Design our next Comapny Car for the Dawsons Property Fleet

Design one of Dawsons Company Cars

Our last Dawsons fleet company car (our Sketty sales branch car) was designed using old pictures donated by David Roberts of Bryngoldbooks, but for our next pool car we are looking for something brand new for our design, and are seeking the help of local youngsters.

The winner will see their design wrapped around a new Volkswagen ‘Up’ by Hansign Custom Graphics when it arrives in November. Any participating schools, community, youth groups and individuals will need to get their designs in by no later than Friday 26th October 2018 ready for the winner to be announced on the agency’s social media sites on Thursday 1stNovember 2018, allowing the competition design time to take place during October, in order for the car to be wrapped early November.

Angelia wins school design competition for Dawsons Property Services

This year we are looking for our local young artists to showcase their talents, and have the chance to see their design brought to life, and whizzing around town.  We are, therefore, appealing for local schools, community groups, youth groups or anyone between the age of 7 years to 15 years (inclusive) with a flair for art, to participate in a competition to decorate our next company car.

The winner will see their design wrapped around a new Volkswagen ‘Up’ by Hansign Custom Graphics when it arrives in November. The participating schools, community and youth groups will be announced on the agency’s social media sites on Monday, October 22nd  2018, allowing the competition design time to take place, before judging early November.

This year there is no set theme to the drawings, you get to freestyle and give us something from your imagination!

Any individuals or groups interested in participating should email naomi.webborn@dawsonsproperty.co.uk to express interest and Naomi will send an information pack and design specification by return.

All competition terms of entry can be read here.

Iconic Images for Dawsons Company Car Fleet

Something Old, Something New for Dawsons Fleet of Cars

In recent years Dawsons Estate Agency has used its fleet of company cars as innovative canvasses to catch the eye of people as they pass by. This has resulted in the creation of an array of attractive designs which reflect the communities surrounding each of its local offices and these can be seen driving around Swansea, Llanelli, Morriston, Gorseinon, Mumbles, Sketty & Killay.

The latest of these ‘mobile canvasses’ has appeared on the newest sales car to join the fleet at the firm’s Sketty branch. This time however, instead of eye-catching landscapes something a little different has been designed.  This new vehicle is wrapped with historic images of Sketty.

Dawsons contacted former journalist and now publisher, David Roberts, who for an amazing 21 years has been compiling pictorial nostalgia books which reflect the City and include photos of many locations where Dawsons sell and rent property, and have offered a well-established service for many decades.

Bryngold Books Swansea

David, whose latest publication, “Swansea – The time of our Lives”, by Bryngold Books, hits the shelves shortly, quickly responded to the request for Sketty-linked photographs to adorn the new VW Up city car.

DAWSONS CAR with DAVID ROBERTS IMAGERY

David (pictured with staff member Christine Adams from Sketty office, who will be seen driving around the area) said “Having spent many years contributing articles to the Swansea Evening Post’s Property Publication I  knew at first hand how professional Dawsons approach to the property market is. As a result I was delighted to assist.”,

David and Bryngold Books provided Dawsons with a number of iconic images of Sketty Cross from many years ago. Two of these were chosen and enlarged and printed in vinyl to wrap the new car. Most noticeable in one of the photographs, making the area instantly recognisable, is that of The Bush Public House, which will, no doubt, jog many a memory.

Chris Hope, our Dawsons senior partner said: “We would like our fleet to be unique, and take great pride in the fact that this new car is designed to be meaningful within its local community.”

DESIGN OUR NEXT CAR:

Our next company car design will be chosen from competition entries from all children aged 11 or under.  If you are a budding artist and wish to showcase your talents and see them turned into real moving pieces of art, find the details of our competition HERE.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

Macmillan Coffee Morning 2018

What is it?

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning takes place annually and this year the date was Friday 28th September.  It is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event for those who support cancer patients in the UK and people all over the Country are asked to host their own Coffee Mornings and donations on the day are made to Macmillan. Last year (2017) alone they raised over £27 million and I’m sure that this will be another successful year.

How did it start?

The first ever Macmillan Coffee Morning happened way back in 1990. It was a rather a small affair with a simple idea: guests would gather together, drink coffee and donate the cost of their cuppa to Macmillan in the process. It was so effective, they did it again the next year – only this time nationally.  Since then, Coffee Morning has raised over £200 million for Macmillan, what an amazing achievement.

What does it mean to Dawsons?

With 150 staff, we have so many people whose lives have been touched by cancer, and at the moment one team member is undergoing treatment, so it really does mean the world to us.  Macmillan do an amazing job and they are truly special nurses and support teams who face a lot of heartache every day, but with positivity and smiles on their faces.

Our Macmillan Coffee Morning 2018

So this year we set out to make our Coffee Morning the biggest we have ever achieved, and we decided to run the event in conjunction with our “Cake Smash” competition sponsored by the amazing photography studio  Safelight Images in Swansea.

(Winner of competition to be announced on our FACEBOOK PAGE

Each of the Dawsons offices was tasked with making their coffee morning the best ever, and to be honest, I was blown away by the results and the tremendous effort put in by the team members.  So let’s have a run-down on how each office got on last Friday:

Marina office kicked off their morning at 9am with a veritable feast of baked goodies, and had their sales negotiator Laura Jayne Davies serenading the visitors with her amazing voice!  As you will see from all of the photos below, there were so many cakes made or donated, in all of the Dawsons offices, and visitors flocked in with their charity money, and were blown away with the efforts, look and taste of all these treats.

Personally, I think we could consider a new type of estate agency with a tea and cake shop on the side.  Now that would be a great idea, don’t you think?  Although, after watching how the cakes disappeared so fast, I have a feeling the staff may worry a little about their waistlines if this was an everyday occurrence.

Whilst we are still tallying up the proceed for Macmillan, with a number of donations from local businesses yet to come, I have noted the running totals for some of the offices, under their branch names, so you can see it’s at least £700 so it really has been a worthwhile event, for our community networking and for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Well done to everyone who baked, donated, supported and enjoyed the morning!  Bring on 2019…

Marina Sales, Lettings and New Homes ~ Raised £181.17Swansea Marina Macmillan Coffee Morning

marina 3marina 5marina 8Gorseinon Sales £112.07Gorseinon Macmillan Coffee Morning

Killay SalesKillay Macmillan Coffee Morning

 

Killay Macmillan Coffee Morning

Llanelli Sales and Lettings ~ Raised £190.08Llanelli Macmillan Coffee Morning

Morriston Sales & Morriston LettingsMorriston Macmillan Coffee Morning

Morriston Macmillan Coffee MorningMorriston Macmillan Coffee Morning

Mumbles Sales, Lettings, Fine & Country £52.95Mumbles Macmillan Coffee MorningMumbles Macmillan Coffee Morning

 

Sketty SalesSketty Macmillan Coffee Morning

Swansea Sales & Swansea Lettings ~ Raised £170.00Swansea Macmillan Coffee Morning

 

 

SHORTLIST

Award Shortlist for Dawsons Customer Service

We are over the moon to be shortlisted for the EA MASTERS, which is a Nationwide competition measuring every single Estate Agency Branch in the UK.  The organisers, The Property Academy in conjunction with Rightmove, analyse:-

  • Over 25,000 estate agent branches
  • 1 million properties listed on Rightmove at any one point in time
  • 1.5 million property transactions
  • 25 million sales or lettings leads
  • 1.5 billion property views
  • 50,000 mystery shops (whole of market)
  • Market share score

You can probably imagine how extensive this competition is, how difficult it is to be on the shortlist for a chance to win a REGIONAL OR NATIONAL AWARD and find out if Dawsons have been ranked “Exceptional” (top 5%), “Excellent”(top 10%) or “Highly Rated” and listed again on the bestestateagentguide.co.uk.

DAWSONS SHORTLISTED FOR THE EA MASTERS

So on the 12th of October 2018 the Dawsons team will be heading down to the Intercontinental Hotel at Excel in London Docklands, for a full day of learning from some amazing presenters, and then the highlight is the Awards presentation with our sporting favourite Gabby Logan.

Watch this space or check out our social media pages on the day, for news of how we have fared.  We are keeping everything crossed, and we thank all of our amazing customers for just being GREAT!

DAWSONS SHORTLISTED FOR THE EA MASTERS

DAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS KILLAY OFFICE

High Street versus Online Estate Agents

We’ve been looking into the reasons why using High Street Estate Agents offers property sellers a lot more to consider when selecting the right agent.

Catchy Window Display

Richard Tucker, Managing Director of Relocation Agent Network, says:

“High street presence means you can see how an agent presents properties for sale in their window. What is it about the display that catches your eye? How involved is the agent in the local community? And of course, you have a place to meet with your agent.DAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS MUMBLES OFFICE

Local Area Information

Local knowledge is a must for someone looking to move into a new area. The agent will be able to share key information about the neighbourhood with potential buyers.

Realistic Outlook

A can-do attitude provides the assurance that your sale is in a safe pair of hands. The agent is realistic and will explain to you the challenges that may occur and the solutions available to overcome them; the key point is that you are in the hands of a professional who is proactive and knows how to help their customers make a successful move.  If you are choosing a pay-upfront option to sell your home, what is the incentive for the agency to get the price right in the first instance and keep you informed of anything?.”

Reviews and Recommendations

Going on, Richard explains:

“Client testimonials tell you about the quality of the service and the impressions left on both buyers and sellers who have used the agent previously. Selling a home is not only a financial transaction, but an exchange between real people.

Friendly Face

Face-to-face support brings us back to the people aspect; seeing a familiar face, someone you can trust when you need advice can really help reduce the stress associated with certain elements of selling and buying a property.

Estate Agent on the Phone to a property seller in Killay Swansea

Sales Progression

By taking personal ownership of your sale and purchase it means that the agent is dedicated to finding you the best buyer for your property and the right property for you to move to. The agent is willing to invest their time and resources to be your advocate and to give you the support you need to make a successful move.”

 In conclusion

Having a real person to talk to, a friendly face, a true connection with your agent, rather than dealing with a “person” online (or doing it all yourself) can make the sales process a lot easier to handle and keeps you in the loop.  That way you are more likely to have a smooth and speedy transaction, and there is always someone available to answer your questions or ease a tricky situation.

Thinking of selling?

Dawsons is a selected member of Relocation Agent Network, who has chosen us as Swansea’ s Local Expert, based on our customer service and a variety of other criteria.  Not only does this prove our credentials as one of the area’s leading estate agents, but through our network membership, we are able to offer sellers a completely unique channel of buyer that no other estate agent in the Swansea area can provide.

Visit http://www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk/relocation.php for more information about the Relocation process.

Dawsons Cake Smash Competition

Dawson’s Cake Smash Competition

It’s competition time and this one is for anyone who has a baby or toddler in the family or friends group.  We are absolutely delighted to team up again with Safelight Images in Swansea, who are going to give our competition winner a FREE Cake Smash photo shoot (worth £150) – or voucher equivalent – for those who want to gift it as a birthday or (dare we say it) Christmas present.SAFELIGHT IMAGES SWANSEA

CAKE SMASH IMAGE DAWSONS

So firstly, for those who haven’t heard of a Cake Smash, here’s what it entails:

Cake Smash sessions are probably the most fun-filled events for any birthday girl or boy to part-take in.  The best age for a cake smash shoot is usually a 1st or 2nd birthday.  The little one will be sat in front of a birthday cake* for them to get messy with, eat and demolish – all in front of the camera!  Do not worry, the team at Safelight have a lot of baby wipes on hand to clear up the mess.

*If you wish for us to provide a cake for you, you will need to inform us when booking the photo shoot, but you are VERY welcome to bring your own.  We’re sure in the spirit of this competition, you will be happy to bake a cake for such an event as this!

What is included in the Cake Smash session?

Safelight Images will provide you with the cake, balloons and bunting, an outfit and a 12×8 print of your favourite image from the shoot. We will also present you with a keepsake wooden spoon engraved with your little ones name on, that you can take home with you as a memento of their cake smash. Any further prints that you would like to purchase will be at an additional cost that we can discuss together, in the studio.

THE COMPETITION 

1. BAKE A SHOWSTOPPING CAKE

2. TAKE A PHOTO

3. UPLOAD IT TO THE DAWSON’S FACEBOOK PAGE in the comments section under the competition post

WRITE YOUR NAME IN THE BOX IF SOMEONE ELSE IS UPLOADING THE PICTURE FOR YOU! https://www.facebook.com/DawsonsPropertySwansea/

4.  ALL PHOTOS MUST BE UPLOADED BY MID-DAY ON TUESDAY 25/9/2018 – Any uploaded after this time will not be entered into the competition

5.  SHARE THE POST AND ASK ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO LIKE YOUR PICTURE. Please use the hashtag #dawsonscakesmash

6.  AT 4PM ON FRIDAY 28/9/2018 THE CAKE WITH THE MOST LIKES OR LOVES WILL WIN THE PRIZE:

facebook like

 

 

ONE POINT PER LIKE 

 

 

LOVE FACEBOOKTWO POINTS PER LOVE

 

 

 

 

If anyone gets a laughing ‘ha ha’ we will count it as a LIKE…!

FINALLY, for the astute amongst you.

Yes on Friday 28/9/18 it is the Worlds Biggest MacMillan Coffee Morning.  SO… If you are tempted to bake a cake and don’t really want to eat it yourself, or feel it would be better to go to a good cause… You can pop it into your local DAWSON’S office – they are all listed on the link below – where they will happily sell all cakes no matter what shape or size that has been donated, and ensure all proceeds from cake sales will be presented to the much-needed charity Macmillan.

Dawsons Macmilan Coffee Morning


Of course, before we eat the delicious cakes on offer, we will take a photo and upload it to the competition for you.  Please, therefore, if you are leaving cakes at our offices, put your name and contact details with the cake, so that we can get in touch if you WIN the PHOTO SHOOT.

DAWSONS OFFICE LIST HERE

Before you switch the oven on and pick up your apron, here are some amazing Macmillan inspired recipes for you to try!

Martha Collinsons Chocolate and Pomegranate layer cake

https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/baking-recipes/Martha-Collinsons-Chocolate-and-pomegranate-layer-cake

Screen Shot 2018-09-10 at 17.19.34

https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/baking-recipes/Greg-Rutherfords-Salted-Caramel-and-Peanut-Brittle-ShowstopperCoffee Walnut and Cardamom Cake

https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/baking-recipes/coffee-walnut-cardamom-cake

Terms of Competition:  Click here to read the small print prior to this competition.  Thank you.

DAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS IN KILLAY

Killing It In Killay

Going the extra mile is our motto at Killay Branch.  It is an absolute pleasure to make our clients happy, that’s what our jobs are all about after all.

It is probably due to this fact that our Killay branch is absolutely “killing it” and smashing our targets for sales and lettings.

Watch Callum Thomas (our sales negotiator) on his very first video, talking about the property current market, the asking prices being achieved, the speed at which property is being sold, some of the best areas (for instance Gowerton, Elmer Estate, North Gower) and how Dawsons are the market leaders.  We think that Callum is a total pro in front of the camera, so watch out for many more videos to come!

Callum and Sharon from our Killay Branch pictured on a valuation and measure-up at a property in Penclawdd North Gower.  The house had so much land that the vendor requires 4 tractors! Of course, the Dawsons guys had to have a go and get a picture with them!

DAWSONS KILLAY ESTATE AGENTS

If you have a property (or a farm!!) to sell or rent in the Killay area, why not contact Callum or his colleagues:

419 Gower Road
Killay
Swansea
SA2 7AN

Tel: 01792 298014

Email: ki@dawsonsproperty.co.uk

http://www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk/killay-branch.php

DawsonsBurryPortRaftRace2018

Monthly Round-up

Community News: Rugby & Rafts

Our Llanelli and Mumbles branches along with our marketing team have been busy during August with sponsoring two prestigious local events: the 2nd annual Burry Port Raft Race and the 30th annual Crackers 7’s rugby tournament.  

Earlier in the month our Llanelli office took to the water in the raft race while the marketing team manned the guess the balloons car, and even though the event had to be postponed from the Saturday to the Sunday due to poor weather conditions, there was a fantastic turn out for the day with all proceeds raised going to the RNLI and Afia Banjul Football Academy.

Crackers 7's Dawsons SponsorshipFurther into the month our staff and customers enjoyed a Bank Holiday Sunday full of rugby, family entertainment, a new bar and an evening of music.  For some years now Dawsons have sponsored the Crackers 7’s, bank holiday event in Underhill Park, hosting a hospitality tent, Hog Roast and some great company with a pitchside view of the day.  The sun has shone for many years, but this year the rain certainly didn’t dampen the spirits.

If you are looking for sponsorship for 2019, please get in touch with Naomi from our marketing team by email:

naomi.webborn@dawsonsproperty.co.uk.

Industry News: Want a better mortgage deal?  

As many of us will now know on August 2nd the Bank of England raised the base rate from 0.5% to 0.75% – only the second rise in over a decade

Dawsons mortgage advisors 2018The base rate is the Bank of England’s official borrowing rate – i.e., what it charges other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and it influences what borrowers pay and savers earn.

What does this mean in real terms to those of us who currently have a mortgage and those looking to get on the property ladder and take out their first mortgage?

For current homeowners with a mortgage now is the time to check the status of your current mortgage, if you are linked to base rate you can look to re-mortgage to a fixed deal.

If you are a first-time buyer you will now benefit from some great deals on offer, our in-house mortgage advisors can offer deals fixed for 2 or 5 years with rates starting from 1.89% on a 90% LTV and 3.17% on a 95% LTV.

Despite this slight increase all is still positive within the property market, current mortgage lenders will no doubt continue to offer very good fixed deals, for further information contact your nearest Dawsons team and book your appointment now with one of our Mortgage Advisors.

Our in-house mortgage advisors are: James Boland, David Treharne and Shaun Sturgess

“Top Tips” for Buyers & Tenants

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AREA

View from new Mumbles development
View from new Mumbles development

Local amenities, schools and transport links can be the top priority when choosing your perfect location. Make a list of your specific requirements. Speak to a member of staff, who will be able to offer local advice and suggest the right area for your needs.

All of our branches listed here

AUCTION NEWS

Dawsons Auction Swansea Oct 2018

Seafront properties, funeral directors to executive apartments, we have it all this Auction! Block viewings are underway and registrations are open for our next auction which will take place at the Marriot Hotel Swansea on Wednesday 3rd October 2018 at 3pm.  

Get in touch today on 01792 646060.

RELOCATING?  

Relocation Agent Network

Sam Partner achieved her Relocation Agent Network accreditation this month, so our Llanelli sales team are now ALL fully accredited agents, alongside Danielle Thomas, sales administrator within our Mumbles office.  So if you need to relocate and are considering moving to or from the Swansea area, make sure you speak to the Dawsons team who are the exclusive RAN agents for this area.

Read more about our relocation service here:

FOR A DOWNLOAD OF OUR SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER,

CLICK THIS LINK