have progressed through hands-on experience, ongoing training and a real commitment to delivering the best possible service for my clients. Today, I am proud to be Assistant Manager and part of a fantastic team at Walter & Mair.
Throughout my career, I have gained experience across many areas of the property industry, including sales valuations, offer negotiations, lettings and sales progression. My particular passion lies within residential sales, where I enjoy building relationships with clients and guiding them through what is often one of the most important decisions of their lives. I am a determined negotiator who always puts my clients first and takes pride in delivering a thoughtful, proactive and personal approach.
One of the things I love most about the industry is that no two days are ever the same. Every home, client and situation is different, which keeps the role both rewarding and motivating.
Outside of work, I am inspired every day by my loving husband, daughter and young son, who remind me why hard work, commitment and dedication matter so much.
Carol
Operations Director
Operations Director
I was born and raised in South Croydon and, over the years, have gradually moved further out as our family has grown.
I began my career in Investment Banking, becoming one of the few female Sales Traders in the City at the time. From the very beginning, I was immersed in a client-centric approach to business and service — something that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Following my time in the City, I went on to work for a global brand, eventually becoming Regional Sales Development Manager with responsibility for an annual budget of £10 million. The experience gave me a strong commercial and operational background, which I still draw upon every day.
Co-owning Walter & Mair with Toby was a real leap of faith all those years ago, but one I have never regretted for a second.
Toby is a phenomenal agent, and we are incredibly fortunate to now have such a fantastic team around us. These days, much of my role happens behind the scenes, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business, marketing, finances and often answering the phones when everyone else is tied up.
“Fabulous” has always been my favourite word, and my family and friends are very much my raison d’être. At home, we have two beautiful daughters who are growing up far too quickly, along with the love of my life — our dog, Whiskey (sorry Toby!).
